Replies

1. 
   S_Edwards | Dec 23, 2000 10:36pm | #1

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   The bevelled edges in prefinished flooring capture dirt. Being near Canada it is cheaper to purchase unfinished flooring across the border. For example, clear unfinished birch is $5.97 in the states vs. $2.68 in Canada. Both prices are in U.S. dollars and were checked one month back. Even after finishing one ends up with a cheaper and better floor. Why? Because the floor has no edges between the boards to capture dirt. And you get to decide the degree of shine. The trade off with prefinished flooring is that you have to follow manufacturer recommendations or you void the warranty. Also, tell me why if the finished flooring is so good the companies keep changing the formula?

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   Ken_fisher | Dec 23, 2000 11:12pm | #2

   *Today there are so many options in harwood flooring. I'd care not to get into the discussion of site finished flooring versus prefinished, based on the case both will be prone to moisture.Oh well, I guess I'll get into it, then we have that regional thingie again. Both floors will expand and contract with the season in most cases, unless the home is climate controlled year round. Hence, they will "open up" on the side joints and will take on spills and potential water damage.In reference to the new finishes and formula changes it's just a case of trying to outdo another. Too many are oversold in this case and expect a dent and scratch resistant floor. Check out the steel wool test some are claiming. Sure it won't abrade the finish with #0000...just try a fingernail push into the surface..it will ding.You guys that wanna see a misrepresention of a prefinished application, check out Beaverhome.com in their hardwood flooring line. The offer a miracle to the buyer..just read the wording.Merry XmasFish

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   Jim_Roberts | Dec 24, 2000 06:56am | #3

   *I am not a flooring expert but I have built 2 homes for myself and have used Harris Tarkett prefinished Oak floors (floating floor installations). I owned the first home for 10 year and when we sold it, the hardwood floor looked almost like new. You would have had to get on your knees to see any scratches (we don't have any pets or young kids). The second home I am currently living in has radiant heated floors. I choose the prefinished flooring because I felt it was a more stable product for a floor that would be exposed to significant temperature changes. After 2 years, the finish looks like it did the day I installed it and there is no sigificant gaps between the boards that I can see. These products are actually pretty versatile - I did one room with an dark oak border and a light maple interior.I bought my last flooring from Hosking Hardwood over the internet (www.hoskinghardwood.com) for $4.80 per sq foot plus shipping (but no tax) plus the cost of the moldings. I installed it myself and saved a bundle from the quoted price of the local flooring dealers. I don't think that I would ever go back to unfinished wood floors again - the prefinished floors are very good (just my opinion).

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   Qtrmeg_ | Dec 24, 2000 05:16pm | #4

   *Well, I have to say that pre-finished also doesn't have the specs of dust and imperfections a job-finished floor is likely to have, but I just don't like the beveled edges. Also you might have some trouble matching stair treads or landing nosings to the factory finish, err, no big deal for us pros tho...

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   Jim_Roberts | Dec 24, 2000 06:19pm | #5

   *The Harris Tarkett Longstrip that I used doesn't have beveled edges. It is very difficult to see the joints between the 7" panels if installed properly.

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   Ken_fisher | Dec 25, 2000 12:13am | #6

   *Jim:I have to agree with you on the Tarkett Longstrip, and I am in no means trying to plug Jeff's site. It's a great product as it is milled square edge to near perfection. Sure, a few(maybe 3) boards have to be tossed, on say 1,000 square feet.The only concern I have with a "floating" Tarkett Longstrip is the refinishing process that will eventually take place down the road. I've already seen some engineered floors that didn't survive the drum sander. Ooops, "what do we do now" are the concerns of the customer.It's important to look at the "wear" layer if anybody looks at engineered floors. Tarkett Longstrip has a good one and it's above par with the ones I am familiar with. Mirage, on the other hand has a much thicker wear layer but it's a micro bevel. But heck it becomes a square edge after one complete refinishing 10-15 years? down the road.Q: You are correct and I hate to be involved in those situations. Try to match a prefinished floor with a custom built staircase etc. It won't work as the formulas or the finishing process is different.I've been rather lucky in using a water based finish for small custom made thresholds. But I have spent some time in matching them, in a dust free environment and many recoats..to perfection I would guess. Hate callbacks.

3. 
   Rein_Taul | Dec 27, 2000 03:47am | #7

   *One thing I have noticed is that your choice of woods will vary between the two. I have yet to see engineered unfinished flooring. The engineered stuff can be better in environments with big thermal/barometric swings, since they are more stable. Particularly good quality flooring. The finishes vary a lot. Let's repeat that, the finishes vary a lot!I spoke with a supplier of commercial grade prefinished flooring. He rambled off about 10 different finishes, depending on where it is to be installed, whether it would have to be refinished regularly etc. Remember, no finish is perfect, so finishes that can be refinished easily are also good to note!One good side is that factory application is a controlled environment. Just check on the quality of the control!On the other hand, there are some species you will probably never find prefinished. This will depend on demand.By the way, can anybody recommend a good supplier of engineered bamboo with a high quality prefinish and a square edge or unfinished?

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   David_Crick | Dec 27, 2000 03:47am | #8

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   I will be installing my own 2 1/4" x 3/4" oak flooring in due course. I was told at my flooring outlet that the finish on prefinished flooring is superior to what can be applied in the field - it being harder and more evenly applied were two points he mentioned. Finished costs $1.50 more per sq.ft which is roughly the same for sanding, sealing and 2 maybe 3 coats of poly. I wouln't have to deal with all the dust, but what of the joints in a prefinished application? Isn't that leaving a path for spills etc. to get to the subfloor. As usual, your opinions gained from actual "hands-on" are truly appreciated.