what are prefinished floors

How to fill gaps in prefinished hardwood floors?

Longer Lasting Solutions

• Flexible gap fillers. This is a great fix for any narrow gaps that start to form in your flooring. ...
• Wood. A good option for any larger shaped gap is to use pieces of the same wood to fill them. ...
• Rope. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to use rope pieces to fill any gaps in your hardwood flooring.
• Sawdust. ...

How to clean and maintain engineered prefinished hardwood floors?

Maintaining engineered hardwood flooring is a painless process as long as it is a part of your regular cleaning routine. Dust the floors daily with a microfiber mop or cloth. One of the advantages of prefinished hardwood flooring is that the factory applied finish is baked on making it.

How to install pre finished engineered flooring this old house?

Steps:

• Trim doorjambs and casings to allow new flooring to slip underneath. ...
• Cover the subfloor with thin foam-rubber underlayment. ...
• Lay first floor plank along starting wall with its grooved edge facing out. ...
• Measure distance from end of plank to wall. ...
• Cut floor plank to length with power miter saw.

More items...

Can prefinished wood floors be sanded and refinished?

Refinishing requires heavy sanding: While prefinished floors do not need to be refinished for a very long time, eventually the surface seal will start to fade, scratch, and discolor slightly. This cuts down on the thickness of the floor planks and limits how many times you can then refinish the floor in the future.

What does it mean when a prefinished floor is thick?

What is the most popular brand of prefinished hardwood flooring?

How much does prefinished hardwood cost?

What is Bruce flooring?

How much more expensive is prefinished hardwood?

When did hardwood flooring become popular?

How much does it cost to install hardwood floors?

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Is pre-finished hardwood real wood?

A prefinished hardwood floor is still solid, real wood flooring, after all, so the surface can be sanded and a new stain and sealer applied, just as with a traditionally finished wood floor.

How long do prefinished hardwood floors last?

Pre-Finished Flooring Means Durable Flooring 3 to 5 years for site-applied finishes).

What does prefinished hardwood floors mean?

Prefinished hardwood flooring has been finished – sanded, stained, and coated with polyurethane -- in a factory. All you need to do is install it (cut and nail it to the subfloor) and it is done. Unfinished flooring is raw hardwood that must first be installed and then sanded and refinished on site.

Is prefinished hardwood flooring the same as engineered?

Engineered hardwood refers to the process of actually creating the hardwood planks from different plies of wood; it doesn't refer to the finish of the wood. Engineered hardwood can be prefinished or site-finished. However, most engineered hardwood is prefinished.

Can you mop prefinished hardwood floors?

Microfiber mops work best for prefinished hardwood, but if you sweep, just be sure to use a broom with soft bristles to avoid scratching. 2. Vacuum your floors with a vacuum cleaner that does not have a beater bar.

Can prefinished floors be refinished?

Takeaway: Your worn down pre-finished hardwood flooring can be refinished up to 5 times. You can change the color of the entire floor each time that it's completely refinished. Leave the bevel in the floor and DO NOT have the bevel filled. Pre-finished hardwoods show scratches more than site-finished hardwoods.

Does prefinished hardwood need to be sealed?

Prefinished hardwood floors have numerous advantages. One advantage is the hard, durable finish. Several coats of sealant make these floors harder and more resilient to scratches, according to SFGate. On the contrary, when an unfinished floor is laid, typically just two or three coats of sealer are applied.

Can you fix scratches on prefinished hardwood floors?

0:041:45How to Fix Scratches in Prefinished Wood Floors : Woodwork & CarpentryYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if you have a scratching like some cabinetry you can use some wax. But on the floor it's aMoreNow if you have a scratching like some cabinetry you can use some wax. But on the floor it's a little bit different with the high-traffic. That goes across it.

Are prefinished hardwood floors cheaper?

Prefinished floors come at a lower cost. Prefinished solid wood floors initially cost more than unfinished wood flooring—about $2 per square foot for a good grade of red oak. But once you factor in finishing costs, prefinished ends up being less expensive.

