Is prefinished hardwood floors easy to install?

Prefabricated or “prefinished” hardwood flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ease of installation compared to traditional site-finished hardwood floors. Prefinished hardwood comes with a factory-applied finish, meaning you don’t have to sand or stain the floors yourself after installation. This makes prefinished hardwood a great DIY flooring option for homeowners looking to upgrade their floors without the hassle of professional installation. But is prefinished hardwood actually easy to install yourself? Here’s what you need to know about installing prefinished hardwood floors.

What is Prefinished Hardwood Flooring?

Prefinished hardwood flooring, also called “engineered wood flooring”, is made up of multiple layers of wood pressed together. The top layer is quality hardwood, usually oak, maple, cherry, or exotic woods like Brazilian cherry. This top layer, which you walk on, is the only part made of solid wood. The remaining layers are made of plywood or fiberboard.

Having multiple layers makes prefinished hardwood more stable than solid wood flooring, which expands and contracts more with temperature changes. The layers are also arranged with grain patterns opposite to each other for strength. This durable construction means prefinished hardwood can be installed directly over concrete or below grade.

The defining feature of prefinished hardwood is the ultraviolet-cured urethane finish applied in the factory. This finish protects against scratches and wear. And unlike site-finished floors, no sanding or staining is required after install. The floors are ready to use immediately!

Benefits of Prefinished Hardwood

There are several advantages to choosing prefinished hardwood floors:

• Factory finish – Floors come pre-stained, sealed, and urethaned for immediate use after install. No sanding or staining needed.
• Durable construction – Cross-ply build can withstand moisture and is ideal for basements or condos.
• Wide plank sizes – Prefinished floors come in wider planks up to 7 inches. This creates a modern, seamless look.
• Easy installation – The boards click together easily without glue or nails.
• Low maintenance – The tough factory finish resists scratches and wear.

In terms of installation, prefinished hardwood offers significant advantages over site-finished solid wood:

• Faster installation time – no sanding/staining/curing required after laying boards.
• Less dust – no onsite sanding and finishing leads to a cleaner install.
• Do-it-yourself friendly – the boards click together easily for DIY install.
• Can be walked on immediately – prefinished boards are ready for use after fastening to subfloor.

For these reasons, prefinished hardwood has become a go-to choice for many homeowners and contractors alike. The premium appearance and accelerated installation make prefinished floors an appealing upgrade option.

Is Prefinished Hardwood Easy to Install Yourself?

Installing prefinished hardwood floors still takes some work, but it is less labor-intensive than finishing solid hardwood. And prefinished floors can absolutely be installed by DIYers with basic skills. Here are some tips for easy installation:

Make sure subfloors are smooth and dry

Prefinished hardwood needs a smooth, flat subfloor just like any other flooring. This provides a stable base and prevents squeaking. Concrete should be cured and tested for moisture. Wood subfloors like plywood should be structurally sound. Any dips or bumps wider than 3mm should be sanded down or filled.

It’s also crucial that subfloors are dry. Moisture underneath can damage planks over time. For concrete, moisture should be below 3 lbs per 1,000 square feet over 24 hours. Wood subfloors should read no more than a 12% moisture content.

Allow boards to acclimate before installation

Acclimation is letting the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before install. To acclimate prefinished flooring, place boxes flat in the room where it will be installed for at least 72 hours before beginning. Keeping boards in proper conditions minimizes expansion and contraction later on.

Start with wall baseboards removed

It’s easiest to install new hardwood when existing baseboards and trim are removed from the walls. This allows the flooring to be slipped under moldings for a seamless look. Save time by carefully prying off baseboards before laying planks.

Undercut door casings

Use a handsaw or oscillating tool to undercut door casings and jambs throughout the house. This creates enough clearance to fit full planks underneath without leaving unsightly gaps. Aim to undercut casings by about 1/4 inch higher than the thickness of the new flooring.

Stagger end joints from row to row

When clicking planks together, be sure to stagger end joints in each alternating row by at least 6 inches. This helps ensure a stronger, more stable floor overall. Staggered joints prevent obvious seams running across the boards.

Use spacers along the walls

Leave 1/4 inch expansion gaps along all walls using spacers. Hardwood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes. The perimeter gaps give space for this movement and prevent buckling. Spacers can be removed once enough rows are fastened.

Follow a staggered brickwork pattern

Laying boards in a staggered brickwork pattern results in a more seamless look overall. Repeat the staggered joints in a step format rather than lining up boards. Cut planks at the ends of rows as needed to maintain pattern consistency.

Typical Tools Needed for Installation

Though less equipment is needed compared to finishing solid wood, there are still some important tools required for proper install:

• Handsaw or oscillating tool – for undercutting door jambs
• Tape measure
• Utility knife – for cutting boards accurately
• Spacers – used to maintain expansion gaps along walls
• Tapping block – to protect boards when tapping together
• Pull bar – to draw planks tightly together
• Wood glue – for gluing boards in difficult areas
• Hammer
• Eye and ear protection

Many prefinished flooring brands also have specialized installation kits containing the needed tools like spacers and pulling devices.

Power tools are not mandatory, but a table saw, miter saw, and jigsaw can make precise cutting easier. Always use sharp blades designed for fine woodworking when cutting engineered floors to avoid chip out.

How to Install Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Once prep work is complete, the basics of installing prefinished hardwood involve just a few key steps:

Step 1: Lay the underlayment

Start by rolling out the underlayment perpendicular to the flooring direction. Use underlayment designed for laminate or engineered floors. Underlayment creates a moisture barrier, smooths out small subfloor imperfections, and helps reduce noise.

