Showroom Locations HQ: 650.654.8880
Technical Guide

Unfinished Guide

Raw boards finished on site for a seamless, custom look, which is perfect for matching existing floors or specific stain requirements. Learn more about unfinished hardwood flooring.

Authorized Direct Dealer For

Allora authorized dealer Anderson Tuftex authorized dealer Artisan Hardwood Handcrafted Flooring authorized dealer Cali Bamboo Hardwood and Waterproof Collections authorized dealer California Classics authorized dealer Carlisle authorized dealer Colonial Collection authorized dealer COREtec authorized dealer Coswick authorized dealer Duchateau authorized dealer Ecotimber authorized dealer Hallmark Floors authorized dealer HempWood authorized dealer Hermitage Collection authorized dealer Homerwood Premium Hardwood authorized dealer Johnson Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Karndean authorized dealer Lauzon Flooring authorized dealer Legno Bastone authorized dealer LW Flooring authorized dealer Mannington Flooring authorized dealer Medallion Hardwood authorized dealer Mirage Hardwood Floors authorized dealer Mohawk Flooring authorized dealer Monarch Plank Artisan Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Montage Flooring authorized dealer Mullican authorized dealer Naturally Aged Hardwood authorized dealer Opus Hardwood authorized dealer Palladio authorized dealer Pravada Floors authorized dealer Preverco Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Reward Flooring authorized dealer RIVA Spain authorized dealer Sakura Floors authorized dealer Shaw Floors authorized dealer SLCC Flooring authorized dealer Somerset Floors authorized dealer Urban Floor authorized dealer Vellichor authorized dealer Allora authorized dealer Anderson Tuftex authorized dealer Artisan Hardwood Handcrafted Flooring authorized dealer Cali Bamboo Hardwood and Waterproof Collections authorized dealer California Classics authorized dealer Carlisle authorized dealer Colonial Collection authorized dealer COREtec authorized dealer Coswick authorized dealer Duchateau authorized dealer Ecotimber authorized dealer Hallmark Floors authorized dealer HempWood authorized dealer Hermitage Collection authorized dealer Homerwood Premium Hardwood authorized dealer Johnson Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Karndean authorized dealer Lauzon Flooring authorized dealer Legno Bastone authorized dealer LW Flooring authorized dealer Mannington Flooring authorized dealer Medallion Hardwood authorized dealer Mirage Hardwood Floors authorized dealer Mohawk Flooring authorized dealer Monarch Plank Artisan Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Montage Flooring authorized dealer Mullican authorized dealer Naturally Aged Hardwood authorized dealer Opus Hardwood authorized dealer Palladio authorized dealer Pravada Floors authorized dealer Preverco Hardwood Flooring authorized dealer Reward Flooring authorized dealer RIVA Spain authorized dealer Sakura Floors authorized dealer Shaw Floors authorized dealer SLCC Flooring authorized dealer Somerset Floors authorized dealer Urban Floor authorized dealer Vellichor authorized dealer

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring - Customizable and Timeless

What is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring is a versatile option for homeowners and contractors seeking maximum customization and durability. Unlike Pre-finished Hardwood, Unfinished Flooring requires sanding, staining, and sealing on-site after installation, allowing for a seamless, uniform look tailored to your specific needs.

Unfinished Hardwood is typically:

  • 3/4” thick with tongue-and-groove construction.
  • Available in widths from 2-1/4” to 5”, with wider planks available by special order.
  • Supplied in random lengths, ranging from 12” to 78”.
  • Installed over approved plywood subfloors, on or above grade (not in basements).

Grades of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring is available in several grades, each offering unique aesthetics:

Clear / 1st Grade

  • The cleanest option with minimal color variation and no knots.
  • Longer average board length (around 3 feet).
  • Ideal for creating a sleek, high-end look.

Select & Better / 2nd Grade

  • More color variation with occasional pin knots and sticker stains.
  • Medium board length (average 2.5 feet).
  • Offers a balance of character and elegance.

Natural / 3rd Grade

  • Includes mineral streaks, sticker stains, and solid knots of varying sizes.
  • Shorter average board length (around 2 feet).
  • Perfect for rustic or natural designs with more character.

When to Choose Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished hardwood flooring is a great fit for:

  • Customization: Allows you to create unique colors, textures, or finishes.
  • Matching Existing Floors: Perfect for extending existing hardwood seamlessly.
  • Historic Renovations: Ideal for restoring period-appropriate aesthetics in older homes.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Sanding on-site ensures a level and consistent finish.
  • Large Spaces: Offers a uniform look across expansive areas.
  • Specialized Designs: Flexible for intricate inlays, borders, or custom patterns.

Advantages of Installing Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring offers a range of benefits over pre-finished options:

  • Uniform Finish: Sanding and staining on-site ensures a seamless, bevel-free surface.
  • Color Consistency: Achieve perfectly matched hues across the entire floor.
  • Easier Repairs: Future refinishing is simpler and more seamless.
  • Custom Finishes: Choose matte, glossy, or mix stains for a unique color.
  • Longevity: Sand and refinish multiple times, extending the floor’s lifespan.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Durable and easy-to-repair, making it a long-term investment.

Unfinished flooring is available in many species, allowing for a wide range of styles:

  • White Oak: Classic, light tones perfect for modern or traditional homes.
  • Walnut: Rich, dark hues with a luxurious feel.
  • Maple: Smooth grain and light color for a clean, contemporary look.
  • Santos Mahogany: Exotic reddish-brown tones for bold elegance.
  • Brazilian Cherry: Vibrant hues with unique grain patterns for added character.

Why Choose Whole Wood for Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?

Located in San Carlos, Whole Wood offers:

  • The Best Selection of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Competitive pricing on premium grades and wood species.
  • Expert guidance to help you achieve your design vision.
  • TRANSFORM YOUR HOME with Unfinished Hardwood Flooring.
  • Unfinished hardwood flooring offers unmatched versatility, allowing you to create a custom look that fits your unique style and needs. Visit our showroom or contact us today to explore our extensive selection.

See Unfinished In Person

Visit a Bay Area showroom to touch and feel these surfaces.

Our Locations

Visit a Showroom

San Carlos (HQ)
HQ

San Carlos (HQ)

Our flagship showroom and main distribution warehouse. The largest inventory in the Peninsula.

Location

1100 Industrial Rd #17, San Carlos, CA 94070

Hours

M–F 8:30am – 5pm | Sat 10am – 4:30pm

Sunday Closed

Get Directions 650.654.8880
Hayward
Now Open

Hayward

New East Bay location and regional service center. Factory-direct pricing now available in Hayward.

Location

3468 Diablo Ave, Hayward, CA 94545

Hours

M–F 8:30am – 5pm | Sat 10am – 4:30pm

Sunday Closed

Get Directions 650.888.8870
San Ramon
Coming Soon

San Ramon

Serving the Tri-Valley area with premium hardwood selections. Arriving Summer 2026.

Launch Schedule

Projected Opening: Summer 2026