What type of wood flooring is best?

What Species Is Best? The best hardwood floors are made with wood species that are readily available and — you guessed it — very hard. Oak flooring, maple flooring and cherry flooring are all good choices. Other species include bamboo (which is actually a grass), walnut, ash and mahogany.

How much does prefinished hardwood floors cost?

Prefinished hardwood flooring typically costs between $6 to $12 per square foot for materials and installation.

Are prefinished hardwood floors more durable?

If you are installing the wood flooring in an existing home, prefinished flooring is generally easier to install and less messy. Prefinished wood works better in areas that receive high traffic and heavy wear and tear because it provides a more durable finish.

Are prefinished hardwood floors more durable?

If you are installing the wood flooring in an existing home, prefinished flooring is generally easier to install and less messy. Prefinished wood works better in areas that receive high traffic and heavy wear and tear because it provides a more durable finish.

Do prefinished hardwood floors need sealing?

Prefinished hardwood floors have numerous advantages. One advantage is the hard, durable finish. Several coats of sealant make these floors harder and more resilient to scratches, according to SFGate. On the contrary, when an unfinished floor is laid, typically just two or three coats of sealer are applied.

Can you fix scratches on prefinished hardwood floors?

0:041:45How to Fix Scratches in Prefinished Wood Floors : Woodwork & CarpentryYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if you have a scratching like some cabinetry you can use some wax. But on the floor it's aMoreNow if you have a scratching like some cabinetry you can use some wax. But on the floor it's a little bit different with the high-traffic. That goes across it.

Are prefinished hardwood floors cheaper?

Prefinished floors come at a lower cost. Prefinished solid wood floors initially cost more than unfinished wood flooring—about $2 per square foot for a good grade of red oak. But once you factor in finishing costs, prefinished ends up being less expensive.

Are all Carlisle floors available as prefinished hardwood flooring?

Any new wide plank floor from Carlisle may be ordered as prefinished hardwood flooring. Whether you’re considering Ash wood flooring or Birch hardw...

Can prefinished hardwood flooring be stained in any color?

Prefinished hardwood flooring is easily stained in a wide variety of colors to meet the needs of your interior design scheme. Unlike many manufactu...

What’s the difference between engineered and prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood flooring is simply a floor that has been finished before delivery. Engineered hardwood flooring is a floor using floorboards t...

How do you clean and care for prefinished hardwood floors?

You can clean prefinished hardwood flooring just as you would clean any other hardwood floor. A mixture of vinegar and water works well. Simply mix...

Can prefinished hardwood floors be hand-distressed?

Several of the texturing and distressing techniques that Carlisle offers are available with our prefinished floors – an unusual offering within the...

Is Carlisle prefinished hardwood flooring safe for the environment?

All Carlisle Custom Coat finishes are designed to be environmentally friendly and contain no measurable VOCs that could pose a health hazard if the...

How is Carlisle prefinished hardwood flooring different?

Carlisle uses time-tested techniques with modern technology to provide a revolutionary and proprietary method for prefinished hardwood flooring. Th...

What is prefinished flooring?

Pre-finished flooring is solid hardwood flooring that comes already sanded, sealed, and ready to nail into place. After the flooring installers have completed their job, literally the only thing you need to do is sweep up, and you're ready to go. Unfinished and pre-finished flooring is installed the same way, give or take a few minor differences.

What is a prefinished urethane coat?

Pre-finished urethane coat provides a thicker, more uniform coating than coatings that are site-finished. The finish is a hard shell that resists scratching and gouges.

Is site finished flooring sanded?

By contrast, site-finished flooring (or, flooring that comes with a bare surface and requires coatings after installation) is only half-installed after it has been nailed down. The other half of the project is sanding and sealing the flooring surface.

Is prefinished flooring easier to find than unfinished?

