Wood Floors — Finishes

Most common species of solid wood are available in prefinished or unfinished product. Most engineered product comes prefinished. Prefinished wood flooring often has a more durable finish than what can be field applied, and is often impregnated with aluminum oxide which helps greatly with abrasion resistance.

Prefinished

  • 1More consistent, uniform color and sheen
  • 2Often available with aluminum oxide for added durability and scratch resistance
  • 3Flooring can be put into service immediately after installation
  • 4Color and sheen selections are consistent with installed product
  • 5Reduces installation time and mess (from sanding/finishing)
  • 6Can be difficult to blend repairs or match unfinished transitions
  • 7The harder finishes can make refinishing more difficult

Acrylic Impregnated

  • 1Sawn or rotary cut veneer is subjected to a vacuum to remove moisture and then an acrylic resin and color is impregnated into the pores of the wood, and then cured.
  • 2Provides a continuous color throughout the wear layer.
  • 3Similar top coat finishes to other wood flooring available.
  • 4Increases the hardness of the wood up to three times the original.
  • 5Does not reduce the moisture sensitivity of the wood.
  • 6Increased cost due to the complex manufacturing process.

Field Finished

  • 1Finish method and product type should be specified as there are a variety of chemistries available (water based polyurethane, solvent based polyurethane, single and plural component moisture cure urethane, single and plural component aliphatic urethanes, etc.)
  • 2When specifying stain matching, samples of desired color should be provided on species of wood to be installed. Specifications should include methods for approval of stain match prior to installation and finishing.
  • 3It's easier to match unfinished transitions.
  • 4Color is typically less consistent with field applied stains due to variances in wood and application methods.
  • 5Field applied finishes may not be as consistent with design selections.
  • 6Longer installation time and higher level of job site disturbance/mess.
  • 7Longer drying time, which may increase due to climate conditions.