Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
If you want a real wood floor with a truly custom look, unfinished hardwood flooring is the go-to choice. Unlike prefinished options, unfinished (also called site-finished hardwood) is installed first, then sanded, stained, and sealed on-site—so you can dial in the exact color, sheen, and overall style you want. From warm, classic tones to modern natural looks, unfinished hardwood gives you the freedom to match existing trim, cabinetry, or an entire home’s design.
At Carpet Express, our unfinished hardwood selection makes it easy to shop by the details that matter most—species, grade, and width—so you can build the right floor for your space and budget.
Carpet Express has a full line of unfinished hardwood. If you cannot find a particular species, size, or grade, please call sales at 800-922-5582.
Solid Hardwood - 2.25 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | Red Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$3.99 SQ FT
REG $4.98
Solid Hardwood - 3.25 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | Red Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$3.79 SQ FT
REG $4.73
Solid Hardwood - 5 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | Red Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$4.15 SQ FT
REG $5.18
Solid Hardwood - 2.25 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | White Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$4.49 SQ FT
REG $5.61
Solid Hardwood - 3.25 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | White Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$4.65 SQ FT
REG $5.81
Solid Hardwood - 5 in. Wide - 0.75 in. Thick | White Oak - Unfinished Hardwood
- Available in 2 Colors
$6.65 SQ FT
REG $8.31
Shop by Species
Unfinished hardwood is available in sought-after, time-tested options like Red Oak, White Oak, & Hickory, both known for durability and distinctive grain. Red oak offers bold grain and warm character, while white oak delivers a tighter grain and a versatile color range that pairs beautifully with today’s popular stain tones.
Choose Your Grade: Clean to Full of Character
Hardwood grading affects the overall appearance more than anything else:
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Select & Better is ideal if you prefer a cleaner, more uniform floor with minimal natural markings and less color variation.
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#1 & #2 Common grades bring a more rustic, lived-in style with greater variation, mineral streaks, and natural character—perfect for homes where you want the floor to feel authentic and unique.
Pick the Width That Fits Your Style
Plank width changes the entire feel of a room. We offer popular widths including 2 1/4", 3 1/4", and 5" wide plank options—whether you’re after a traditional narrow-plank look, a balanced mid-width style, or a wide-plank statement.
Why Choose Unfinished Hardwood?
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Custom stain and sheen (matte, satin, semi-gloss, and more)
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Seamless, site-finished look across rooms and transitions
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A long-term floor that can be refinished over time
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Ideal for matching existing hardwood or historic homes
Ready to start? Browse unfinished hardwood by species and grade to find the right fit, then finish it your way for a floor that looks like it was made specifically for your home.
Unfinished Hardwood Flooring FAQs
What is unfinished hardwood flooring?
Unfinished hardwood flooring is real wood installed in its raw state, then sanded, stained (optional), and sealed on-site. This “site-finished” process lets you customize the final color and sheen for a truly tailored look.
Is unfinished hardwood better than prefinished hardwood?
It depends on your priorities. Unfinished hardwood offers maximum customization and a seamless, site-finished appearance. Prefinished hardwood is faster to install and ready to walk on sooner. The best choice comes down to timeline, budget, and the look you want.
How long does it take to finish unfinished hardwood floors?
Most projects take several days once installation is complete, since sanding, staining (if used), and multiple coats of finish require drying and cure time. The exact timeline varies based on finish type, humidity, and the size of the job.
Can you live in the house while floors are being sanded and finished?
Sometimes, but it can be disruptive. Sanding creates dust, and finishes can have odors and off-gassing. Many homeowners choose to stay elsewhere during the finishing phase, especially with oil-based products, pets, or sensitivities.
What’s the difference between Select & Better and #1/#2 Common grade?
Select & Better is a cleaner, more uniform look with fewer natural markings and less color variation. #1 and #2 Common grades have more visible character—like variation, mineral streaks, and occasional knots—creating a more rustic, natural appearance.
What unfinished hardwood widths are available?
Many unfinished hardwood products are offered in popular widths such as 2 1/4", 3 1/4", and 5" wide plank. Narrower planks feel more traditional, while wider planks create a more open, modern look.
Do wider planks show more movement or gaps?
Wider planks can be more sensitive to seasonal expansion and contraction because they span more wood across the width. Proper acclimation, correct installation methods, and maintaining stable indoor humidity help minimize movement.
What finish is best for unfinished hardwood floors?
The “best” finish depends on your goals. Water-based polyurethane typically dries faster and stays clearer, while oil-based polyurethane can add warmth and longer working time. Your installer can recommend the right system based on traffic, sheen preference, and timeline.
What sheen should I choose (matte, satin, semi-gloss)?
Matte and satin are popular for a natural look and can help hide small scratches and dust. Semi-gloss is brighter and more reflective but may show wear more easily. Choose based on your style, lighting, and maintenance expectations.
Do red oak and white oak stain differently?
Yes. Red oak often shows stronger grain and can pull warmer/redder tones, while white oak tends to have a more neutral-to-golden base and can work especially well with many modern stain colors. Always test stain samples on the exact wood you’re installing.
How much does unfinished hardwood flooring cost per square foot?
Pricing varies by species, grade, width, and availability, plus installation and finishing. For the most accurate total, consider both material cost and on-site finishing steps (sanding, stain if used, and multiple finish coats).
Does unfinished hardwood need to acclimate before installation?
Yes. Wood should acclimate to the home’s normal living conditions before installation to help reduce expansion/contraction issues later. Acclimation time varies by climate, jobsite conditions, and product—your installer should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.