Choosing Finished or Unfinished Hardwood Flooring in NYC

by | Nov 1, 2013 | Wood Products

Hardwood Flooring in NYC has been the first option for flooring materials for centuries. Wood is attractive, durable and can be designed in a variety of different styles, which makes it a popular choice for practicality as well as decorative purposes. When choosing a hardwood floor you will have to decide between a pre-finished or unfinished floor as well as natural hardwoods or engineered hardwoods.

Finished or Unfinished

Pre-finished hardwood Flooring in NYC is typically used for the convenience. There is no sanding required for pre-finished wood and it comes already stained in the color of your choice, so it is much quicker to complete the installation. Unfinished wood floors are installed in their natural state. Once all of the planks or strips have been installed, the wood must be sanded smooth, stained and sealed with a protective coating.

Different Woods

When choosing the type of wood that will be used for your flooring, the choices may be slightly overwhelming. There are several different types of hardwoods that can be used and each has its own individual uniqueness. American cherry is most commonly known for cabinet making, but it also makes a durable, attractive floor. American cherry is easy to work with and although it is a hardwood, it isn’t quite as hard as oak. Red or white oak are light in color and one of the hardest woods available for wood floors. Maple is also a popular type of wood used for wood floors. Maple is naturally resistant to abrasions, so it is a popular choice for areas with high traffic.

When choosing the wood for your floors, select a type of wood that is durable, attractive and that will stand up to the amount of traffic expected in the area. It is important to hire a contractor that is experienced in installing hardwood floors. It can be extremely difficult to correctly install the floors, especially if the wood you have chosen has slight imperfections or if you want the floor to be installed with a unique design. When you choose the type of wood you want for the floor, keep in mind that wood is a natural material, so there will be color variation and imperfections in the wood.

The Must List

Categories

Archives