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You have questions, we have answers. Explore the most frequently asked questions about Finished and Unfinished wood flooring below. Need assistance or want to know more? Contact Carlisle or call 800-595-9663 today to get all your inquiries answered.
Unfinished wood flooring is a surface made of wooden planks that have not been coated with a sealant. An unfinished floor allows the homeowner to enjoy the natural beauty of the wood; however, it risks stains, scratches and greater visibility of wear in high-traffic areas as it lacks a protective coating. A finished floor is one that has been sealed with a substance that protects the floor from scratches, scuffs, stains and water damage. Finished floors are easy to maintain and are likely to keep their appearance longer than unfinished floors.
It’s perfectly fine to leave a hardwood floor in its natural, unfinished state, though an unfinished floor is harder to maintain and will likely show wear and tear more quickly. It is not often recommended to leave a floor unfinished unless the design is an older, more rustic style of interior.
Unfinished flooring is typically sanded after installation prior to applying stains and urethanes. If the floor is being left unfinished, it should be sanded to ensure that all seams are level across the floor.
Explore and select from our gallery of our most popular finishes, specially categorized by the personalities and traits of the floor designs.
ExploreSince unfinished wood is unprotected from water damage and can stain easily, unfinished hardwood floors should be cleaned with brooms and vacuums rather than with wet mops or chemical cleaners. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Water-based polyurethane has replaced oil-based polyurethane as one of the most popular finishes for hardwood floors. Polyurethane is a plastic material or polymer that is applied as a liquid and dries to form a protective, moisture-resistant coating on a hardwood floor. Water-based polyurethane is an eco-friendly alternative to oil-based finishes. While oil-based finishes may have an amber tint, water-based polyurethane is a clear finish that dries quickly – homeowners can walk on the floor the same day. Water-based polyurethane products are highly durable and can protect a floor for years. One of the drawbacks of water-based products is that they may be twice as expensive as oil-based finishes.
Aluminum oxide is the toughest finish available for hardwood floors. However, aluminum oxide is only available for prefinished wood planks, since the substance must be applied with special equipment in a manufacturer’s factory. While aluminum oxide offers extraordinary protection, if large amounts are used in a coating it is difficult to refinish – when the finish wears out, the floor may need to be replaced. Check with your manufacturer to understand the amount of aluminum oxide in the finish and how it impacts the ability to refinish your flooring.
Sheen or gloss refers to the amount of luster in the finish of a hardwood floor. Luster is the amount of light reflected off the floor when viewed at a 60° angle. High-gloss floors such as those in bowling alleys and gymnasiums have a luster level around 70%. Semi-gloss hardwood floors have a luster level of approximately 55% and offer a super sleek appearance. Satin finishes, with a luster level around 35 to 40%, are one of the most popular types of finish, offering a sleek look while hiding dust and dirt more easily. Matte floors have the lowest amount of gloss, with a luster level between 10% and 25%.
A prefinished hardwood floor is a hardwood surface that is sanded, stained and sealed in the pristine, factory-controlled conditions of a manufacturing facility. Prefinished floors are shipped to a job site ready for installation, allowing the homeowner to avoid the mess of sanding, the odors of sealants and the need to vacate the premises for a day or two.
There are several benefits to a prefinished floor. Manufacturers can apply stronger sealants to prefinished floors, helping to increase their longevity. A prefinished floor allows for a faster, less expensive installation. One possible disadvantage is that the seams between floor boards may be more noticeable since the floor is not sanded after it is installed.
The initial costs of a prefinished floor are higher than purchasing unfinished wood. But once you factor in the installation and finishing costs, prefinished floors are typically a less expensive option.
Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring offers a broad range of choices for homeowners, including finished, unfinished and prefinished floors made from 11 different hardwood and pine species. With floorboards as wide as 20” depending on the species, Carlisle wide plank floors are stunning surfaces that transform the look and feel of any room. Our premium topcoat finishes are available in a variety of sheen levels, are highly flexible and scuff resistant, and feature very little buildup or “plastic” appearance compared to traditional polyurethanes. For prefinished floors, we use small batch production and a specialized “five coat” process that delivers an extremely durable finish while giving each board a deep, hand-rubbed appearance rather than one that is painted on.
