Unfinished flooring requires sanding, staining and finishing; and is generally installed during new home construction or used to match existing hardwood flooring. Unfinished hardwood offers limitless design opportunities by means of medallions, borders, feature stripes, inlays, or patterns.
Usually, a minimum of three to five days are needed to complete sanding and finishing of a site-sanded project. This time frame of course depends on the job size and does not include the urethane cure time which is approximately 21 days; the period in which the finish is still soft and can be damaged by moving furnishings.
Oil base polyurethane finishes give off heavy odors, which can last until completely cured. It can be irritating to some people (smells like paint). With ventilation, vapors dissipate quickly (i.e., open windows). A water-based polyurethane has very little odor. Because of the fumes that will be released during the finish application, pilot lights must be turned off.
There are three main types of polyurethane finish on the market:
-
Hi-gloss: gives a very
shiny finish (85% to 95% luster). Becoming less popular.
A very shiny finish has some inconveniences; marks of all
sorts are more apparent and scratches and dust are more
visible.
-
Semi-gloss: gives an
average shine finish (60% to 70% luster). The most
popular, it stands up to the industry as a standard for
site-finished projects and prefinished factory floors.
- Satin: gives a silky finish (30% luster). Becoming more and more popular when the consumer has some domestic animals. Marks and scratches on the floor show up less.