Because pre-finished flooring is becoming ubiquitous, it is easier to find pre-finished than an unfinished floor. Large flooring stores typically have site-finished flooring or can obtain it for you. But this may be a special order that takes time to fulfill.

Do you need to refinish prefinished wood?

Pre-finished flooring rarely needs refinishing due to its heavy coating. But when it does need a deep, drum sanding, the process will rip off a great deal of wood to remove those five or more layers of factory baked-on urethane finish just to reach any kind of bare wood. You will need to get all of that urethane off so that the wood will accept the new sealant.

Can you seal over prefinished floorboards?

Seams between pre-finished floorboards are not sealed over, as they would be when you seal your flooring on site. With site-finished flooring, the coating fills in the seams and effectively creates a continuous surface. Good flooring installation will keep seams tight. Still, with any seam, there is the possibility of moisture intrusion.

Can you replace prefinished hardwood floors?

If pre-finished hardwood flooring gets scratched or dented during installation, you have no option but to replace the entire floorboard. Forget the notion of trying to fill, sand, and re-seal with your own coating. It cannot be done; there is no way you can ever manually duplicate the factory coating.

When did prefinished wood floors come out?

Since their appearance in the late 1940s, prefinished solid-wood floors have improved dramatically in look and performance. There's a species to suit every style, from traditional pine planks and heavily grained oak strips to exotic varieties featuring rich red and chocolate shades.

How long does a prefinished wood floor last?

Warranties range from 10 to 100 years and cover only wearing through the finish, not dents; surface scratches; and gapping or warping. With proper care, a prefinished wood floor can last the life of the house.

What is bevel edge flooring?

Most prefinished flooring has beveled edges and ends, which protect the finish from chipping during installation and hide unevenness that would be sanded smooth on unfinished wood. When installed, the bevels form a small groove, some as deep as ⅛ inch; others have barely noticeable micro-bevels. Keep in mind that deep grooves can collect dust and dirt and be a pain to clean. You can also opt for bevel-less "square-edge" flooring that mimics the look of site-finished boards. These work best when the subfloor is perfectly flat; otherwise you may see exposed edges.

How long does finsih last?

The tough, UV-cured, factory-applied top coat lasts longer than a typical one applied on-site. With normal wear, you can expect the finsih to last 30 percent longer before you need to screen-and-poly. • It lasts for centuries. Like all solid-wood flooring, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

What is mills flooring?

Mills classify flooring by grade, which refers to the number of surface defects, such as knots and color variations, and the length of the boards. Fewer defects and longer boards mean a higher grade and cost. All grades will make a structurally sound floor; the choice is more about whether you look at a piece of knotty pine or maple and see defects or character.

What is flat sawn wood?

When boards are cut from a log, they may be flatsawn, or plainsawn, so that the growth rings are roughly parallel with the face, creating a wavy grain pattern, or quartersawn, with growth rings perpendicular to the face and a straight grain. Most wood grades include a mixture of both, or you can opt for all quartersawn boards, which are less prone to shrinking, swelling, and cupping. But expect to pay a premium price for this cleaner-looking flooring.

How much does it cost to install a floor strip?

What does it cost? From $3 to $20 per square foot, depending on species and grade. That's about 30 to 50 percent more than unfinished strips, but you'll save on installation because you won't need to sand and finish the floor.

What are the benefits of prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood flooring allows you to eliminate the mess and inconvenience of finishing a floor on site. Your prefinished floor is delivered ready for installation. Consequently, installation can be completed much more quickly. Additionally, a prefinished floor may allow the manufacturer to use stronger sealants that offer additional protection for the floor which are not available for use on site.

What is a Carlisle prefinished floor?

