Should I consider prefinished floors for my project?

Prefinished flooring is generally marketed to the homeowner or do-it-yourselfer who wants to install their own floor, and comprises a small percentage of the professional wood floor contractor market. It takes the most difficult and touchiest part of the job out of the picture, and eliminates the need for specialized equipment and expertise associated with site-sanding and finishing of a wood floor. ADVANTAGES: no sanding dust; no drying times for stains and finishes; and longer finish durability due to use of aluminum oxide finishes which can only be applied in a factory environment. DISADVANTAGES: uneven appearance since boards are not sanded level to one another following installation; greater visibility of cracks between boards since floors are not filled; limited options as to repair of a damaged area; harder to keep clean since most prefinished floors have a bevel-edge, which forms a v-shaped groove between boards; floors cannot be maintenance-coated periodically to restore sheen without voiding manufacturer’s wear-through warranty on finish.