What this covers
Solid hardwood is milled from one piece of wood and nailed to a wood subfloor. Installation starts with the boards acclimating in the home, a subfloor check for moisture and flatness, a vapor retarder, and then the planks nailed in rows with staggered joints. Unfinished boards are sanded and finished on site; prefinished boards are ready when the last row is down. Solid wood is not used below grade or over concrete without special systems.
When to call
- A living room, dining room, hall or bedroom on a wood subfloor.
- A wish for a floor that can be refinished several times over its life.
- Replacing flooring after a loss where the subfloor has been dried and checked.
What to expect
- Acclimate and checkBoards sit in the home until their moisture matches the house. The subfloor is tested for moisture and flatness.
- Lay out and nailA starting line is set, a vapor retarder laid, and planks nailed in rows with joints staggered.
- FinishSite-finished floors are sanded, stained if wanted, and sealed. Prefinished floors are cleaned.
- TrimBaseboards, shoe molding and transitions are installed and you walk the floor.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Solid or engineered?
Solid wood can be refinished more times and suits rooms above grade on wood subfloors. Engineered wood handles moisture swings better and can go over concrete and in basements.
Site-finished or prefinished?
Site finishing gives a seamless surface and any stain color but takes days of sanding and curing. Prefinished boards have a hard factory finish and are usable right away.
Why does acclimation matter?
Wood expands and shrinks with humidity. Boards laid before they match the home's conditions gap or cup later.
Related: Hardwood floor refinishing · Engineered wood flooring · Subfloor repair · All flooring
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