If you're in the market for a new hardwood floor, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to buy one that is factory-finished or one that's destined to be finished once it's installed in your home.

The choice is really a matter of personal preference. Each type of hardwood flooring has its own advantages. Factory-finished floors are installed straight out of the box in as little as one day, without dust, fumes or odors. Finishing a floor in your home can take as many as five days, but you can customize your floor's color and choose the type of shine you prefer. You may not be able to find exactly the look you want in a factory-finished product.

To help you weigh the options, here are answers to the most often-asked questions consumers ask the Hardwood Information Center, at www.hardwoodinfo.com.

Q. Is a finish applied in the factory more durable than one applied in my home?

A. Factory finishes, typically at least four coats of ultraviolet-cured urethane resin, are applied in the plant. These finishes are consistent because they are applied under strict controls. Some of the newer factory-applied polyurethane finishes contain
aluminum oxide and may be guaranteed for up to 25 years. Factory-finished floors are installed straight out of the box. No additional wax or polyurethane is applied.
While a variety of tough finishes can be applied in the home too, polyurethane continues to be the most popular. For best results, consult an experienced hardwood floor installer about the right choice for you. Always buy the best products you can afford.
Choose a satin or matte finish if you are especially concerned about high traffic or heavy wear from pets or children. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are more likely to show scratches.


Q. Which type of finish looks better?

A. Finishes applied in the factory are uniform; finishes applied in the home can be consistent as well, with the proper site conditions and skilled professional installers.


Q. What's the best way to match the finish on trim or hardwood floors already in my home?

A. One benefit of finishing hardwood floors at home is that you can customize your floor's color and choose the type of shine you prefer. You may not be able to find the look you want in a factory-finished product.


Q. Which type of flooring is easier to install?

A. A factory-finished floor can be installed in as little as one day, without dust, fumes or odors. Site-finishing a floor can take several days. Sanding and finishing on site make a room off limits to foot traffic while each finishing coat dries.


Q. Which type of flooring is least expensive?

A. Factory-finished flooring typically costs more, but tends to be cheaper to install because there's no on-site finishing expense. Labor costs vary regionally, but experts say the total prices (including installation) of comparable floors (factory-finished or unfinished) often are pretty close.


Q. Can I get a solid hardwood floor with a factory-applied finish?

A. Yes. Manufacturers sell solid and engineered wood flooring with or without factory-applied finishes. One benefit of solid wood floors is that they can be sanded and refinished over several generations of use. Floors made of engineered wood are made of several layers of different woods or different grades of the same wood stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. Engineered wood floors typically can't be sanded more than a few times. Some can't be sanded at all. However, engineered hardwood floors are recommended for below-grade installation.


Q. What about specialty finishes?

A. Bleaching, pickling and antiquing are popular treatments for hardwoods throughout the home. Choose prefinished flooring if you want these specialty finishes. They are not recommended for do-it-yourselfers. Bleaching, which is the first step in pickling or antiquing, can weaken the wood and affect its ability to withstand everyday wear.


Q. Is it usually easier to repair factory-finished floors?

A. Yes. Damaged sections can be replaced with extra pieces saved from the original batch. A floor finished in the home will have to be recoated when individual boards are replaced.


Q. Can I find factory-finished moulding to match my wood floors?

A. Maybe. The selection of finishes available in prefinished moulding is limited. With a little luck, you may be able to save time and labor costs by purchasing prefinished solid wood trim that complements the wood accents in your home. Prefinished millwork must be cut, fitted and touched up when it is installed in the home.