A Carlisle prefinished floor gives you all the advantages of a ready-to-install and no-mess prefinished process along with the beauty of an on-site, hand-finished floor. Carlisle Custom Coat stains and topcoats developed for prefinished hardwood flooring are totally unlike anything else in the market today. When it comes to prefinished flooring, Carlisle truly leads the market. In fact, we have been a leader in flooring fashion since 1966. Every Carlisle wide plank floor is a hand-crafted masterpiece in wood, a one-of-a-kind surface that is the true reflection of the home or business owner’s aesthetic. Our New England craftsman, true artisans who live and breathe woodworking, are attentive to every detail and the personality of every plank. Our commitment to perfection ensures that your Carlisle wide plank or prefinished hardwood flooring will enhance your space for years to come.

How to clean a dirty floor with vinegar?

A mixture of vinegar and water works well. Simply mix 1 or 2 ounces of white vinegar with 2 gallons of water and apply lightly with a mop. The natural acidity of vinegar helps to loosen dirt and contaminants while also being safe for floors and the environment.

How many pages are there in the guide to wood floors?

Looking for a new wood floors? This 20-page guide can help you explore flooring styles and options as you narrow down your favorite floors.

Can prefinished floors be used on site?

Additionally, a prefinished floor may allow the manufacturer to use stronger sealants that offer additional protection for the floor which are not available for use on site. BUYER'S GUIDE. Get the Guide to Selecting Beautiful Floors.

Can you order prefinished hardwood from Carlisle?

Any new wide plank floor from Carlisle may be ordered as prefinished hardwood flooring. Whether you’re considering Ash wood flooring or Birch hardwood floors, or you’re partial to Maple, Hickory or s olid Red Oak flooring, you’ll always have the option to have your floor prefinished at our facility.

Can you touch up prefinished hardwood floors?

In the past, some prefinished hardwood flooring has been associated with a cheap or plastic look. Some prefinished floors are not able to be touched up easily by the homeowner, resulting in floors that do not last as long. Additionally, finishing a floor on site may allow installers to use finer pigments that can penetrate the wood more easily. Fortunately, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors has developed a unique finishing process designed to allow prefinished hardwood flooring to look, feel and be refinished just like traditional unfinished flooring.

What is prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood flooring offers a more durable finish. During manufacturing, prefinished hardwood floors are treated with an aluminum oxide crystal sealant— one of the best hardwood floor finishes for an extremely rugged surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic, moving furniture, and other forms of wear and tear.

How long does it take to install prefinished wood floors?

Installing a traditional wood floor can take two weeks or longer , because it occurs in phases: installation of the planks, sanding the surface, staining the hardwood floors, and then applying two or more coats of a sealant that may need days to cure. Not only is the process lengthy, but it’s also messy and can produce toxic fumes. With prefinished flooring, there’s no downtime—as soon as the planks are installed, you can walk on the floor and start arranging your furniture.

What is engineered hardwood?

Rather than real hardwood, these are manufactured laminate planks with a thin layer of hardwood on the surface.

What is the best width for a prefinished wood plank?

Prefinished hardwood planks that are more than 4-3/4” wide are popular for their rustic country appeal. But wider planks tend to make rooms look smaller, so this width is best suited to spacious rooms. Choose a wood species based on the traffic of the room.

What happens if subfloor is uneven?

If the subfloor floor is uneven in spots, this could cause some of the planks to raise slightly or result in visible gaps between the planks. The effect is usually minimal, but depending on the amount of subfloor unevenness, it could be noticeable. Photo: istockphoto.com.

What is the standard hardness of wood flooring?

The higher the number, the harder the wood. The standard hardness for wood flooring is around 1290, which corresponds to one of the most popular flooring species, red oak.

What is the width of a plank?

Planks on the narrower side (up to 3-1/4” in width), however, are considered more sophisticated, and better suited to contemporary homes. But the narrower the planks, the longer it will take to install the floor—and if you’re hiring a pro, you’ll pay more in labor. Wide planks suit large rooms.

What is prefinished Oak flooring?

Prefinished Oak flooring is a hardwood floor made with the timber from Oak trees that is finished (sanded, stained and sealed with several coats of polyurethane) in Carlisle’s facility before it is delivered to a home or business for installation. This is in contrast to unfinished hardwood flooring, which must be finished after it is installed in a residential or commercial setting.

