Pre-finished vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: Find the Best Fit for Your Home

Imagine this: you’ve just gotten the keys to your new home. It’s got the bones — tall ceilings, big windows, that cozy, welcoming vibe...but the floors? They need some serious love. Now comes the big decision: pre-finished or unfinished hardwood flooring?

At Olson Floor Supply, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners and contractors across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Fairfield County make this exact choice. The good news? There’s no wrong answer — just the right fit for your space, your lifestyle, and your timeline.

Let’s walk through the real-world pros and cons of each option so you can make the decision with confidence.

1.) Installation: How Fast Do You Want to Move In?

Pre-finished Flooring: If you’re ready to see instant results, pre-finished floors are a dream. These planks arrive already sanded, stained, and sealed. Once installed, they’re ready to live on immediately — no waiting days for finishes to dry, no lingering smells, no "shoes off" signs needed.

Unfinished Flooring: Going with unfinished hardwood is a little more of a process. After installation, the wood needs to be sanded, stained, and finished right there on-site. It’s a bit messier, and you’ll need to give the floors time to fully cure before moving furniture back in.

*Quick Tip: If you're on a tight deadline or need minimal disruption (say you’re moving into your NYC apartment in a few weeks or a busy family home), pre-finished flooring saves time and stress.

2.) Customization: How Personal Do You Want to Get?

Pre-finished Flooring: Today’s pre-finished options are better than ever. At Olson Floor Supply, we carry stunning collections from brands like Somerset, Bruce Dundee & Hartco Flooring, offering everything from rustic hand-scraped oak to sleek modern maple. The catch? What you see is what you get — no changing the color or sheen once it’s delivered.

Unfinished Flooring: If you have a very specific vision — like matching century-old floors in a brownstone or creating a one-of-a-kind custom stain — unfinished hardwood gives you complete creative freedom. Your flooring pro can mix stains and finishes to achieve exactly the look you want.

*Quick Tip: If you’re trying to match existing woodwork or want total design control, unfinished is the way to go.

3.) Cost: What Does the Full Picture Look Like?

Pre-finished Flooring: The upfront cost per square foot for pre-finished flooring might be a little higher. But remember — installation is faster and cheaper because you skip the on-site finishing process.

Unfinished Flooring: While raw unfinished planks can be a little cheaper, you’ll pay more in labor for sanding, staining, and finishing. And depending on your finish choice, you might need multiple coats, which adds time (and cost).

*Quick Tip: Look at the total project cost — not just the price tag on the flooring — when budgeting.

4.) Durability: How Will Your Floors Hold Up?

Pre-finished Flooring: One huge advantage of pre-finished floors is the factory finish. These are cured under powerful lights with ultra-durable sealers (like aluminum oxide) that most on-site applications can’t match. They resist scratches, scuffs, and dents — great for kids, pets, and busy households.

Unfinished Flooring: Site-applied finishes have improved dramatically, and they still offer a gorgeous, natural look. Plus, unfinished floors are easier to repair and refinish in the future, giving them amazing long-term flexibility.

*Quick Tip: If you need maximum scratch resistance right now, go pre-finished. If you’re planning for the long-haul and want easy refinishing down the road, unfinished might be smarter.

So, Which One Wins?

Honestly? Both are winners — it just depends on your priorities:

You Might Want…	If You Need…
Pre-finished Flooring	Speed, convenience, durability, modern looks
Unfinished Flooring	Full customization, seamless look, future refinishing flexibility

Whether you're transforming a cozy Brooklyn brownstone, updating a family home in Westchester, or designing a sleek downtown loft, Olson Floor Supply has the flooring solutions to match your vision.

Need a little more guidance? Or maybe you want to see (and feel!) the difference for yourself?

Visit our showrooms in Jamaica, NY or reach out to talk to our team of flooring experts. We’re here to help make your dream floors a reality!

Contact Us Today!