Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring The Right Choice For You?

Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring The Right Choice For You?
By Ernest Jarquio

Unfinished hardwood flooring is the kind of wood flooring which will need to be sanded and finished after it has been installed. Typically the boards of this type of flooring are around 3/4 inch thick and will be tongued and grooved. However the actual width of the boards can vary from 2.25 inches up to 5 inches, though normally the 5-inch version can only be purchased by placing a special order with the flooring supplier.

Although it does take some time and effort for you to install unfinished hardwood flooring the results you achieve can be truly rewarding. It allows you a greater choice of flooring options compared to what you would have using finished hardwood flooring instead. It will be up to you what color, stain, finish or style your hardwood flooring will have.

There are certain advantages to be gained from using unfinished hardwood flooring in place of that which has been finished. We will now take a look at these below.

1. It allows you to create a unique finish to your floor which not only suits your taste but will complement the rest of the decor in the room. Thus you have greater freedom in expressing your creativity in decorating your home.

2. It allows you to produce a more uniform and stable finish to your flooring that you would not get if you were to use finished flooring instead.

3. By being able to apply your own finishes to the flooring after it has been installed, you are able to maintain the natural characteristics of the timber from which the flooring was made.

4. It allows for better uniformity in relation to the finish and seal of the wood by letting you fill in the spaces or cracks that have formed.

5. Because you are doing the sanding yourself it allows you to use your imagination with regard to borders, inlays and other elements which can customize the flooring that would not otherwise be available if you were to use finished flooring from a manufacturer.

6. Unfinished hardwood flooring provides you with the chance to alter its appearance by allowing you to apply a stain of your choice before it is sealed. This means that you can actually use a stain color which may not available in finished hardwood flooring products.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as unfinished hardwood flooring, how to install hardwood flooring and dealing with your hardwood flooring supplier. Read various articles on the different aspects of hardwood, bamboo, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.

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