Step 2: Install the starter row

The starter row guides the rest of the install, so it must be straight and properly spaced from walls. Measure and cut boards to fit with the tongue side facing the wall. Use shims to maintain the 1/4” perimeter gap. Secure into place along the starting wall, ensuring boards are aligned.

Step 3: Lay the next rows

Continue laying boards left to right, engaging the click-lock joints as you go. Stagger end joints in each row by at least 6 inches. Use spacers along the back wall, and tap boards gently into place with a tapping block to secure fit. Avoid forcing boards together, which can damage the click profile.

Step 4: Cut final row boards

The last row will likely need to be cut lengthwise for an accurate fit. Lay a board atop the final row, use a scrap piece to set the depth gap, and trace cut line. Use a table saw for clean and straight end cuts. Install the final boards and remove all spacers.

Step 5: Reinstall trim and transitions

With all floorboards in place, reinstall baseboards, quarter rounds, and transitions with finishing nails, leaving a slight gap above floor. Use T-moldings in doorways and between rooms. This completes the installation process. Be sure to save a few boards in case future repairs are needed.

Cost to Install Prefinished Hardwood Floors

For DIY installation, costs will mainly consist of purchasing the flooring boards. High-quality prefinished hardwood runs $4 to $12 per square foot. A typical 30 square foot room would cost $120 to $360 for materials. Underlayment, glue, tools, and accessories can add $100 or more.

Professional installation ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot depending on your area. So that same 300 square foot room would be $1,800 to $3,000 installed. This makes DIY prefinished hardwood installation a great way to save on upgrade costs.

Here is a comparison of average costs for materials, labor, and total installation:

Installation Type	Flooring Cost per Sq.Ft.	Labor Cost per Sq.Ft.	Total Cost 300 Sq.Ft.
DIY Install	$4 – $12	N/A	$1,200 – $3,600
Professional Install	Included	$6 – $10	$1,800 – $3,000

As you can see, installing prefinished hardwood floors yourself can greatly reduce costs while still achieving beautiful results.

Prefinished Hardwood Floor Brands

Many top flooring brands now offer prefinished engineered hardwood lines:

• Bruce – Good pricing with wider 5” plank sizes.
• Cali Bamboo – Known for sustainable bamboo flooring.
• Shaw – Lots of color and style options.
• Mohawk – Wide range from budget to premium boards.
• Kährs – Swedish brand focused on eco-friendly floors.
• Anderson – High-quality, all-American craftsmanship.
• DuraSeal – Specializes in unique distressed looks.
• Teragren – Popular for prefinished bamboo floors.

When shopping, look for reputable brands that offer warranties of at least 25 years on residential prefinished floors. This ensures your investment will last decades.

Pros and Cons of Installing Prefinished Hardwood

Prefabricated engineered floors offer great advantages, but also have some limitations to consider:

Pros

• Easier and faster installation than site-finished solid wood.
• Factory finishing looks smooth and professional.
• Can be walked on immediately after install.
• Durable construction withstands moisture.
• Wide plank sizes and patterns available.
• Low-maintenance urethane finish.
• Ideal for DIY installations.

Cons

• Higher material cost than carpeting.
• Can scratch or dent if heavy objects dragged across.
• Flooring acclimation period required.
• Professional may be needed for demolition and disposal.
• Refinishing not possible like with solid wood.

The pros of easy installation, durability, and stylish appearance often outweigh the extra costs and maintenance considerations for many homeowners.

Prefinished vs. Site-Finished Hardwood

Both prefinished and site-finished hardwood have distinct advantages:

Prefinished Hardwood

• Comes pre-stained and coated for fast installation.
• Engineered core ideal for radiant heat.
• More stable construction than solid wood.
• Easy DIY click-lock installation.
• Wide variety of patterns and designs.

Site-Finished Hardwood

• Can be sanded and refinished many times.
• Solid wood construction coveted by some.
• Low start-up material cost.
• Can match existing flooring seamlessly.
• Unlimited stain color options.

Site finishing allows tons of customization but requires much more installation effort. Prefinished floors offer eye-catching, factory-finished looks in diverse styles. Choose the best option for your project goals, budget, and DIY skill level.

Prefinished Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another alternative gaining popularity for its realistic looks and low cost. Here’s how prefinished hardwood and laminate compare:

Factor	Prefinished Hardwood	Laminate Flooring
Composition	Wood veneer over plywood/HDF core	Printed image fused to HDF core
Installation	Glueless click-lock	Glueless click-lock
Durability	Dents possible but scratches better	Highly scratch/dent resistant
Water resistance	Good with quality finish	Very good, boards are waterproof
Cost per sq.ft.	$4 – $12	$1 – $5

Laminate flooring resists scratches very well and offers great value. But prefinished hardwood provides real wood appeal and can be repeatedly refinished. Consider how each flooring fits your home needs and budget.

Conclusion

Installing prefinished hardwood floors presents a rewarding upgrade project for DIYers. While professional installation is also an option, you can save substantially by doing it yourself. With proper tools and preparation, these engineered wood floors can be installed quickly and easily. Just follow essential steps like allowing acclimation time, using underlayment, maintaining expansion gaps, and staggering end joints. The boards click together tightly to produce a beautiful real wood floor without the dust and fumes of post-install sanding and refinishing. While costs are higher than alternatives like laminate, prefinished hardwood offers natural beauty, versatility, and long-lasting durability. For those looking to upgrade their home’s floors with great looks and fast installation, prefinished hardwood is an ideal choice.