Introduction
Hardwood flooring is one of the most timeless and valuable investments homeowners can make. But when choosing the right type of hardwood, you’re faced with an important decision: prefinished vs. unfinished hardwood flooring. Both have unique benefits depending on your priorities—whether that’s speed of installation, design flexibility, or long-term durability.
According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), nearly 65% of hardwood flooring sales in the U.S. are prefinished, while unfinished hardwood still holds strong appeal for custom projects. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences to help homeowners decide which flooring option best suits their lifestyle and budget.
What Is Prefinished Hardwood Flooring?
Prefinished hardwood flooring is manufactured and coated in a factory before it reaches your home. Each plank arrives ready to install, with factory-applied finishes like aluminum oxide or polyurethane.
Key Benefits of Prefinished Hardwood Flooring:
- Faster installation – no sanding or finishing needed on-site.
- Durability – factory finishes are stronger than site-applied coatings.
- Consistent look – uniform color and finish across all boards.
- Immediate usability – walk on the floors right after installation.
Drawbacks of Prefinished Hardwood Flooring:
- Fewer customization options (limited stains/finishes).
- Beveled edges may show slight gaps between boards.
- More challenging to repair damaged planks individually.
What Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?
Unfinished hardwood flooring is raw wood planks installed and then sanded, stained, and finished on-site. This traditional approach provides maximum design flexibility and a custom look.
Key Benefits of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring:
- Customizable – choose your stain color, finish, and texture.
- Seamless look – site finishing creates smooth, even surfaces.
- Ideal for matching – perfect when blending with existing floors.
- Easy refinishing – sanding makes future repairs simpler.
Drawbacks of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring:
- Longer installation time – requires sanding, staining, and curing.
- Higher labor costs due to on-site finishing.
- Dust and fumes from finishing products.
- Requires 3–5 days before the floor can be fully used.
Prefinished vs. Unfinished: Key Comparisons
| Factor | Prefinished Hardwood | Unfinished Hardwood |
| Installation Time | 1–2 days | 3–5+ days |
| Durability | Strong factory finish (aluminum oxide) | Durable, but depends on site-applied coatings |
| Customization | Limited to manufacturer options | Unlimited stain and finish options |
| Appearance | Beveled edges, uniform look | Seamless, smooth surface |
| Cost | Slightly higher upfront, lower labor costs | Lower upfront, higher labor costs |
| Maintenance | More difficult to repair single planks | Easier to refinish and repair |
Which Is Better for Homeowners?
Choose Prefinished Hardwood if you want:
- Faster installation with minimal mess.
- Durability that can withstand heavy traffic.
- A project with tight deadlines.
- Long-lasting, low-maintenance floors.
Choose Unfinished Hardwood if you want:
- A truly custom design.
- To match existing flooring seamlessly.
- Greater control over stain and finish type.
- A traditional flooring look and feel.
Facts & Figures: Hardwood Flooring in the USA
- The U.S. hardwood flooring market is valued at $4.6 billion (IBISWorld 2024).
- Prefinished hardwood accounts for 65% of sales, unfinished makes up 35%.
- Factory finishes are up to 5x more durable than standard polyurethane.
- Homeowners can save 20–30 labor hours per 1,000 sq. ft. with prefinished hardwood.
Rustic Wood Floor Supply: Helping You Decide
At Rustic Wood Floor Supply, we carry a wide range of both prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring options. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking quick installation or a contractor managing a custom project, we can provide the perfect solution.
Why choose us?
- Huge variety of wood species and finishes.
- Wholesale pricing for contractors and bulk orders.
- Expert guidance on product selection and installation.
- Nationwide shipping across the U.S.
- Contact us today at (208) 377-0335 for expert flooring advice.
Conclusion
When it comes to prefinished vs. unfinished hardwood flooring, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Prefinished hardwood is the go-to for homeowners wanting speed, durability, and convenience, while unfinished hardwood appeals to those seeking custom design and a seamless finish.
At Rustic Wood Floor Supply, we make it easy for you to find the right flooring for your project. Whether you need prefinished planks for quick installs or unfinished boards for a tailored design, we’ve got you covered.
Call us at (208) 377-0335 or visit Rustic Wood Floor Supply to explore our full range of hardwood flooring options.
FAQs
Q1: Is prefinished or unfinished hardwood more durable?
Prefinished hardwood generally lasts longer due to factory-applied finishes, though both can be refinished over time.
Q2: Which option is better for DIY installation?
Prefinished hardwood is easier for DIY projects because it requires no sanding or staining.
Q3: Can unfinished hardwood be stained any color?
Yes, unfinished floors allow complete customization with virtually unlimited stain and finish options.
Q4: Which option is more cost-effective?
Prefinished has higher upfront material costs but lower labor costs, while unfinished is cheaper initially but requires more labor investment.
Q5: How long do hardwood floors last?
With proper care, both prefinished and unfinished hardwood can last 50–100 years.
