When it comes to flooring options, unfinished hardwood stands out as a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike. Offering both aesthetic flexibility and superior durability, unfinished hardwood flooring provides a perfect foundation for creating beautiful, personalized spaces.
What is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?
Unfinished hardwood flooring refers to raw wood planks that have not undergone any finishing processes, such as staining, sealing, or sanding. This flooring type provides homeowners with the freedom to customize their floors according to their specific design preferences.
Benefits of Choosing Unfinished Hardwood
Customization Options
Choose a stain that complements your decor, whether you prefer a light, natural look or a dark, rich hue. This level of personalization is not available with pre-finished options.
Enhanced Durability
Unfinished hardwood can be sanded and finished on-site, allowing for a more robust protective layer that creates a smoother, more durable surface.
Timeless Appeal
The classic aesthetic of hardwood flooring never goes out of style. Unfinished hardwood can suit various design themes, from rustic and traditional to modern and minimalist.
Hides Imperfections
Once installed and finished, any small imperfections in the wood are often less noticeable. The finishing process can fill in minor scratches and blemishes.
Popular Wood Species
Oak
One of the most common hardwood flooring choices, known for its durability and appealing grain patterns. Available in both red and white varieties. Accepts stains well, making it excellent for customization.
Maple
A dense hardwood with a light color and subtle grain patterns. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, and its light color provides a modern look.
Hickory
A robust hardwood known for its distinctive grain and color variations. Highly durable and resistant to wear. Its natural variations add character and uniqueness to each plank.
Walnut
A rich, dark hardwood with a luxurious appearance and intricate grain patterns. Perfect for formal settings. Walnut's natural beauty shines through with minimal finishing.
Ash
Known for its light color and straight grain pattern. Durable with a unique, airy look that works well in contemporary spaces. Accepts stains easily, allowing for customization.
Finishing Your Unfinished Hardwood
Sanding
Use a drum sander to smooth the surface and prepare it for staining. This process removes imperfections and creates a smooth finish.
Staining
Apply your chosen stain using a brush or cloth. Allow the stain to penetrate for a few minutes before wiping off the excess. Multiple coats can be applied for a deeper color.
Sealing
Apply a protective sealant — polyurethane, oil-based finishes, or water-based finishes. Each type has its pros and cons, so choose based on your needs for durability and drying time.
Cost Considerations
Material Costs
Unfinished hardwood prices vary depending on the species, quality, and source. On average, expect to pay between $3 to $8 per square foot.
Installation Costs
If hiring a professional, installation costs can range from $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job and location.
Long-Term Value
Investing in high-quality unfinished hardwood can enhance your home's value. Properly maintained hardwood floors can attract potential buyers and offer a great return on investment.
Unfinished Hardwood Pricing Guide: Michigan 2026
| Species | Grade | Width | Material Cost | Janka Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | Select & Better | 2-1/4" | $3.50–$4.50/sq ft | 1,290 |
| Red Oak | Select & Better | 3-1/4" | $3.75–$5.00/sq ft | 1,290 |
| White Oak | Select & Better | 3-1/4" | $4.50–$6.00/sq ft | 1,360 |
| White Oak | Character/Rustic | 4" or 5" | $4.00–$5.50/sq ft | 1,360 |
| Hard Maple | Select & Better | 2-1/4" | $4.00–$5.50/sq ft | 1,450 |
| Hickory | Character | 3-1/4" | $4.50–$6.50/sq ft | 1,820 |
| Ash | Select & Better | 3-1/4" | $4.00–$5.50/sq ft | 1,320 |
Finish Options for Unfinished Hardwood in Michigan
Choosing the right finish for Michigan homes requires balancing durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. Michigan's climate — with its road salt, humidity swings, and active households — demands a finish that can handle real-world use.
Bona Traffic HD (Waterborne Polyurethane)
The top choice for Michigan hardwood floors. Bona Traffic HD is a commercial-grade waterborne finish with exceptional durability — it's used in Michigan schools, restaurants, and high-traffic commercial spaces. For residential Michigan homes, it provides the best combination of durability, fast dry time (2–3 hours between coats), and low VOC. Available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss sheens. Quality Hardwoods of Michigan stocks Bona Traffic HD and can advise on application.
DuraSeal Oil-Based Polyurethane
DuraSeal is the traditional Michigan contractor choice — a proven oil-based polyurethane with excellent durability and a warm amber tone that enhances the natural color of oak and maple. Oil-based finishes take longer to dry (8–12 hours between coats, 3–5 days before furniture) and have higher VOC than waterborne options, but many Michigan homeowners prefer the warmer, richer look. DuraSeal is available in gloss, semi-gloss, and satin.
Rubio Monocoat (Hardwax Oil)
Rubio Monocoat is a one-coat hardwax oil finish that penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top. It creates a natural, matte look that many Michigan homeowners prefer for wide-plank white oak and character-grade floors. Rubio Monocoat is easy to spot-repair — damaged areas can be touched up without refinishing the entire floor. The trade-off: it requires more frequent maintenance than polyurethane and is less resistant to standing water.
Loba Waterborne Finishes
Loba is a German waterborne finish brand that Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries for customers who want a premium waterborne alternative to Bona. Loba's 2K Supra AT and Easy Finish lines offer excellent durability with a very clear, non-yellowing finish — ideal for white oak and maple where color clarity is important.
DuraSeal Stain Colors: Popular Michigan Choices
Early American
Warm medium brown; most popular for Michigan oak
Special Walnut
Rich medium-dark brown; classic Michigan look
Classic Gray
Cool gray; popular for contemporary Michigan homes
Natural
No color; lets wood grain show; popular for white oak
Jacobean
Dark espresso; dramatic; popular for formal Michigan rooms
Golden Oak
Warm golden tone; traditional Michigan look
Ebony
Near-black; bold statement; popular for accent areas
Weathered Oak
Driftwood gray; popular for farmhouse Michigan homes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unfinished hardwood flooring?
Unfinished hardwood is raw wood flooring that is installed first, then sanded and finished on-site. Unlike prefinished hardwood — which arrives from the factory with stain and finish already applied — unfinished hardwood gives you complete control over the final color and sheen. The on-site finishing process creates a seamless look with no beveled edges between planks, and allows you to match existing floors or achieve a custom stain color that isn't available in prefinished products. It's the preferred choice for whole-home installations where a consistent, seamless look is the goal.
What finish should I use on unfinished hardwood in Michigan?
For most Michigan homes, Bona Traffic HD (waterborne polyurethane) is the best choice — it's the most durable residential finish available, dries quickly, and has low VOC. For Michigan homeowners who prefer a warmer, more traditional look, DuraSeal oil-based polyurethane is the proven contractor choice. For wide-plank white oak with a natural or gray stain, Rubio Monocoat hardwax oil creates a beautiful, low-sheen look that many Michigan homeowners prefer. Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries all major finish brands and can advise on the best choice for your specific project.
Where can I buy unfinished hardwood in Michigan?
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan in Rochester Hills stocks unfinished red oak, white oak, hard maple, hickory, and ash in multiple widths (2-1/4", 3-1/4", 4", and 5") and grades (Select & Better, #1 Common, Character/Rustic). We also carry DuraSeal stains (36 colors), Bona Traffic HD, DuraSeal oil-based polyurethane, and Rubio Monocoat. Visit our showroom at 1799 Northfield Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 or call (248) 853-2232. We deliver throughout Southeast Michigan.
Shop Unfinished Hardwood in Michigan
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries a wide selection of unfinished hardwood flooring in oak, maple, hickory, and more. Visit us in Rochester Hills.