Prefinished hardwood is excellent for people who want to do the installation themselves, but without the sanding and the exhaustive finishing process.

Price of a new hardwood floor is generally not an advantage. For the cost of a very high-quality prefinished floor, you can probably find a local contractor to install, sand and finish your floor cheaper.

However, prefinished hardwood flooring offers a much cleaner, clearer finish than a floor finished in your home. Because the wood is finished in carefully controlled factory conditions, it does not have the dust, dirt and other particles that are visible in almost any floor that's finished on site.

You also don't have to move out when the finish is applied. Most people simply love the way hardwood flooring enhances a room. It gives a room a sense of warmth. Even in a small house with minimal space, hardwood floors give a well-crafted appearance. In fact, 90 percent of estate agents / realtors say that hardwood floors help a home sell faster and for more money.

Remember the hardwood basics

There are many good reasons why hardwood flooring may be right for your home. There are also a few good reasons why wood flooring might not be. It's worth taking the time to educate yourself about the pros and cons of wood before you make your purchase.

Hardwood floors tie a room together, yet complement virtually any furniture, decor or overall style. The wide range of species, colours and patterns offer endless design possibilities.

Hardwood floors are easy to clean. They're ideal for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, because dust particles, pollen and dust mites stay on the surface where they can be thoroughly wiped out.

For the price of a high-quality carpet installation, a well-maintained hardwood floor can easily last beyond a 30-year mortgage, while carpets are replaced an average of three times in that same time span.

Before Considering a Wood floor, Consider What's Under It.

Before looking into the benefits of the various hardwood flooring types, finishes and other considerations, it's extremely important to talk about the floor under the floor. Or, more simply: a wood floor is only as good as the subfloor. Make sure the floor you intend to lay on is flat and secure.