Nowadays, there is a wide range of materials available in the hardwood flooring category. There is no shortage of choices, so you can opt for products whose appearance and durability are suited to your needs. Among the available materials, you can find raw floors and pre-finished floors.
Why choose one or the other? What are the characteristics and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Here is the important information to know to make an informed choice.
The characteristics of raw flooring
Raw flooring is sold as is. That means it is neither oiled nor varnished in the factory. Once installed, it’s up to you to decide what type of product will be applied to the surface as a protective layer. The grain, color, and texture of raw wood flooring appear in their natural form, without any modifications, which gives a very interesting rustic look. However, the surface is very sensitive to scratches and stains, which means you need to choose a product to protect the floor.
Given the fact that you are working with a “pure” product, you are free to choose the visual aspect as well as the type of surface you are looking for before selecting a protective solution for the floor. This flexibility can be very interesting as it allows you to adjust according to the needs of the house occupants and the decoration of the space. Another advantage of raw floors is that when applying the finishing product on site instead of using pre-finished products, the surface can be better protected because the sealing is more uniform, including the floor cracks that are not sealed in the case of pre-varnished slats.
It’s also important to know that some types of wood are less well-suited to varnish. Think of exotic woods, for example, which are not as well served by this type of finishing product. In this case, it might be wiser to keep the floor in its raw state.
The advantages of pre-finished floors
The varnishes used nowadays on floor coverings dry quickly and contain much fewer contaminants than those used in the past. Despite this, being able to avoid the step of applying floor varnish can be seen as a considerable asset. Indeed, pre-finished floors are becoming increasingly popular because they allow for quick installation with immediate occupation of the space in question. It is no longer necessary to sand and apply varnish on site, which helps save a lot of time.
Moreover, several layers of varnish are applied to the floor, ensuring that the surface benefits from excellent protection and good durability. The number of varnish layers applied in the factory generally varies between 7 and 12, a quantity difficult to reproduce when deciding to apply varnish yourself on site. Finally, manufacturers generally offer a good warranty for pre-finished hardwood floors, which represents a notable advantage. These types of floors are also available in a wide variety of colors and levels of gloss. It is possible to choose between a matte, glossy, or semi-glossy finish, according to your preferences.
Among the disadvantages of pre-finished floors, note that the floor may sometimes need to be sanded to erase signs of wear, because despite the large number of varnish layers, scratches can still appear. After sanding, it will of course be necessary to apply a new layer of varnish.
Choosing between a raw floor or a pre-finished floor
Keeping in mind the previous information, you will be better equipped to know which material best suits your needs. Both categories of flooring have their advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist who can guide you towards a flooring that meets your expectations, whether it’s unfinished or prefinished flooring. You will be able to see the different products available on the market and make a choice based on your preferences and the characteristics of the materials.
