Hardwood Floor Installation

Solid vs. engineered hardwood

Solid boards are one piece of wood and need to be nailed into a wood subfloor, so we install them over raised wood subfloors. Engineered boards have a real wood wear layer over a stable core, so they tolerate the moisture and temperature swing that comes up through a slab. Most Valley homes built after about 1950 sit on a concrete slab, and that is where we install engineered. Solid vs. engineered hardwood flooring

Slab-on-grade homes: engineered, not solid

Most Valley homes built after about 1950 sit on a concrete slab. That rules out most solid hardwood, because solid boards need to be nailed into a wood subfloor and move too much against concrete.

On slab we install engineered hardwood, usually glue-down. Engineered boards have a real wood wear layer over a stable core, so they tolerate the moisture and temperature swing that comes up through a slab. Before we quote, we test the slab for moisture. Skipping that test is the most common reason hardwood fails here, and it shows up months later as cupping or hollow-sounding boards.

Nail-down or glue-down?

Nail-down is for solid or engineered boards over a wood subfloor. Glue-down is our usual method for engineered hardwood on a concrete slab.

Subfloor and moisture testing

Before we quote, we test the slab for moisture. Skipping that test is the most common reason hardwood fails here, and it shows up months later as cupping or hollow-sounding boards.

Older homes with existing oak floors

Many older homes already have narrow-strip oak under the carpet. If those boards are solid and thick enough, refinishing is usually cheaper than replacing. We will tell you when that is the better option. Where the boards are too thin to sand again, water-damaged, or you want a wider plank and a modern color, replacement makes sense.

Condos and HOAs with sound requirements

Most condo buildings and many HOAs set a minimum sound rating for flooring over occupied units and want the underlayment specification before approving the install. Get your building’s requirement in writing first and bring it to us. We match the underlayment to the spec so the installation is approved.

How long does it take?

We give you the schedule at the in-home estimate, once we’ve seen the rooms and the subfloor.

What affects the price

Total square footage, the product you choose (solid, engineered, white oak, plank width, pattern such as herringbone), removal and haul-away of the old floor, subfloor leveling and moisture work, stairs, and transitions and baseboard. You get an exact quantity and price at the free in-home estimate.

Hardwood specials starting at $3.49/sq ft *While Supplies Last*

Finishes and stain

Most floors are finished in matte, satin or semi-gloss; the choice is mostly about look and how much shine you want to maintain. We can stain to match cabinets, trim or furniture. Bring a sample to the showroom and we will hold it against real boards.