There are two main types of hardwood floors available today. Pre-finished hardwood floors or unfinished hardwood floor. Both types of hardwood floors provide quality finished products; however there are distinct differences between them. With an unfinished hardwood floor you may have more options than with pre-finished hardwood floor. It also may be a cheaper alternative if you are looking to complete the project yourself.
If you are installing your hardwood floor on your own than an unfinished hardwood floor may be a less expensive option for you. Because they are sold without any finish, unfinished floor boards are less expensive. However you must take into account all of the other costs that are associated with unfinished floors as well as the extra work that would be involved. Once you install an unfinished floor you will have to prepare it and finish it yourself. This can be a lot of work for someone who is inexperienced with installing and finishing hardwood.
Despite the extra work that may be involved, unfinished hardwood floor also offers you more options when it comes to choosing a finish. You can choose whatever finish you like and whatever suits your home and personal style when you have an unfinished floor. Many new homes that have hardwood flooring use unfinished hardwood because it provides a nice unified look when the floor is finished on site.