Site-finished vs. pre-finished hardwood floors?
julize
12 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (23)
marcydc
12 years agopalimpsest
12 years agoRelated Discussions
What is better? pre-finished or stained on site hardwood?
Comments (33)Thanks mikeyvon. We have tried out a few stains and are leaning towards a medium to dark red mahogony. The color we liked the best was a two stage process - a coat of dark brown (walnut? I can't remember) followed by a coat of red mahogony later. It gave the wood grain a two-tone look that was nice. The finish made a difference - it had a purple hue until the tung oil was applied - don't know why. Since I am going to mix the stain in with the first coat of Waterlox, though, I won't be able to use a two tone stain process. I haven't tried the stain/Waterlox combo yet on any scraps. Probably will next week. Minwax makes a red sedona that is also a medium reddish brown color that might work. I like just finishing it natural, too, and just let the finish mellow out on it's own. The wood has already, in just a few weeks since I started, darkened up a little on its own. In fact, some of the cutoffs I had to make were where a board sitting in the pile got uneven exposure because it was covered by another board. The exposed parts were noticebly darker....See MoreInstalling Pre-Finished Hardwood over existing hardwood
Comments (0)Does anyone know if you can install pre-finished hardwood flooring over existing hardwood? If so, what are the top pre-finished brands that you are aware of? Can this be a less expensive option than refinishing hardwood floors? Thanks Amy...See MorePre-finished hardwood versus finished on site
Comments (2)I didn't know they made engineered floors finished on site. I have solid hardwood, 3/4 select white oak, stained and finished on site. when we made the decision we ewre between site finished and prefinished. at first my wife was piushing for the prefinished b/c she thought it would be significantly faster, we weren't living there at the time. it really isn't for a good flooring company. All the wood was down in 1 day, and another 3 of finishing. Price for the oak wasn't significantly different either way, maybe 5%. Either or, I like the seamless look and feel, it was what I grew up with as "normal" so that may be why. I know a few people with prefinished, sometimes it looks/feels fine, sometimes not so much. If I fell in love with a prefinished product that had a special finish applied, ie some of the handscraped stuff, the exotic woods that have some real interesting coloring etc, I would go with that. Otherwise I prefered site finished. Again though, for me the difference was 5%. at 50% difference I might have a different opinion...See MorePre finished or site finished hardwood?
Comments (3)Thanks cpartist. I've been thinking the same. Can you recommend any quality brands for engineered hardwoods? What are the must haves?...See Moredianalo
12 years agoNewSouthernBelle
12 years agomarcydc
12 years agocountrygirl217
12 years agofrancoise47
12 years agorob from nj
12 years agoelba1
12 years agonini804
12 years agoCircus Peanut
12 years agoMarc12345
12 years agoLake_Girl
12 years agoCloud Swift
12 years agojulize
12 years agomarcydc
12 years agolaranbrian
12 years agonatal
12 years agoMarc12345
12 years agonatal
12 years agoNewSouthernBelle
12 years agojulize
12 years ago
Related Stories
FLOORS11 Distinctive Finishes for Original Floorboards
Whether you go for glossy, painted or matte boards, make your wood floor the star
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESRanch House Remodel: Installing the Interior Finishes
Renovation Diary, Part 5: Check in on a Florida remodel as the bamboo flooring is laid, the bathroom tiles are set and more
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESFinish Your Floors to Perfection With Parquet
Add value and gorgeous detail to your home with timeless and elegant parquet flooring in a classic design
Full StoryMATERIALSWhat to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor
We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring
Full StoryPETS5 Finishes Pets and Kids Can’t Destroy — and 5 to Avoid
Save your sanity and your decorating budget by choosing materials and surfaces that can stand up to abuse
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGHow to Clean Hardwood Floors
Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN3 Steps to Choosing Kitchen Finishes Wisely
Lost your way in the field of options for countertop and cabinet finishes? This advice will put your kitchen renovation back on track
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: Smooth Moves for Hardwood Floors
Dreaming of gorgeous, natural wood floors? Consider these professional pointers before you lay the first plank
Full StoryWOODDesign Workshop: Plywood as Finish
Trendproof your interior with this sensible guide to using this utilitarian material indoors
Full StoryFLOORSHow to Paint Your Hardwood Floors
Know how to apply nail polish? Then you can give your wooden floors a brand-new look
Full Story
Lake_Girl