Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Planning for the installation of a beautiful and new hardwood floor can be exciting and sometimes a little confusing. The buyer will want to select flooring that is ideal for the application needed. While there are many prefinished hardwood flooring choices, custom stained floors are very popular with home buyers. If custom staining is preferred, this will require ordering unfinished hardwood flooring, with the finishing to be completed after installation.
If one is considering an unfinished wood floor, it is important to know various wood properties to ensure satisfaction. While there are many more choices on the market, the three unfinished hardwood mentioned below have the best qualities that will provide flexibility in application, appearance and sometimes at a discount price. Unfinished white oak, Brazilian cherry (Jatoba) and hickory are all outstanding hardwoods to consider.
Making the Right Decision
Deciding which features the buyer wants is very important. This may have to do with where the floor is to be laid, how much traffic it will get, and kind of wear and moisture levels to which it will be subjected, as in below ground level installation. High use areas will need a wood that will hold up to foot traffic and other wear.
Another consideration might be termites or wood-boring insects, if the buyer is in a geographical area plagued by these problems. Appearance will also be important, for effect and reflection of desired light.
Unfinished White Oak Hardwood
Unfinished white oak may be the best choice in unfinished hardwood flooring, for its many great qualities. It is slightly harder than red oak, and is rated as 1360 on the Janka Scale of Hardness. Although it is considered dense as well as strong, it is not too hard to work with comfortably. White oak contains tannic acid, which repels most insects. White oak flooring is readily available in a variety of widths and lengths, therefore adapting well to many settings.
Unfinished white oak takes stains well, and because of its light beige to tan color range, offers the buyer more choices in stains than other, darker woods. Price for unfinished white oak is very reasonable, and can be found upwards of $3.00 per square foot.
Unfinished Brazilian Cherry Hardwood
Brazilian cherry is one of many "exotic" natural hardwoods. Brazilian cherry is also insect resistant, ranking toward the top of the Janka Scale at 2820. It is very adaptable in appearance and durability. Color ranges vary greatly, offering the buyer more natural, darker shades, and it looks beautiful with clear finishing, eliminating color problems.
Brazilian cherry hardwood may darken into a burgundy with age, and is the best choice as compared to teak in appearance, and the price is only $4.00-$9.00 per square foot.
Unfinished Hickory Hardwood
Hickory hardwood is often considered the best unfinished hardwood flooring, due to its visual character and hardness. Rating 1820 on the Janka Scale, it is not as hard as Brazilian Cherry, but ranks higher than white oak. Combining both the patterned heartwood (darker), with sapwood (lighter), makes this floor the best choice for a dazzling and rustic presentation.
Clear staining is often the best choice for hickory hardwood, again, eliminating staining color issues. Prices range $4.00 - $7.00 per square foot.