Finishing Stage
In the last two posts, we’ve looked at the selection, grading, and planing of hardwood flooring. Now we’re at the final stage of manufacturing and taking a closer look at the finishing process, when protective coatings and sealants are applied to hardwood and engineered wood flooring.
Finished or Unfinished?
Some hardwood floor lines are sold unfinished, meaning they have not been treated with sealants, stains, or coatings after the planing and milling process. While these floors may be less expensive upfront, you’ll need to hire a professional to stain and seal the wood to ensure durability and enhance its appearance. Although the finish may not be as durable as pre-manufactured options, unfinished wood flooring offers the advantage of customization, allowing you to choose the stain, sheen level, and texture that best suits your preferences.
Finishing Hardwood Floors
Prefinished hardwood flooring comes with stain and/or sealant already applied to the planks. Semi-transparent stains are absorbed into the wood, providing deep, uniform color, while clear sealants, where applicable, form a protective barrier against moisture and make cleaning easier. Over time, the stain can be removed using heavy-duty sanders and reapplied to restore the floor’s appearance. One of the key benefits of solid hardwood flooring is its ability to be refinished, though high-end engineered wood floors can also be refinished once or twice over their lifetime, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.
Finishing Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood flooring consists of a layer of solid hardwood bonded to a tightly constructed plywood core. Stain and sealants are applied to the top layer in the same manner as prefinished hardwood floors.
Acrylic impregnation is a specialized process that significantly boosts the durability and quality of engineered wood flooring. During this process, a blend of liquid acrylic and stain is infused into the wood’s top layer, not only enhancing the appearance but also strengthening the wood’s cellular structure. Consumers often find that acrylic-impregnated engineered wood lasts longer, resists fading, and is more resistant to dents and damage.
Since the stain penetrates deeply into the wood, the finish remains even and vibrant for a longer period. 
The liquid acrylic helps reinforce the strength of the flooring, making it more resistant to heavy traffic and everyday wear. This type of engineered wood flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms, where both strength and aesthetics are important.
Once the hardwood or engineered wood planks are finished and packaged, they are shipped to your local retailer. You can choose from a wide variety of species, profiles, and finishes to find a product that meets all of your needs.
With a better understanding of how hardwood flooring is made, you’ll be well-equipped to select high-quality products that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.