Pre-finished versus on-site finished flooring

Finished flooring on-site

If you’re in the market for the perfect wood flooring for your home or cottage, you’ve probably come across a few debates about pre-finished floors versus on-site finished floors. Both options can turn into beautiful flooring. Here are a couple things to consider between pre-finished and onsite finished flooring.

Currently, there are so many finishing products on the market that could give your floor so many different looks. You’ll need to consider water-based finishes versus oil-based finishes, colour, varying levels of matte or gloss finishes, etc. It can be challenging to figure out what will look best in your home or cottage. Even more so while trying to make the decision while ordering or selecting flooring in a warehouse or showroom. It would be even more challenging to select a product from a catalogue.

Having the flooring finished on site will give a truly unique look that will perfectly compliment the space, light, and essence of your home or cottage. Installers will have the opportunity to see the flooring in your space. They will help guide a selection that will enhance the flooring in the space, or use your desired product.

(Flooring to the right was finished on-site by Olde World Flooring.)

Finishing onsite will always be unique…

Even if you and your neighbour both ordered the same reclaimed wood, they will look different because they may pick a different finish all together. The consideration that goes in to onsite finishing will always enhance the space more than most pre-finished products. Pre-finished products can offer impressive flooring looks and styles, but having flooring finished on-site will give your home the custom, intentional look that speaks to your style and aesthetic.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring with water based finishReclaimed Hemlock Flooring with oil based finish
Same Type of Flooring, different on-site finish
Left: Reclaimed Hemlock Flooring with water based finish
Right: Reclaimed Hemlock Flooring with oil based finish

Pre-finished products don’t have the opportunity to be laid, sanded, and then finished to perfection. Pre-finished floors are installed as they come, without too much ability to modify once on site. Having the ability to sand on-site is an advantage as it offers the ability to get a smooth finish, and help the product have the longest lasting finish.

Finished flooring on-site

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