What Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

What Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?

Unfinished hardwood flooring is a type of flooring made from solid hardwood planks that have not been stained or finished in any way. This means that the planks are in their natural state, with the wood grain and color visible.

Unfinished hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it offers a number of advantages, including:

Durability: Unfinished hardwood flooring is very durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Versatility: Unfinished hardwood flooring can be stained or finished in any color or style, so it can be matched to any décor.
Value: Unfinished hardwood flooring is typically less expensive than pre-finished hardwood flooring, making it a good value for your money.

However, there are also some disadvantages to unfinished hardwood flooring, including:

Installation: Unfinished hardwood flooring requires more time and effort to install than pre-finished hardwood flooring.
Maintenance: Unfinished hardwood flooring requires more maintenance than pre-finished hardwood flooring, as it needs to be sanded and finished after installation.

Overall, unfinished hardwood flooring is a good choice for homeowners who want a durable, versatile, and affordable flooring option. However, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages of unfinished hardwood flooring before making a decision.

Choosing Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

If you are considering installing unfinished hardwood flooring in your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

The type of wood: Unfinished hardwood flooring is available in a variety of wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. Each type of wood has its own unique grain and color, so it is important to choose a species that will complement your décor.
The grade of the wood: Unfinished hardwood flooring is available in a variety of grades, from select to clear. The grade of the wood refers to the number of knots and other imperfections in the wood. Select grade hardwood flooring has very few knots, while clear grade hardwood flooring has no knots.
The width of the planks: Unfinished hardwood flooring is available in a variety of plank widths, from narrow to wide. The width of the planks will affect the look of your floor, so it is important to choose a width that will complement your décor.

Once you have made these decisions, you can start shopping for unfinished hardwood flooring. It is important to compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase.

Installing Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Installing unfinished hardwood flooring is a job that is best left to professionals. However, if you are confident in your DIY skills, you can install unfinished hardwood flooring yourself.

The first step is to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor should be level and free of debris. You may need to install a layer of plywood over the subfloor to level it.

Once the subfloor is prepared, you can start installing the hardwood flooring. The flooring should be installed in rows, with the planks tongue and grooved together. You will need to use a nail gun to secure the planks to the subfloor.

Once the flooring is installed, you will need to sand and finish it. Sanding will remove any imperfections in the wood and will prepare it for the finish.

The final step is to apply the finish to the hardwood flooring. The finish will protect the wood and will give it a beautiful shine. There are a variety of finishes available, so you can choose one that will match your décor.