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When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring. While both offer a beautiful and durable flooring solution, they differ in several ways. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between unfinished engineered hardwood flooring in Orlando, so you can decide when to choose the right flooring for your home.

What is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?

Unfinished hardwood flooring, or site-finished flooring, is installed as raw wood planks that are sanded and finished onsite. This means the wood is delivered to your home naturally, without any protective coating or finish. The planks are then sanded to remove any rough spots or imperfections, and then a finish is applied to protect the wood from damage and give it a polished appearance.

One of the main advantages of unfinished hardwood flooring is that it allows for more customization. You can choose the exact finish and color you want, and you can even create custom designs by mixing and matching different types of wood.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood that are stacked and glued together. The top or wear layer is made of a high-quality hardwood veneer, while the lower layers are made of less expensive wood or plywood. This construction gives engineered hardwood flooring greater stability and resistance to moisture than solid hardwood flooring.

One of the main advantages of engineered hardwood flooring is that it is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood flooring. This makes it an ideal choice for areas of the home prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Differences Between Unfinished and Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Now that we have covered the basics of unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between the two.

●       Installation

Unfinished hardwood flooring is installed onsite and requires sanding and finishing after installation. This means that the installation process can be messy, time-consuming, and potentially disruptive to your home.

On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring is pre-finished and requires less time and effort to install. This makes it popular for homeowners who want a quick and easy installation process.

●       Customization

As we mentioned earlier, unfinished hardwood flooring allows for greater customization. You can choose the exact finish and color you want and create custom designs by mixing and matching different types of wood.

While engineered hardwood flooring does offer a range of styles and finishes, it is less customizable than unfinished hardwood flooring. The pre-finished nature of engineered hardwood flooring means that you are limited to the options available from the manufacturer.

●       Durability

Both unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring is durable and long-lasting. However, engineered hardwood flooring has an advantage in terms of resistance to moisture and warping. This makes it a better choice for areas of the home that are prone to moisture or humidity.

●       Cost

Unfinished hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive than engineered hardwood flooring. This is partly due to the additional time and effort required for installation and the potential for customization.

●       Maintenance

Both unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring requires regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. However, the specific maintenance requirements can differ between the two. Maintain your hardwood flooring with Harrington’s unfinished engineered hardwood flooring in Orlando.

Unfinished hardwood flooring requires more frequent maintenance, including regular sanding and refinishing. This is because the natural wood surface is more susceptible to scratches, dents, and other types of damage.

On the other hand, best engineered hardwood flooring in Orlando typically requires less maintenance. The pre-finished surface is designed to resist scratches and other types of damage, so it may not need to be refinished as frequently as unfinished hardwood flooring.

Conclusion:

Both unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring are excellent options for homeowners looking to add the beauty and warmth of natural wood to their homes. Unfinished hardwood flooring offers more customization options and a traditional, onsite installation process, while engineered hardwood flooring is more durable, affordable, and moisture-resistant.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you want a customized look and are willing to invest in a more involved installation process, then unfinished hardwood flooring may be the right choice. If you need a more durable and affordable option that can withstand moisture and humidity, engineered hardwood flooring may be the better choice.

At Harrington Hardwood Floors, we offer a wide range of hardwood flooring options, including both unfinished and engineered hardwood flooring. Our team of experts can help you choose the right type of flooring for your home and provide the best-engineered hardwood flooring in Orlando to ensure your new floors look beautiful and last for years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!