Choosing to install unfinished hardwood floors in your home is an exciting decision that brings a unique charm and personal customization to your space. Unfinished hardwood offers the flexibility to apply a custom finish that perfectly fits your home décor and personal aesthetic, providing not only a classic look but also potentially increasing your home’s market value.
Before embarking on this renovation project, it’s essential to understand what unfinished hardwood flooring entails and how it differs from prefinished options. Unfinished hardwood floors are installed in their raw state, leaving the finishing touches like sanding and sealing to be completed on-site. This provides a seamlessly flat surface without micro-beveled edges typically seen in prefinished boards, allowing for on-site customization in terms of both stain and finish.
However, the installation of unfinished hardwood flooring involves careful planning and preparation. From choosing the appropriate kind of wood to understanding the specific care that needs to be adhered to post-installation, each step requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the longevity and beauty of your flooring.
This guide aims to walk you through each stage of the installation process – from start to finish – to help you manage your expectations and prepare adequately. With the right approach, the installation of your new floors will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and provide a durable surface that lasts for generations.
Understanding Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished hardwood flooring offers a unique opportunity to customize the finish and stain to match precisely with your home’s interior design. Unlike prefinished floors, which come factory-sealed, unfinished wood is installed in its natural, raw state and then finished on-site. This allows for a more uniform seal as the finish is applied to the entire surface, including joints and gaps, creating a smooth, cohesive appearance. We find this particularly advantageous as it seals the wood more effectively, preventing moisture and debris from penetrating the joints.
Another advantage of unfinished hardwood floors is the ability to achieve a custom color that matches your decor perfectly. This aspect is often very appealing to homeowners who have specific design visions. Staining on-site allows for immediate adjustments and blending, ensuring that the shade and finish meet your exact specifications. It’s the ultimate in personalization—your floors, your way.
Preparation Steps Before the Installation Begins
Before the actual installation of your unfinished hardwood floors begins, our team undertakes a comprehensive preparation process to ensure the best results. First and foremost, we assess the humidity and temperature of your home. Wood is a natural material that reacts to environmental conditions, and adapting to your home’s climate is crucial for preventing future warping or gaps.
Next, we prepare the subfloor, which involves ensuring it is level, clean, and free of any moisture issues. A well-prepared subfloor is critical to the success of the installation as it provides a stable base for the wood planks. This process might involve sanding down high spots, filling in low spots with leveling compound, and replacing damaged sections of the subfloor. Only once we are satisfied that the subfloor is perfectly prepped, do we begin laying the wood planks. Throughout this preparation, we also ensure that all materials have acclimated to your home’s conditions, typically requiring them to sit within the space for a few days. Each step is carried out with meticulous care to ensure that when we start the installation, your flooring’s foundation is as perfect as it can be.
The Installation Process: What to Expect Step-by-Step
When we begin the installation of your unfinished hardwood flooring, our process is comprehensive and designed to ensure optimal outcomes. We start by meticulously laying each plank, ensuring precise alignment and placement. We take special care during this phase to stagger the seams, which enhances the floor’s overall strength and visual appeal. During installation, we also cut planks as needed to fit around corners or to accommodate the unique contours of your space. This precision ensures seamless integration of the hardwood into your home.
Following the laying of planks, we move into the finishing phase. Here, each plank is sanded down to a smooth, flawless finish. Any slight inconsistencies between the planks are blended to create a uniform surface. Once sanding is complete, we apply a chosen stain color that complements your home’s aesthetics. The final step is the application of a protective sealant, which shields the wood from wear and moisture, ensuring durability and a lasting pristine look.
Care and Maintenance After Installation
Once your new unfinished hardwood floor is installed and finished, proper care and maintenance are crucial to maintaining its beauty and longevity. We recommend a regular cleaning routine that includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and grit which can scratch the surface. When necessary, a damp mop can be used, but care should be taken to avoid excessive water, as it can damage wood. We strongly advise using cleaning products that are specifically designed for hardwood floors to avoid damaging the finish.
In addition to regular cleaning, we suggest applying a fresh coat of finish every few years to keep the floor in top condition. This not only revitalizes the look of your floor but also adds an extra layer of protection against daily wear. It’s also wise to use throw rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear. Felt pads should be attached to the feet of furniture to prevent scratches, and any spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining or water damage.
Final Thoughts
Choosing unfinished hardwood flooring allows for a level of customization and quality control that prefinished options simply can’t match. From the selection of the wood to the final application of the finish, every step is tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic desires.
Our commitment is to ensure that each phase of the process, from installation to ongoing care, is handled with professional expertise and dedicated attention to detail. This not only secures the longevity of your flooring but also enhances the comfort and beauty of your living space.
If you’re considering the timeless appeal of hardwood floors, or if it’s time to rejuvenate the ones you already have, reach out to us at NewRidge Refinishing for unparalleled service and craftsmanship. We’re here to help every step of the way with our hardwood installation services, ensuring that your floors look stunning now and for years to come.
