How to Select the Best Hardwood Floors for Your Home

2025 started with a flurry of activity with two new designs that are complete gut renovations and the renovation of our own beach house in Rhode Island. What began as a leak under the primary bathroom sink, resulting in water damage to the bathroom and kitchen below has blossomed into a whole house renovation, touching every room. One of the first major design decisions is the type and color of the hardwood floors.

We are replacing all the heat in the house, and because the pipes are underneath the floorboards, all the existing floors have to go. They won’t be missed! Even for a design professional, the floor options can be overwhelming, so let’s talk about it!

How to Select the Best Hardwood Floors: Unfinished vs. Pre-finished, and Engineered vs. Solid

Unfinished vs. Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring

The main difference between unfinished and pre-finished hardwood lies in how and where the finishing process occurs:

Unfinished Hardwood:

• Customization: Unfinished hardwood is installed and finished on-site. This allows for greater flexibility in stain colors and finishes, as they can be tailored to your specific preferences.
• Seamless Look: The finishing process creates a smooth, uniform appearance with no gaps between planks, making it ideal for achieving a seamless look.
• Durability Options: On-site finishing often includes multiple coats of sealant, which can provide enhanced durability and a longer lifespan.
• Selecting the right species: The same stain can look very different depending on the wood species. Some species, like Hickory, have a lot of graining, whereas Maple has more consistent and subtle veining but takes the stain inconsistently. Understanding how different woods take stains is key to a happy outcome.
• Time and Effort: Installation and finishing can be time-intensive and messy, requiring the space to be unoccupied for several days, even longer if it’s wet or humid outside, or you don’t have air conditioning.

Pre-finished Hardwood:

• Convenience: Prefinished planks come factory-finished, meaning they are ready for installation with no additional finishing required. This is ideal when you need to minimize the inconvenience and mess associated with sanding and staining hardwood floors. This makes perfect sense if you are living in the space you’re renovating.
• Consistency: Factory-applied finishes are often more consistent and durable, thanks to controlled application processes like UV curing.
• Time Savings: Installation is quicker and less disruptive since there’s no need for on-site sanding or staining.
• Limited Customization: Color and finish options are limited to what the manufacturer offers, but there are many options and manufacturers, so you will likely find what you need.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Both solid and engineered hardwood have their unique advantages. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed choice:

Solid Hardwood:

• Construction: Made from a single piece of wood, solid hardwood offers timeless appeal and authenticity.
• Durability: It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan significantly.
• Ideal Locations: Best suited for above-grade installations in areas with stable humidity levels to avoid warping or shrinking.
• Cost: Typically more expensive than engineered options, both in material and installation costs.

Engineered Hardwood:

• Construction: Composed of a real wood veneer over a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, engineered hardwood is designed for added stability. This can be an important factor to consider when installing wide plank floors or in an environment with a lot of humidity.
• Moisture Resistance: The layered construction makes it more resistant to humidity and temperature changes, ideal for basements and areas with fluctuating conditions.
• Ease of Installation: Often available in click-and-lock systems, making it easier and faster to install than solid hardwood.
• Limitations: Depending on the thickness of the veneer, engineered wood can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times.

Choosing the right hardwood floors for your home can feel like a daunting task with so many options available, but understanding the differences between unfinished vs. pre-finished and solid vs. engineered hardwood will help you make an informed decision that fits both your style and the functionality of your space. Take the time to weigh your options carefully, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice to ensure your floors enhance the beauty and longevity of your home.

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As you plan your home renovations or new construction, the flooring you choose plays a significant role in shaping your space’s overall atmosphere and functionality.

If you need guidance in selecting the perfect flooring or assistance with any other design decisions, I’d love to help.

Contact me today to discuss how we can create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs.