When shopping for the perfect hardwood flooring material, you will quickly learn that hardwood covers extensive options, including solid or engineered hardwood and a smattering of hardwood floor alternatives. If you’re considering engineered wood flooring, then you’ll have to choose between pre-finished and site-finished selections.
Which offers the most benefits for your needs? Dive into the differences with Authentic Hardwood Flooring — Atlanta’s trusted source for engineered hardwood installation services.
What Makes Pre-Finished Engineered Hardwood Different From Site-Finished Engineered Hardwood?
Pre-finished engineered hardwood arrives ready for installation at the project site. Manufacturers treat the materials with various chemicals, making each piece gleam. This treatment also protects the slats from fading caused by UV exposure.
Site-finished engineered hardwood planks arrive at your home as a blank slate. Your flooring contractor’s team will install, sand, and treat the wood on-site. You can customize your floor to your liking.
Each style has advantages and disadvantages, leaving the final decision to you and your contractor.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pre-Finished Engineered Hardwood
Do you prefer low-maintenance projects that require little preparation and clean-up? Pre-finished engineered hardwood flooring might be the best match for your preferences. Many homeowners appreciate this style because:
- It arrives ready to install and use: Your flooring crew can quickly install it. Then, you can walk on the floor almost immediately after installation.
- Each piece looks uniform: Manufacturers stain and treat the planks in a dust-free environment, lending to an unmatched visual uniformity.
- It’s incredibly durable: If you properly maintain and repair your pre-finished engineered hardwood, you could enjoy it for a decade or two rather than just a few years.
Pre-finished engineered hardwood floors also have their drawbacks. For example, some planks don’t line up perfectly, leaving space that catches dust. You also have fewer customization options. If you need to replace or add sections later on, you might not find a matching product if the manufacturer stops producing your planks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Site-Finished Engineered Hardwood
A site-finished engineered hardwood floor offers vast opportunities for personalization. Since the floor crew completes the treatment process at your residence, you can choose your favorite stain beforehand.
For example, you can elevate your engineered hardwood oak flooring with various finishes and stains in different colors and shine levels. You also have more pattern and size options from which you can choose.
Homeowners who opt for site-finished engineered hardwood approaches also appreciate:
- The perfect flatness: While pre-finished engineered hardwood floors might have slight raises, their site-finished counterparts don’t. Installers will sand the planks to flattened perfection.
- Easy access to replacement products: You won’t have to chase down specific materials if your floor incurs damage. Just contact your hardwood flooring company and begin the repair process.
- Maintenance coat application: Your preferred hardwood flooring experts can easily apply maintenance coats to the surface according to your previous coat selection.
However, site-finished materials can bear imperfections due to the on-site application and sanding process. Your engineered hardwood floor installer needs more time to finish each plank. Plus, your household members must wait a few hours to a day before they can walk across the floor.
Choosing the Best Fit for Your Home
Which option suits your preferences? Pre-finished engineered hardwood is a durable, low-maintenance material that you might struggle to replace later.
Meanwhile, site-finished engineered hardwood techniques make for a little longer installation, but you can easily have them refreshed, or refinished. Speak with a contractor specializing in multi-layered wood floors to find your match.
Authentic Hardwood Flooring Carries the Best Selection of Engineered Hardwood
Our Authentic Hardwood Flooring team specializes in all things related to hardwood materials. We’ll help you choose an engineered hardwood that suits your budget and needs. Contact us at 678-985-0110 for service in Atlanta, Georgia.
