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Site Finished or Pre-Finished

Site-finished or Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring

If you are having a new hardwood floor installed, then one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is "Do I want a site-finished floor or a pre-finished floor?"

Basket-WeaveHere is some of the pros and cons for you to consider regarding both of these products.

Site-Finished is installed and then has to be sanded and finished in place. The benefits in choosing this are:

  • Customization is easier, so more options are available to you. There are endless possibilities of species and stain color selections that can be made.  
  • Custom borders or installations are easier to do and look better with a site-finished floor.
  • The floor is easier to repair.  
  • The floor is sanded flat and smooth so there are no micro-bevel cracks between the boards and there is no height differences between boards.  
  • Some boards in an installation must be nailed through the top, these are then filled, sanded and finished and are barely noticeable.  
  • A site-finished floor with a high-quality finish applied will wear the same as a pre-finished floor and is easier to fix and maintain.
  • If you damage a site-finished floor, you can sand and refinish the damaged area.
  • Does require you to be out of the home for a few days while the floor is sanded and finished.
  • The finish must cure enough before you can place furniture and area rugs onto it.


Pre-Finished is pre-finished at the factory and just has to be installed.

  • You don’t have to be out of the home for sanding and finishing.
  • Furniture and area rugs can be put on the floor immediately after installation.
  • It carries a manufacturer warranty.
  • Higher-end products have a very durable finish.
  • It has a micro-bevel which can trap dirt and allow spilled water to seep in.
  • Nail holes are filled but can be noticeable.
  • Many species and stain colors are available to choose from.
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