TYPES

Unfinished Hardwood

Hardwood is often first purchased unfinished – which simply means that a finish has not been applied.  When you buy unfinished hardwood, it is sanded, sealed, stained and finished after it is brought into the home.  You'll find hundreds, if not thousands, of different sizes and thicknesses of unfinished hardwood.  The width of unfinished hardwood usually starts at 1 ½”, but types are available several inches thicker.   Unfinished hardwood that is 2 1/4” to 3 ¼ “ is recommended due to the expansion and contraction that can occur due to moisture. 

Pre-Finished Hardwood

Pre-finished hardwood saves the consumer labor, and keeps their home from being subjected to the dusty finishing process.  The hardwood is bought already sanded, stained, and coated with polyurethane and/or other finishes such as Aluminum-Oxide.  There are many types of pre-finished hardwood, and colors, finishes and sizes will vary.  You will have little problem finding a pre-finished hardwood that suits your tastes.  Pre-finished hardwood is extremely popular because it allows for a fast and easy installation process. 

FINISHES

Oil Base Finishes

Oil-based finishes are easy to maintain but still do a wonderful job at protecting wood floors. Oil-modified urethane is highly recommended for protection and beauty.  It is reasonably priced, and ideal for someone on a tighter budget. You'll find that oil-based finishes come in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, and they can be applied over stain or sealer – or simply by itself.  It only takes eight hours for an oil-based finish to dry.

Water Base Finishes

Water-based finishes come in gloss, semi-gloss and satin just as oil-based finishes do, but they dry much faster.  It takes just a little over  24 hours for a water-based finish to dry, and there is little odor.   Water-based finishes are environmentally friendly, non-flammable, VOC compliant, and they clean up easily.  Water-based finishes also have a UV additive that keeps the floor safe from color changes that might occur from the sun. 

EXOTIC WOODS FLOORING

Exotic wood is intriguing and enticing. Brazilian Maple, Rosewood and Zebrawood are stunning in a hardwood floor covering. Keep in mind that the exotic woods differ between each other in hues and grain patterns, and each type of exotic wood has its own hardness rating.   Taking home a sample to get an accurate representation of its appearance in your home is recommended before making a final decision.

For distinctive aesthetic appeal, a floor plan can be upgraded to include an artistic border or a designer floor inlay.  Borders and medallions for hardwood floors are available in hundreds of designs, colors, grains and shapes and come in many different species of wood.  They are usually pre-assembled and  carefully cut for a fitting design.