When considering wood flooring, you must determine whether to buy finished or unfinished flooring. Each has its own benefits.
Choosing unfinished wood can offer more style and grain options to match your home’s decor. It also allows for more customization with stain colors and finishes. This can make a big difference when it comes to the overall look and durability of your hardwood floor.
What is Unfinished Wood?
If you’re in the market for wood furniture but aren’t looking to spend a fortune, unfinished pieces might be for you. Not only are they more affordable, but you can also get your hands dirty and customize the piece however you want it. It’s all about the personal touch.
Aside from the obvious benefit of customization, staining is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your wood. There are a lot of different oils that can be used, and each one has its own unique properties.
Some finishes also make the grain pop and provide a nice sheen, while others are more durable. It’s up to you which one you choose, and a good rule of thumb is to use a finish that can hold up well in high-traffic areas. Be sure to test your chosen product in an inconspicuous area before applying it anywhere.
Unfinished Hardwood
When a piece of unfinished wood is sanded down, the end result is a beautiful, natural-looking surface. However, the process is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a great deal of time and effort. If you’re looking to save some of the hassle and expense, consider purchasing refinished hardwood flooring. This type of material is sanded, stained, and sealed before it’s shipped out for installation.
Finished hardwood is a durable flooring material that adds style and value to your home. It’s available in both solid and engineered varieties, as well as in a wide range of colors and patterns. The solid variety consists of a single piece of hardwood, while the engineered variety is made from layers of hardwood and plywood. The advantage of the engineered option is that it’s easier to install, but the solid version still offers a great look.
Protecting your wood from the elements is important, as it will naturally deteriorate over time. This is especially true if the weather is hot and humid, as the wood will lose moisture and become dull. One way to protect your wood is to apply a light coat of oil periodically. This will keep it from drying out and help prevent cracking or splintering. You can use a variety of different oils, but mineral oil is an excellent choice. It’s available at most hardware stores and is inexpensive.
Because untreated wood is so porous and readily absorbs water, cleaning it can be difficult. You might want to try using lukewarm water and a mild natural detergent, but watch out for anything that can make the detergent sink into the surface. To clean your wood, start by removing all dust and loose debris. Then, dampen a cloth with lukewarm water and scrub the surface gently. Make sure to wring out the cloth so it’s not dripping wet.
If you’re unsure if your wood is unfinished or treated, it’s easy to test. Take a sponge or rag and run it over the surface of the wood. If the water leaves a mark and penetrates into the wood, it’s untreated. If the water simply sits on top of the surface, it’s unfinished.
Unfinished Engineered Hardwood
If you’re looking for a solid wood floor without the maintenance of staining, unfinished hardwood may be your choice. Typically, solid unfinished hardwood is kiln-dried to 6-9% moisture and can be sanded 4-5 times for years of use. Unfinished wood is a great option for older homes and those seeking an authentic look.
Solid unfinished wood is also available in engineered form and features a hardwood top layer with plywood underlay. The result is a stronger, more stable product that’s more resistant to expansion and contraction. However, it doesn’t offer the same refinishing potential as solid unfinished wood.
Both types of unfinished wood can be sanded and sealed to produce an attractive and durable finish. The difference is that prefinished hardwood requires fewer steps in the finishing process and typically comes with micro-beveled edges. Unfinished wood can be sanded to a smooth surface and topped with either polyurethane or oil.
When choosing a wood species or plank width, unfinished flooring offers more options than prefinished products. With a little work, you can achieve a unique appearance by selecting an unusual wood species or combining different plank widths. With an unfinished floor, you can experiment with stains and combinations of stains to create a custom appearance that suits your interior design.
One benefit of an unfinished hardwood floor is that it can be sanded and stained onsite after installation, creating a perfect match with existing furniture or cabinetry. This type of hardwood is also referred to as site finished.
Depending on the specific type of hardwood chosen, staining can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Certain types of hardwoods, such as White Oak, have a neutral grain pattern and can accept stain easily, while Hickory has a tight pore structure and can be difficult to stain evenly and without blotches. When choosing an unfinished floor, it’s important to consider the amount of time you can devote to the staining and sealing process and if your home is new construction or an upgrade to an existing house. If you can commit to the process, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful hardwood floor that will last for generations.
Unfinished Softwood
Unfinished hardwood is becoming more and more popular as people prefer the natural texture of the wood. It can be sanded down and stained to match any furniture or home decor style. It can also be treated to make it look old, giving it a more antique appearance. Another reason why people choose to buy unfinished wood is that it is less expensive than finished wood.
The most common types of unfinished wood include oak and pine. These types of wood are strong and dense, making them ideal for making furniture. They are also non-porous, which means that water and air cannot pass through them easily. This makes them durable and easy to clean.
However, it is important to note that the durability of unfinished wood depends on how it is used and where. It is prone to damage when exposed to intense weather elements like rain and snowfall. Hence, protecting your wood from these harsh weather conditions is important by waterproofing it.
There are several different ways to waterproof your wood, and each has its own pros and cons. One of the most effective methods is to use a stain sealant. Stain sealants contain color pigments that can be mixed with an oil or water base to form a protective layer. Applying this product at least once a year is recommended to ensure maximum protection.
Another method is to use tung or linseed oil. This type of oil contains a high level of fatty acids, which can be used to prevent moisture and damage from entering the wood. It is important to remember that these oils will have a mild scent, so it may be best to apply them outside or in a well-ventilated room.
The last method of protecting your unfinished wood is to use polyurethane. Polyurethane is a water- or oil-based polymer that can create a protective barrier against the elements. It is available in a variety of finishes and colors, and it is best to talk to your supplier or manufacturer about the type of finish that will be most suitable for your wood piece.
