Choosing the right timber flooring is more than just picking a wood species, it’s also about deciding how it’s finished. One of the most common dilemmas for Melbourne homeowners and renovators is whether to go with prefinished solid timber flooring or raw timber finished on-site.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in cost, time, finish quality, and practicality so you can make the right decision for your space.

What Is Prefinished Timber? 

Prefinished timber flooring refers to solid timber planks that are sanded, stained, and sealed in a factory before being delivered to your home. The boards arrive ready to install, with no need for on-site finishing or additional coatings.

Benefits of Prefinished Timber:

• Faster and cleaner installation
• Consistent factory-grade finish
• No downtime waiting for coats to dry
• Less disruption to your household

In contrast, raw solid timber flooring is installed unfinished, then sanded and coated on-site. This method offers greater flexibility in customisation, but also requires more time, skill, and post-installation care.

Time and Cost Comparison 

 Installation Time

• Prefinished timber: Can be walked on immediately after installation, ideal for tight timelines.
• Raw timber: Requires sanding, staining, sealing, and drying, taking several extra days.

Cost Differences

• Prefinished timber flooring may have a higher upfront product cost but lower labour costs.
• Raw timber flooring allows for customisation but incurs additional on-site finishing charges.

For busy homeowners or renovation projects with limited flexibility, prefinished flooring can save both time and mess.

Finish Options Available 

When it comes to style and finish, both options offer high-quality results, but in different ways:

Prefinished Options:

• Matt, satin, or gloss coatings
• UV-cured finishes for extra durability
• Wire-brushed or hand-scraped textures

Raw Timber Options:

• Custom stain matching
• Unlimited sanding depth for future refinishing
• Greater flexibility in the sheen level and colour blend

If you want a bespoke colour tone or need to match existing flooring, raw timber gives you the control. If durability and uniformity matter more, prefinished is a better fit.

Which One Is Best for You? 

The choice between prefinished and raw solid timber flooring depends on your priorities, whether that’s time, customisation, or the look and feel of the finish.

If you’re working with a tight schedule or want to avoid the mess of sanding and finishing on-site, prefinished timber is the clear winner. It offers a consistent, factory-applied finish, minimal disruption during installation, and can be walked on the same day it’s laid.

However, if you’re aiming for a highly customised result( such as matching an existing floor tone, applying a unique stain, or achieving a specific gloss level), raw timber gives you the creative flexibility to get it just right. Keep in mind it takes longer to install and involves more steps, including sanding, coating, and curing time.

In short, go with prefinished for convenience and durability. Choose raw timber if you value creative control and a truly bespoke finish.

Why Armalux Recommends Both, Depending on Your Needs

At Armalux, we supply both prefinished and raw solid timber flooring and guide you through choosing the right one for your lifestyle, timeline, and aesthetic goals. Our expert team works closely with you, whether you’re seeking a quick and clean install or a fully customised heritage finish.

Need Help Choosing the Right Timber Flooring?

Get in touch with Armalux for tailored advice and premium timber options trusted by Melbourne homeowners, architects, and interior designers.