Dynasty Flooring Supply offers a wide selection of prefinished Hardwood Flooring for homeowners, and general contractors, as well as individuals completing DIY projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, and Queens.
Are you looking to upgrade your house or apartment floors? Prefinished hardwood flooring is an excellent option that combines beauty, durability, and convenience. Unlike solid hardwood, prefinished floors are finished at the factory, eliminating the need for messy on-site sanding and staining. These floors come pre-finished with multiple layers of durable aluminum-oxide-infused polyurethane cured under UV lights. This process creates a scratch-resistant finish that’s ready to walk on immediately. A general contractor can offer a more efficient flooring installation process, minimizing disruptions to your home or business.
Choosing the Right Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
When selecting prefinished hardwood flooring, consider the following factors:
- Appearance: Different wood species offer unique colors, grain patterns, and textures. Higher, more expensive grades, typically have fewer defects and a more uniform appearance.
- Time-Saving Installation: Prefinished floors can be installed more quickly than solid hardwood, minimizing downtime and inconvenience.
- Low Maintenance: With prefinished flooring, you can enjoy beautiful floors without the hassle of regular sanding and refinishing.
- No Dust: Since prefinished floors are already finished at the factory, there’s no need for sanding in your home. This means less dust and a cleaner installation process.
- Durability: Prefinished hardwood is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it a long-lasting investment. Popular choices include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. Thicker floors can be refinished multiple times.
- Wide Variety of Styles: As has been noted, prefinished hardwood offers a vast array of classic and contemporary styles, colors, and finishes to suit any taste. Choose a matte or glossy finish that complements your home’s style and lighting.
- Less VOCs: Prefinished flooring eliminates the need for on-site finishing, reducing exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane resins and solvents. This creates a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
- Eco-Friendly: Many prefinished hardwood flooring options are made from sustainably sourced materials in order to promote environmental responsibility.
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring, Brooklyn, New York: Features
Beveled Wood
Prefinished flooring typically features beveled edges and ends to safeguard the finish from chipping during installation and to conceal irregularities that would otherwise be sanded away in unfinished wood. The bevels create small grooves, ranging from barely noticeable micro-bevels to deeper ones as wide as ⅛ inch. Consequently, deep grooves trap dust and dirt, making them more difficult to clean. For a cleaner appearance, consider bevel-less “square-edge” flooring, which resembles site-finished boards. However, square-edge flooring requires a perfectly flat subfloor to prevent exposed edges.
Board Width
Wood flooring is available in strips up to 3 inches wide and planks wider than 3 inches. Narrow boards are generally more affordable than wider options and offer a classic appearance. Rustic-style planks, however, are more susceptible to warping and gaps due to fluctuations in humidity. These issues become more pronounced as board width increases.
Wood Thickness
The standard thickness for hardwood flooring is ¾ inch, but thinner options as slim as 5/16 inch are available. Thinner boards can be advantageous during renovations to minimize transitions at doorways and stairways. However, they have a shorter lifespan, typically allowing for only one or two sanding refinishes.
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring Categories
Flooring Grade
Mills categorize flooring by grade, which reflects the number of surface imperfections, including knots and color variations, as well as board length. Boards with fewer defects and longer lengths generally belong to higher grades and command a higher price. While all grades can create a structurally sound floor, the decision often hinges on personal preference – whether you view knots and color variations as defects or as desirable character traits.
Wood Grain
When boards are cut from a log, they can be flatsawn (or plainsawn), resulting in growth rings that are roughly parallel to the face and a wavy grain pattern, or quartersawn, where the growth rings are perpendicular to the face, creating a straight grain. Most wood grades contain a combination of both cuts, but you can also choose all-quartersawn boards, which are less likely to shrink, swell, or cup. However, this option typically comes with a higher price tag due to its superior appearance.
Maintenance and Care for Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- Protect from Moisture: Use doormats to catch water and snow. Avoid excessive moisture, which can cause warping.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use mild, wood-safe cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Protect from Furniture: Place furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches.
- Professional Refinishing: Over time, prefinished hardwood may need to be refinished to restore its original appearance.
Additional Tips
- Consider the Climate: If you live in a humid climate, choose a wood species and finish that is resistant to moisture.
- Think About Lifestyle: If you have pets or children, select the most durable flooring option that can withstand heavy traffic.
- Consult a Professional: A flooring specialist can help you choose the right prefinished hardwood flooring for your home and provide expert installation advice.
By following these guidelines, you can select prefinished hardwood flooring that meets your aesthetic preferences and provides long-lasting durability and beauty.
Professional Flooring in Brooklyn, New York
Whether you’re a homeowner or a general contractor, Dynasty Flooring Supply offers a wide range of flooring and installation supplies to ensure a seamless process.
Ready to transform your space with beautiful prefinished hardwood flooring in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island and Queens? Call Dynasty Flooring Supply today.