The installation of hardwood flooring in a home or place of business continues to grow in popularity due to the dramatic changes in the overall appearance of the room in which the hardwood flooring material is installed. Significant transformations of a dull and dark room to a room full of character, warmth and visual appeal can be completed in as little as two days depending on the type of hardwood flooring material selected. From solid pre-finished, un-finished to engineered pre-finished, unfinished and laminates, the realm of hardwood flooring is virtually endless.
Of the many styles of hardwood flooring available, engineered un-finished wood flooring continues to remain the most widely selected. Comprised of multiple layers of real wood, usually 3-5, unfinished engineered wood floors combine strength and versatility to meet any installation requirement. Manufactured or engineered in a controlled environment, the multiple layers of the unfinished engineered wood floors are glued together under high pressure, in a cross-cut pattern which gives the unfinished engineered wood flooring its superior strength. The top layer or finished layer is left un-finished to be finished by the home or business owner upon installation at the home or place of business.
Due to the complexity of the installation and the amount of additional work that is required to finish an unfinished engineered floor, installation and finishing is better suited for an experienced professional specializing with expertise in his or her chosen field. Other than experience, these professionals also possess the specialized tools, including large sanding drums, which are needed to adequately prepare the unfinished engineered flooring material for finishing.
The advantages of installing an engineered unfinished hardwood floor far outweigh the additional time, effort and additional installation and finishing expense that are often associated with the finishing and installation of an un-finished engineered hardwood floor. With unlimited options in finishing available, the advantages of installing unfinished engineered wood flooring are as follows:
• Allow home or business owner to create own unique finish
• Floors are more uniform and stable due to on-site sanding
• On-site sanding allows for border installation, creating a one-of-a-kind floor
• Unlimited choice of finishing colors allowing for matching of exiting hardwood floor surface for better uniformity throughout the home
• Wide variety of installations from glued, non-glued, stapled or floating to accommodate all installation situations
• Multiple layers of plywood backing prevents cupping due to moisture presence, minimizing gaps due to seasonal changes in temperature conditions
• Less labor installation charges when installed over concrete surfaces
Unfinished engineered hardwood floors are often confused with laminate flooring. Laminate flooring materials are man-made floors with a melamine surface over machine printed or embossed wood or tile patters. Other than both products are man-made, there are no further distinguishing characteristics that are similar in construction or appearance.
Unfinished engineered wood flooring is an ideal hardwood material suitable for either below or at grade installation. Homes in the South with no basements, built on concrete slabs, have found that unfinished engineered wood flooring allows for glued-down application directly to concrete surfaces when installed over foam backing, maintaining resilience, beauty and integrity in all extreme temperature changes common to the area.
There are however, disadvantages associated with unfinished engineered wood flooring which include:
• Time consuming with tendencies to create airborne dust from sanding
• Strong fumes from stains and sealers which permeate and linger in the home or place of business
• Additional labor charges, rising cost per square footage well beyond other available selections of finished engineered wood flooring options.
Although the installation disadvantages of unfinished engineered wood flooring remain minimal, the overall completed floor is well worth the adjustment in daily routines which may be needed when installing an unfinished engineered wood floor.
With square foot costs ranging from $8-$10 per square foot professionally installed, the glued-down installation method of installation will reduce overall costs per square foot to $3.50-$4.00 per square foot saving thousands of dollars in overall costs, leaving additional funds available for other unlimited options.
Similar Posts:
- Unfinished Wood Flooring: Bare Potential
- Unfinished Hard Wood Floor Or Pre-Finished Hard Wood Floor?
- All You Wanted To Know About Hard Wood Flooring
- Laminate Flooring: A Perfect Imitation
- Engineered Wood Flooring: Manufactured Inspirations
