The Difference Between Pre Finished Unfinished Doors

Doors are an essential part of every building, whether it's a residential or commercial property. They not only provide security and privacy but also add to the overall aesthetic appeal. When it comes to choosing doors for your home or office, you will come across various options such as pre-finished and unfinished doors. These terms refer to the state in which the door is delivered, either fully finished or requiring additional work.   

Pre-finished doors come ready to install with all the necessary finishes applied while unfinished doors require further sanding, staining, and painting before installation. This article aims to highlight the differences between these two types of doors and help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.

What Is a Pre-Finished Door?

A pre-finished door is a type of door that comes ready to install with all the necessary finishes applied. This means that the door has already been sanded, stained, and painted, giving it a polished and professional look. These doors are available in various styles, colors, and designs, making it easy to find one that matches your interior decor.

One of the main advantages of pre-finished doors is convenience. Since they come fully finished, there is no need for any additional work before installation. This saves time and effort, especially if you are renovating your home or office. Additionally, these doors are less likely to have imperfections compared to unfinished doors since they undergo a thorough finishing process.

Another benefit of pre-finished doors is durability. The finishes applied to the door provide an extra layer of protection, making them more resistant to wear and tear. This means that pre-finished doors will last longer and require less maintenance compared to unfinished doors.

What Is an Unfinished Door?

An unfinished door is a type of door that requires additional work before installation. This includes sanding, staining, and painting, which are typically done on-site by the installer. Unfinished doors are usually made from raw wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and come in basic designs without any added finishes.

One of the main advantages of unfinished doors is cost-effectiveness. Since they do not come with any finishes applied, they are generally less expensive compared to pre-finished doors. This makes them a popular choice for those on a budget or looking to save some money.

Another benefit of unfinished doors is customization. Unlike pre-finished doors that come in limited styles and colors, unfinished doors can be sanded, painted, and stained according to your preference. This gives you the freedom to create a personalized look that matches your interior design.

Main Differences between Pre-Finished and Unfinished Doors

The main difference between pre-finished and unfinished doors is the state in which they are delivered. Here are some other key differences to consider:

Process

The process of installing pre-finished and unfinished doors varies significantly due to their differing states. Pre-finished doors involve a straightforward installation since they come ready to hang.

The installer simply needs to fit the door into the frame, ensuring proper alignment and securing it with hinges. On the other hand, unfinished doors demand a more extensive process. After fitting the door, the installer must sand the surface to prepare it for finishing.

This is followed by staining or painting, which allows for customization according to personal preferences. The additional time and effort required for unfinished doors can lead to a more tailored aesthetic, but it may extend the overall project timeline.

Time and Effort

As mentioned earlier, pre-finished doors save time and effort since they come ready to install. On the other hand, unfinished doors require additional work before installation, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Since pre-finished doors have already undergone a thorough finishing process, there is no need for sanding or painting on-site. This not only saves time but also eliminates the hassle of dealing with dust and fumes from the finishing process.

Plus, unfinished doors may also require multiple coats of paint or stain to achieve the desired look, which can add to the overall labor and cost.

Durability

Pre-finished doors tend to be more durable compared to unfinished doors. This is because the finishes applied provide an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. Additionally, pre-finished doors undergo a factory-finishing process that ensures consistency and quality throughout the door.

On the other hand, unfinished doors may be prone to damage if not properly finished or maintained. The lack of protective finishes leaves them vulnerable to scratches, stains, and other damage.

Cost

The cost difference between pre-finished and unfinished doors is another important consideration. Pre-finished doors are generally more expensive due to the additional labor and materials involved in the factory-finishing process. However, they do save on time and effort, which can be valuable for some people.

Unfinished doors, on the other hand, tend to be less expensive since they come without any finishes applied. However, this cost may increase when factoring in the time and effort required for on-site finishing.

Customization

When it comes to customization, unfinished doors offer more flexibility compared to pre-finished doors. With unfinished doors, you have complete control over the type of finish applied, allowing for a personalized look that matches your interior design. Additionally, unfinished doors can be painted or stained to match existing woodwork in your home.

On the other hand, pre-finished doors come in limited styles and colors, limiting customization options. However, some manufacturers do offer different finishes and custom options for pre-finished doors at an additional cost.

So these are the main differences between pre-finished and unfinished doors. Depending on your budget, timeline, and preference for customization, you can choose the option that best suits your needs when looking for new interior doors.

Does It Matter Which Type of Door I Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between pre-finished and unfinished doors depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a quick and easy installation with minimal hassle, pre-finished doors may be the way to go.

However, if you have a particular aesthetic in mind or want to save some money by doing the finishing work yourself, then unfinished doors may be a better fit.

It's also worth considering the location of the door when making your decision. For high-traffic areas like entryways or bathrooms where durability is key, pre-finished doors may be a more practical choice.

On the other hand, for less frequently used doors such as closet or pantry doors, unfinished options can be a cost-effective and customizable solution.

Ultimately, both pre-finished and unfinished doors have their own unique advantages and it's important to weigh them against your specific needs before making a decision. With the right choice, you can enhance the look and functionality of your space with the perfect door.

Choose My City Doors for High-Quality and Stylish Interior Doors

My City Doors offers a wide range of high-quality and stylish interior doors for all your home design needs. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and helping you find the perfect doors to elevate the look of your space.

We understand that plain interior doors can often appear dull and lackluster, which is why we have put together helpful tips on how to add interest to them. From adding pops of color with paint to incorporating unique door hardware, there are endless possibilities to make your boring doors stand out.

In addition, we also offer barn doors as a captivating design element in modern interior design. Inspired by rustic farmhouses, these doors have now become a popular choice for their versatility and functionality. Our shaker interior doors are also a timeless option that has gained immense popularity for their classic appeal.

Choose My City Doors for all your interior door needs. Visit our showroom or give us a call to get started on elevating the look of your home today!

FAQs

What is the difference between prefinished door and primed doors?

Prefinished doors come with a factory applied finish, meaning they are ready to install without any additional finishing. Primed doors, on the other hand, are coated with a primer and require additional finishing time and customisation before installation. This allows you to choose your desired color or treatment.

Why choose finished or unfinished doors for internal doors?

Choosing finished or unfinished doors depends on your needs. Finished doors offer a professional finish with no extra work needed, while unfinished doors provide the flexibility to apply transparent wood treatments or paint, giving you control over the final look of your internal doors.

What are the advantages of fully finished doors compared to unfinished ones?

Fully finished doors save you time and effort, as they don’t require any additional finishing after installation. They have a factory applied finish that ensures a consistent, professional look. Unfinished doors, however, allow for additional finishing time customisation and can be tailored to match existing decor with specific stains or paints.

Do pre primed doors arrive ready for painting or staining?

Yes, pre primed door arrive ready for painting or staining. These doors are primed, which means they have a base coat that prepares the surface for your choice of paint or stain, making it easier to achieve a smooth and even finish on your internal doors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both pre-finished and unfinished doors have their own unique benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you value convenience, durability, cost or customization, there is an option that will suit your needs.

At the end of the day, what matters most is choosing high-quality and stylish interior doors that enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. With My City Doors, you can find a wide selection of beautiful and functional doors to elevate your space.

So don't wait any longer, upgrade your interior doors today! Be sure to check out our blog for more tips and inspiration on home design. Happy door shopping!