Why Unfinished Hardwood?
Unfinished hardwood flooring represents the pinnacle of custom flooring. Unlike prefinished options, unfinished floors are sanded and finished on-site, allowing for complete color customization and creating seamlessly smooth surfaces that rival the finest architectural homes.
We source premium unfinished hardwood from trusted suppliers like Hurst Hardwoods and Appalachian Lumber, offering domestic species including Red Oak, White Oak, Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Hickory, and Ash, all kiln dried and NWFA certified or better.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
Both options deliver the beauty of real hardwood with site-finished customization. Choose based on your installation environment and performance needs.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
Solid Hardwood
Traditional solid hardwood milled from a single piece of lumber. NWFA certified, kiln dried. All species available with tongue and groove on all 4 sides, relief plowed for stability.
THICKNESS
3/4" standard (1/2" and 5/8" available)
WIDTHS
1½" to 11" wide
LENGTHS
Up to 16' with standard 1'-7' nested bundles
WEAR LAYER
Full thickness can be sanded multiple times
3/4" = 6mm wear layer
Key Benefits
- Can be sanded and refinished many times
- Longest lifespan of any flooring type
- Traditional craftsmanship and authenticity
- Best for nail-down installation over wood subfloors
Best For
Ground-level and above-grade installations with wood subfloors. Ideal for those who value longevity and traditional installation methods.
Engineered Hardwood
Premium engineered construction with real hardwood wear layer over stable plywood core. Perfect for radiant heat, concrete, and below-grade installations where solid wood cannot be used.
THICKNESS
5/8" and 3/4" Options available
WIDTHS
Wide widths available
LENGTHS
Long length options
WEAR LAYER
4mm wear layer (can be sanded 2-3 times)
5/8" = 4mm wear layer
3/4" = 6mm wear layer
Key Benefits
- Superior dimensional stability
- Compatible with radiant heat systems
- Can be installed below grade
- Less susceptible to humidity changes
Best For
Basements, over concrete, radiant heat systems, and environments with humidity fluctuations.
Available Specifications
Solid Hardwood
THICKNESS
3/4", 1/2", 5/8"
WIDTHS
1½", 2¼", 3¼", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11"
EDGE OPTIONS
Square Edge (standard), V-Joint, Micro-Bevel
- Tongue & groove all 4 sides
- Relief plowed
- Kiln dried
- NWFA certified
Engineered Hardwood
THICKNESS
5/8", 3/4"
WEAR LAYER
4mm (can sand 2-3 times)
- Stable plywood core
- Radiant heat compatible
- Below-grade installation
PREMIUM WOOD SPECIES
Choose Your Perfect Species
We source the finest domestic hardwoods from trusted suppliers, each kiln dried and NWFA certified. Every species offers unique characteristics in tone, hardness, and visual appeal.
White Oak
The gold standard for unfinished hardwood. Closed-grain structure accepts stain beautifully and resists moisture. Available in Plain Sawn, Rift & Quartered, Quarter Sawn, and Rift Sawn cuts.
Hardness: 1360 Janka
Style: Versatile - Traditional to Modern
- Plain Sawn
- Rift & Quartered
- Quarter Sawn
- Rift Sawn
Red Oak
A classic American hardwood with distinctive pinkish-red undertones and prominent open grain. Excellent value with timeless appeal. Available in all cut styles including Rift & Quartered.
Hardness: 1290 Janka
Style: Traditional & Warm
- Plain Sawn
- Rift & Quartered
- Quarter Sawn
- Rift Sawn
Maple
Features a fine, uniform grain with light cream coloring. Exceptionally hard and durable, perfect for high-traffic areas.
1450 Janka
Clean & Contemporary
Hickory
The hardest domestic hardwood with dramatic grain variation and contrasting colors from creamy white to rich brown.
1820 Janka
Rustic & Bold
Walnut
Prized for its rich, dark chocolate tones and elegant straight grain. Steamed walnut offers more uniform coloring.
1010 Janka
Luxury & Refined
American Cherry
Features warm reddish-brown hues that deepen beautifully with age and light exposure. Smooth grain and elegant.
950 Janka
Elegant & Formal
Additional Species Available
We can source many additional domestic and specialty species. Contact us for availability and pricing.
