Replies

1. 
   Winster | Jan 19, 2000 01:12am | #1

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   I would go with an unfinished floor because u are building a new house and the sanding is not a problem with the dust. It will make a nicer floor for u in the long run.Alot of your prefinished floors have a beveled edge and I dont think look as nice.I have installed both and where I can I go with unfinished it is easyer to install but u do have the time factor of getting it finished.In most cases it is cheaper also.
   good luck
   ted

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 19, 2000 01:58am | #2

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   Winster:

   I have to agree with you on "site finished" but it does take longer and requires NOBODY in the finishing area during the finishing process and takes upwards of four days after the first coat is applied, depending on weather conditions. But then water base is much different, but I don't see many finishers preferring that over oil base finishes. Micro bevelled prefinished flooring is a good alternative...but I've always preferred the site finished floors...must be the old school:)

3. 
   Winster | Jan 19, 2000 04:09am | #3

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   Good thing for the old school it seems to work every time

   ted

1. 
   Red_dog | Jan 19, 2000 08:05am | #4

   *ryan,If you can afford the time and the added expense, go for the site finished floor. In my eyes, 3/4" T&G hardwood sanded smooth, stained, and a few coats of finish on it can't be beat. I don't like all the v-grooves in the prefinished stuff. I understand they are a necessary evil with this stuff but that doesn't make it right. If you need to go with prefinished, the aformentioned micro-beveled would be my suggestion. As far as brands are concerned, I'd stay away from the wood sold in the home centers. Go to a hardwood flooring distributer where the professionals are buying.Red dog

1. 
   Ed_Stefanich | Jan 19, 2000 08:24pm | #5

   *Majority rules. If dust and living conditions are not an issue, site finished floors are definately preferred. Sanding alone will remove any ridges or installer "dings" which will occur during installation. Also, a few coats of urethane or protective finish will basically seal the floor as a whole. The only disadvantage of site finishing is that you will probably not get the 7+ coats protective finish that you would normally get with higher quality pre-finished floors.

4. 
   Ryan_ | Jan 19, 2000 09:11pm | #6

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   I am building a new house and putting
   hardwood in the living and dining rooms. I am looking at several brands of pre finished (factory) floors. Can anyone tell me recommend a brand, tell me about problems, or should I use unfinished ???

5. 
   Guest_ | Jan 19, 2000 09:11pm | #7

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   Ken Fisher, you mentioned the differences between water based and oil based finishes. I've recently installed a red oak floor with water based finish (Benjiman Moore Benwood). I really liked this clear (very clear) finish. A friend has had some new red oak floors in his house finished with an oil based finish (poly, but not sure of the brand, I didn't see it applied). His wood darkened considerably more than mine. A little was to be expected, he used #2 common grade, I used #1 common, but the wood grades can't account for all of the darkening (we bought from the same manufacturer.) His oil based finish is harder, less scratchable, than my water base (he has 2 coats, I have 4.)

   I like the clearness of my finish, and the hardness of his. If anyone could recommend a brand of oil base that doesn't darken much, or a brand of water base that dries harder, I would like to try an oil based finish on my next floor.

   Willing to experiment, Thanks.