Homeowner Resources, Flooring Products & Process
Hardwood Floor Grading
Hardwood Grading refers to the visual appearance and natural characteristics of the wood, not its strength or quality. Each grade offers a unique look to match your design style. All five grades are made from the same wood species and are equally durable. The difference lies purely in appearance and price.
Clear Grade: The cleanest, highest-quality boards with minimal to no knots, streaks, or color variation.
Select Grade: Slight variation in color and grain, with a few small, tight knots or natural marks.
Common Grade: More visible variation in tone, grain, and texture. Small knots and natural streaks are present.
Rustic Grade: Larger knots, color contrasts, mineral streaks, and occasional shorter boards.
Cabin Grade: The most natural and varied boards with noticeable imperfections, shorter lengths, and heavy character.
Pre-Finished vs Unfinished Hardwood
When choosing new hardwood floors, one of the first decisions is whether to go with pre-finished or unfinished planks. Pre-finished flooring arrives from the factory already sanded, stained, and sealed with multiple protective coats, allowing for faster installation and minimal mess. It’s consistent in color and durability, making it ideal for busy households or quick remodels. Unfinished flooring is installed raw and then sanded and finished on-site, creating a completely smooth, seamless surface and allowing for custom stain colors or finishes. While it takes longer to complete, unfinished hardwood offers a truly tailored, high-end result.
Solid Vs Engineered Hardwood
Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood comes down to your home’s environment and installation needs. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, offering timeless beauty and the ability to be refinished multiple times. However, it is sensitive to humidity changes and best suited for above-grade installations. Engineered hardwood consists of real wood layers bonded to a stable plywood base, making it resistant to moisture and ideal for basements, condos, and homes with radiant heat. Both deliver authentic wood aesthetics; engineered simply adds more flexibility in where it can be installed.
Stains, Finishes & Sheen Levels
Your hardwood floor’s stain and finish determine both its appearance and durability. Oil-based stains add rich color and depth, ideal for traditional spaces, while water-based stains create a lighter, more contemporary tone with low odor and quick drying times. When it comes to protective coatings, polyurethane remains the most common choice, available in both oil-based (warmer tone, amber over time) and water-based (clearer, modern finish) varieties. Homeowners seeking a natural, matte look often choose hardwax oil, while aluminum oxide finishes offer maximum scratch resistance on prefinished floors. The right combination of stain and finish will enhance your wood’s natural beauty and keep it protected for years.
The sheen level of your floor finish affects both the look and upkeep of your hardwood. Matte finishes have minimal reflection, creating a natural, modern appearance that hides dust and scratches. Satin finishes offer the perfect middle ground — a soft glow that looks elegant without showing wear. Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes provide a polished, reflective surface ideal for formal spaces but may require more maintenance. Choosing the right sheen depends on your lighting, décor, and how much activity your floors see daily.
Cost Factors & Buying Guide
Hardwood flooring prices vary based on species, plank size, grade, and finish. Exotic woods like walnut or hickory often cost more than domestic oak or maple. Wider planks create a premium look but use more material per square foot. The finish type — whether pre-finished, oil-based, or water-based — also affects both price and longevity. Installation method, subfloor prep, and trim details add to the total cost. When budgeting, homeowners should factor in future refinishing and ongoing care to get the most value over the floor’s lifetime.
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Lou Topia
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