Site Finished or Factory Finished Hardwood Flooring: Which one is Better?
Posted: October 27, 2025Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
Click on these links to view our extensive line of sustainable hardwood flooring, or email us for a pricing quote, or call us at (406) 640-4622.
Site-Finished vs. Factory-Finished Hardwood Flooring: Which one is Better?
If you’re in the midst of a home renovation and staring down the aisles of hardwood flooring options, a tough decision to make is to choose from either factory prefinished or a site finished floor. Both promise that warm, timeless appearance, but they couldn’t be more different in how they’re made, installed, and lived on.
First Things First: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up the basics. Factory-finished (or prefinished) hardwood arrives at your door and is ready to be installed. The wood planks are milled, stained, and sealed in a controlled factory environment, often with multiple layers of stain and protective finishes.
On the flip side, site-finished hardwood flooring (also called unfinished) is milled but contains no stains or sealers. The boards are installed raw, then sanded, stained, and sealed right there in your living room.
Now that we’ve got the vocab down, let’s dive into the: pros and the cons
Pros and Cons: Head-to-Head Comparison
To make this as straightforward as possible, here’s a quick table comparing the two against each other.
Factory Finish Pros:
- Tougher factory applied finishes (like aluminum oxide) resist scratches and wear better, lasting years longer than site options.
- Fast installation. No sanding or finishing needed, so you’re walking on it the same day with minimal dust and disruption.
- Uniform color and finish every time, thanks to climate controlled production, no surprises.
- Cost – Often 15-30% cheaper upfront costs due to no onsite labor for finishing.
- Better warranty. Often 5-25 years or more, because factories use premium finishes.
Factory Finish Cons:
- Refinishing is pricier and trickier, expect to shell out more to strip those multiple layers
- Limited customization. Once it’s in, color and sheen are locked in from the factory.
- Can feel less “artisan” if you’re after a one of a kind look.
- Higher long term refinish costs could add up.
- Warranties might not cover DIY refinishing.
Site Finished Pros:
- Easier and cheaper to refinish multiple times, ideal for long term homes.
- Total customization. Match stains to your decor or blend with existing floors seamlessly.
- Potential for a more natural, handcrafted vibe with subtle variations.
- The unfinished floor is typically more budget friendly.
- Simpler to handle repairs yourself.
Site Finished Cons:
- Less durable overall. On site finishes wear faster under heavy traffic.
- Time consuming and messy. Sanding creates a lot of dust and full curing takes days to weeks.
- Risk of inconsistencies if the job isn’t professionally installed.
- Installation and finishing costs can often be as expensive as the hardwood flooring itself.
- Shorter warranties (usually 3-5 years) on the applied finish.
Key Factors to Consider Before You Commit
Your choice boils down to your lifestyle, budget, and space. Here’s how to weigh it:
- Budget and Timeline: If you’re on a tight schedule or watching every penny, factory-finished wins. It slashes install time by days and keeps upfront costs down. But if you’re in it for the long haul and value easy future touch-ups, site-finished will pay off over decades.
- Room and Traffic: High traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entryways will perform better with a factory finish, those factory layers handle heels, pets, and spills much better than a site finished floor. For cozy bedrooms or low-use areas, site finished custom charm might suffice without overkill durability.
- Aesthetics and Home Style: Site finished lets you tweak stains to match any appearance you desire, for example a faded heirloom floors. Factory options are great for people that want uniformity.
- Eco and Health Angle: Factory finished often use low-VOC finishes for better air quality, site finished jobs can too if you use water based finishes. Just factor in the dust and air purifiers while sanding and finishing.
Pro tip: Always acclimate your wood to your home’s humidity for 7-14 days pre-install, regardless of finish type.
The Verdict: It Depends
So, is there a “best” finish? Nope. Factory finished may have a slight edge thanks to its durability, speed, and warranties that align with our fast paced lives. But if customization is what you’re looking for or you’re refinishing an older home, site-finished flexibility can’t be beat.
Ultimately, chat with a local flooring expert, get samples, and picture yourself and your furniture on that new floor. Whichever you pick, quality hardwood flooring is a legacy investment that’ll outlast trends.
Contact Us for a Quote
Our knowledgeable team is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Call us today for a free quote on our sustainable wide plank hardwood flooring at (406) 640-4622 or click here to submit an inquiry online. We look forward to helping you with your next project!