- Ash
- Beech
- Yellow Birch
- Red Birch
- Poplar
- Alder
- Douglas Fir
- White Pine
- Yellow Pine
- Heart Pine
- Wormy Chesnut
- Wormy Maple
- Aromatic Cedar
- Cypress
UNDERSTANDING QUALITY
Hardwood Grades Explained
Wood grading determines the amount of natural character in your floor. There is no "best" grade, only the grade that best matches your design vision.
Grade 1: Select & Better
Milled from the highest grade of hardwood lumber. Very few if any knots, mineral streaks, or worm holes. Creates a clean, uniform look that showcases the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Key Benefits
- Cleaner, more uniform appearance
- Minimal knots and mineral streaks
- Refined, sophisticated look
- Ideal for formal spaces
Best For
Homeowners seeking a polished, refined aesthetic for living rooms, dining rooms, and master suites.
Grade 2: Most Common
The most popular grade, offering the perfect balance of natural character and consistency. Moderate variation in color and grain creates warmth and visual interest.
Key Benefits
- Natural wood variation
- Moderate character markings
- Warm, traditional feel
- Excellent value
Best For
Those who want authentic wood character without being too rustic. Perfect for family rooms and everyday spaces.
Grade 3: Character Grade
Milled from #1 or #2 common grade lumber. Features tight knots, mineral streaking, and natural color variations for a more rustic floor. Each plank tells a unique story.
Key Benefits
- Maximum natural character
- Tight knots and mineral streaks
- Dramatic color variation
- Organic, artisan appeal
Best For
Design-forward homeowners and builders who embrace rustic, farmhouse, or organic modern aesthetics.
Cut Characteristics
How lumber is cut from the log dramatically affects the floor's appearance, stability, and performance. We offer Plain Sawn, Quarter Sawn, Rift Sawn, and Rift & Quartered cuts.
Plain Sawn (Flat Sawn)
The most common and economical cut. Boards are cut tangentially to the growth rings, creating the distinctive cathedral or flame pattern. Offers the widest boards and most efficient use of the log.
- Cathedral and arched grain patterns
- Most economical cut option
- Widest board availability
- Classic traditional appearance
Ideal For
Budget-conscious projects, traditional interiors, and installations where natural wood variation is desired.
Quarter Sawn
Cut perpendicular to growth rings at 60-90 degrees. Reveals the stunning medullary rays unique to oak species, creating the iconic "tiger stripe" or "flake" effect prized in Arts & Crafts and Mission styles.
- Distinctive medullary ray figure
- Classic "tiger stripe" effect
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Historic craftsmanship appeal
Ideal For
Those seeking a truly distinctive floor with Arts & Crafts, Mission, or luxury styling.
Rift Sawn
Cut at 30-60 degrees to growth rings, producing the cleanest, most linear grain with minimal cathedral patterns. The contemporary choice for sleek, modern interiors.
- Ultra-linear grain pattern
- Minimal figure and variation
- Clean, modern appearance
- Great dimensional stability
Ideal For
Contemporary and minimalist designs where clean lines and understated elegance are paramount.
Rift & Quartered
A combination of both rift and quarter sawn boards, offering maximum dimensional stability with varied grain patterns. The preferred choice for radiant heat and demanding environments.
- Maximum dimensional stability
- Mix of linear and ray figure
- Superior performance
- Premium architectural grade
Ideal For
Premium architectural homes, radiant heat applications, and projects demanding the highest performance standards.
Why Choose Unfinished Hardwood?
Unfinished hardwood flooring offers benefits that prefinished simply cannot match. From complete customization to superior longevity, discover why discerning homeowners, builders, and designers choose unfinished.
Complete Customization
Choose your exact stain color, sheen level, and finish type. Create a floor that perfectly matches your vision and complements your décor.
Seamless Beauty
Site-finished floors are sanded and finished in place, creating perfectly smooth transitions between boards with no micro-bevels or gaps.
Superior Durability
Multiple coats of finish bond directly to the wood and to each other, creating a stronger, more unified protective layer.
Lifetime Refinishing
Unlike prefinished floors, unfinished hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its life for generations.
Premium Craftsmanship
All flooring is kiln dried and NWFA certified or better, manufactured to the highest specifications for peace of mind.
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Experience the Arbor Zen Difference
Premium unfinished hardwood, expert guidance, and craftsmanship you can trust.