What is engineered flooring versus prefinished flooring?

Engineered flooring is made with multiple layers of material glued together to form a floorboard that won’t expand or contract in locations that have large changes in temperature or humidity. Engineered flooring can be prefinished or finished on site. Carlisle prefinished Oak flooring can be ordered as an engineered floor.

Are the sealants used on prefinished Oak flooring environmentally friendly?

Yes. Carlisle uses special sealants that contain no measurable VOCs after the floor is cured.

What is wide plank flooring?

Wide plank prefinished Oak flooring is an Oak hardwood floor with floorboards that are significantly wider than standard commercial flooring, and which is sanded, stained and sealed before delivery to a jobsite. Wide plank floors use boards that are typically 5″ to 12″ wide and up to 12′ long. In contrast to commercial flooring (which uses boards ...

How wide is Carlisle prefinished oak flooring?

Carlisle prefinished Oak flooring is available in widths up to 12″ wide – more than twice as wide as most prefinished floors. When you want the ease of a floor that is ready to install with no mess, Carlisle prefinished Oak flooring delivers all the advantages with none of the drawbacks.

What kind of flooring is available at Carlisle?

While wide plank prefinished Oak flooring is a highly popular option for new floors in residential and commercial settings, Carlisle also offers a variety of other hardwood, pine and reclaimed floors.

How to avoid sanding floors?

Avoid the mess of sanding floors on site, which typically covers everything with a fine layer of sawdust. Avoid the noxious odors of stains and sealants. Eliminate the need to vacate the home or business for a day or more while the sealants are applied and have time to dry. Reduce the time required for installation.

What is prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood is simply hardwood flooring that is already sanded, sealed, and ready to install. After installation, the only thing left to do is sweep it up and call it a day. It’s no surprise that it’s such a popular flooring material.

What is the difference between engineered wood and prefinished wood?

The big difference is that prefinished wood is actually hardwood, whereas engineered wood is a composite material. The installation process is also different. For prefinished hardwood, you simply install and sweep it up. Even though engineered hardwood can come prefinished, it’s usually still a good idea to seal it – especially since it is typically used in more moisture-rich areas.

What is the best flooring material for moisture?

If you’re looking for a more moisture-friendly, cost-effective option, vinyl planks, engineered hardwood, and laminate are terrific alternatives. Ultimately, you want to choose a high-quality flooring material that meets your needs and budget.

Is engineered hardwood the same as prefinished hardwood?

Engineered hardwood and prefinished hardwood are different materials – though engineered hardwood can be prefinished. Prefinished hardwood is simply hardwood that has been coated with a urethane finish in the factory. Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of wood composite that are heated and glued together and topped with a thin veneer of wood. They’re relatively comparable materials in terms of cost, appearance, and durability.

Do you need to seal prefinished hardwood floors?

The seams between the floorboards will be more noticeable and susceptible to damage with a prefinished hardwood floor. The individual floorboards come pre-sealed, so there isn’t usually a need to apply a seal after the fact. This can leave the seams open and susceptible to spills and damage.

Do prefinished floors need to be refinished?

Refinishing is also challenging to do. Thankfully, prefinished floors don’t need refinishing very often, but when it does, you have to remove more than five layers of urethane finish to get to the wood, and that can be time-consuming and difficult.

Can you replace prefinished hardwood?

Often, if there’s an issue with prefinished hardwood, it’s best to replace the entire floor board.

What is prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood floors are flooring surfaces that are delivered to a residential or business address, ready for installation, due to having been sanded, stained, and sealed by the manufacturer .

Why do you need to clean prefinished hardwood floors?

Cleaning prefinished hardwood floors regularly is an important part of their maintenance as doing so will prevent them from getting scratched or stained, enabling them to maintain their natural appeal while also enhancing their longevity.

What is the best floor cleaner for unwaxed wood floors?

The Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is also especially versatile and is ideal for unwaxed, unoiled or polyurethane finished floors.

Can you dry steam hardwood floors?

However, certain providers which specialize in providing steam cleaners do state that it is possible to dry steam your prefinished hardwood floors since the vapor will evaporate instantly.

Can vinegar and lemon juice be used to clean hardwood floors?

Acidic or alkaline solvents: Vinegar and lemon juice belong in the former category and while certain experts recommend them for cleaning floors, it is worth noting that they can actually damage the finish of your prefinished hardwood surfaces.

Does ammonia make floors look dull?

Those in the latter category such as ammonia will actually make your floors look duller rather than shiny and pristine.

Can you use Bona hardwood floor cleaner?

A product that combines efficiency and convenience, the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner can be sprayed right away and then wiped with your micro fiber or clo th mop of choice and will cleanse your floor instantly without leaving behind any buildup, residue, or streaks.

What is prefinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished hardwood floors are sanded and finished in the factory with a uniform, odorless coating. The planks are easy to install, durable, and relatively low-maintenance. Check out the prefinished hardwood cleaning and maintenance tips from the experts at Floor Factors.

What is hardwood flooring?

Hardwoods are a timeless floor covering choice that will look beautiful and hold up for decades. The material is more expensive than most other types of flooring, so it’s crucial that you protect your investment through proper care and maintenance. Prefinished hardwood floors are sanded and finished in the factory with a uniform, odorless coating. The planks are easy to install, durable, and relatively low-maintenance. Check out the prefinished hardwood cleaning and maintenance tips from the experts at Floor Factors.

Why do you put doormats on hardwood floors?

Placing doormats both inside and outside each entrance will help you and your visitors avoid tracking dirt, debris, water, and mud onto your floors. Outdoor particles can scratch prefinished hardwood flooring, and rainwater and mud can cause moisture damage.

Can you use water to clean hardwood floors?

Water should never be used to clean your hardwood floors, and wet-mopping should be avoided. Also, to prevent staining and moisture damage, spills should be tended to immediately. Blot spills with a clean cloth until the floor is completely dry.

Can you use bleach on prefinished hardwood floors?

When in doubt, always follow the directions on the bottle. Bleach, ammonia, and oil-based cleaners should not be used with prefinished hardwood floors.

What does it mean when a prefinished floor is thick?

On a prefinished floor, however, the thick seal layer means that when a section of flooring becomes damaged, the only way to repair it is to either sand the finish off of the entire floor or remove and replace the broken section.

What is the most popular brand of prefinished hardwood flooring?

The most popular brands for prefinished solid hardwood flooring include: Bruce: This is the wood flooring arm of flooring giant Armstrong. Bruce offers a massive selection of more than 200 prefinished solid hardwood options, as well as more than 100 engineered hardwood products.

How much does prefinished hardwood cost?

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring Cost. Prefinished hardwood flooring typically costs between $3 to $20 per square foot for materials, though many very good products are available at the lower end of this price range. It is the unusual hardwoods that tend to be quite expensive.

What is Bruce flooring?

Bruce: This is the wood flooring arm of flooring giant Armstrong. Bruce offers a massive selection of more than 200 prefinished solid hardwood options, as well as more than 100 engineered hardwood products. Bruce is widely available at the big-box home improvement retails.

How much more expensive is prefinished hardwood?

It is the unusual hardwoods that tend to be quite expensive. These prices make prefinished hardwood roughly 30 percent to 50 percent more expensive than unfinished hardwood, though remember that you will save the time and expense of sanding, staining, and finishing the planks.

When did hardwood flooring become popular?

But since the introduction of prefinished solid hardwood during the 1940s, this newer form of flooring has become increasingly popular, and today you may find ...

How much does it cost to install hardwood floors?

Installation labor generally costs another $6 to $8 per square foot, though you should expect labor costs to be on the lower side of this range for unfinished solid hardwood since the workers won't need to sand, stain, and varnish the flooring.