There are two ongoing debates in the hardwood flooring world. One is between the ease of install and durability of prefinished wood verus the smooth unified look of sanded unfinished wood. The other is between Water based and oil based finishes which I touch on in another section.
First of all is prefinish, it is a wood flooring product that comes with a factory applied finish. Because of this installation of these floors is quicker, easier, and cleaner. Often times these floors are found in newer housing developments because of the ease and speed of instalation.
The finishes are quite durable and some of the aluminun oxide finishes may out last the site applied finishes. The price that is paid for the durable factory applied finish is a bumpy feel with a "paneled" visual effect. This is cause by bevels on the edges of every board that prevents slivers and stubbed toes. Conquently the floors aren't as flat as a sanded floor and each board reflects the light at a different angle giving these floors an unnatural appearance.
Unfinished or raw wood floors take a bit longer because of the additional time required to put finish on the floor and let it dry. Unfinished wood has a very smooth, warm glow that only comes from sanding and finishing on site.
It is greately a matter of preferance. Both of them are fine flooring solutions and it all really depends on the look you are going for.
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