Don't Let Your Basement Become Wasted Space

Hardwood floors can in all shapes, sizes, species and styles. There are many variable to take into account when making such a significant investment. You have to think of the style you want, but also of the long term maintenance requirements. For instance, finished hardwood floors are manufactured with a durable finish on the top layer. This makes them waterproof and ready to install right out of the package. On the other hand, you can choose raw floors that have no finish on the top layer. You need to apply your own stain to keep up this hardwood. This article explains the main differences between finished and raw hardwood floors.

Finished Flooring Products

Perhaps the biggest perk of finished floors is their low maintenance. Since they come with a waterproof coat already applied, there is very little that you need to do over the years. This finish also make it very easy to clean your hardwood. You can basically clean it with any liquid floor cleaner. The finish is a hard epoxy or laminated layer that is clear. It protects the stained wood underneath and prevents fading.

However, some homeowners might not likely a finished product because it is harder to change. That is, you cannot refinish your floor or change the stain color on the wood. The durable top layer is permanent so there is no practical way to sand it off to restain the wood. If you want to change your wood style, you basically need to install a brand new product.

Raw Flooring Products

Raw flooring products are preferred by homeowners who change their floor stain very few years. Of course, this does mean that you will need to apply your own stain after the initial installation. But, many homeowners see this as a good chance to apply a completely custom stain that will give their floor a unique look. In fact, whenever you get bored of your current stain, you can apply a new one. Even though the refinishing process is time consuming, it is much cheaper and easier than replacing your floor entirely. Raw floors will obviously require a fair bit more maintenance on a daily basis. But, it you take care of your floor, your hardwood can last just as long as any finished product.

As you can see, there are some significant differences between raw and finished hardwood floors. In the end, you should choose the product that fits with your personal needs. For more information, visit sites like http://www.carrollfloor.com.