Unfinished Engineered Wood Flooring
Unfinished engineered wood is the raw oak board — sand-ready, factory-machined to spec but with no oil, lacquer or surface treatment applied. The floor is finished on site after installation, which gives the project the smoothest possible joint between boards (because the whole floor is sanded as one continuous surface) and full control over the final colour and finish. It is the specification of choice for high-end refurbishments where the finish is part of the design brief.
Unfinished options are offered selectively across GF by Grosvenor Flooring and V4 Wood Flooring — speak to our team for current availability.
Why Choose Unfinished?
Two reasons. First, the floor is sanded as one continuous surface after installation, which gives the smoothest possible joint between boards — no micro-bevels, no factory-finish edges. Second, the finish itself is chosen on site, so you can match an existing floor exactly, mix custom oils, or specify a bespoke colour that no factory range carries.
Site Finishing Notes
Unfinished projects need a specialist installer who can sand, seal and finish the floor on site — this is not a DIY-friendly specification and is more time-consuming than a pre-finished installation. Our own teams handle site-finished projects across the North West; for nationwide customers we are happy to advise on what to look for in a local installer.
Where to Use Unfinished Engineered Wood
Premium refurbishments, period property restorations, and any project where matching an existing floor is the priority. Suitable in any dry room.
Explore Related Categories
- Pre-finished alternatives: oiled, lacquered, brushed or smoked.
- By format: plank, herringbone or parquet.
- Brands: GF own-brand or V4 Wood Flooring.
How to Buy or Get a Quote
For GF: full online checkout, free samples and UK delivery. For V4: Request a Price via our enquiry form, WhatsApp or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose unfinished over a pre-finished floor?
Three reasons: total colour control (you or your fitter apply stain and finish to exactly match your scheme), a perfectly flat surface with no micro-bevels between boards, and the ability to refinish seamlessly in the future. It's the specifier's choice.
Does unfinished cost less than pre-finished?
The board itself is usually cheaper, but you need to factor in the cost of sanding, staining and finishing on site — which typically adds £15–£25 per m². Total cost is often similar to or higher than pre-finished.
How long before I can walk on an unfinished floor after finishing?
Depends on the product used. Most modern hardwax oils allow light foot traffic after 8–12 hours and full use after 3–5 days. Traditional oils and lacquers can take longer to cure fully.
