What solid hardwood installation includes
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood, usually three-quarters of an inch thick. Because the whole board is wood, it can be sanded and refinished many times over its life, which is why it remains the long-term choice for living rooms, dining rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
A typical installation covers removal of the existing floor, subfloor preparation, layout, nailing the boards, and either finishing on site or installing prefinished planks. Transitions, thresholds and trim are finished at the same time so the floor reads as one complete job.
- Species such as red oak, white oak and maple
- Standard strip, wider plank and mixed-width layouts
- Site-finished floors with custom stain, or factory-prefinished planks
- Matching stair treads, nosing and reducers
Who solid hardwood is right for
Solid hardwood suits homeowners who plan to stay in the home for years, want a floor that can be refinished again and again, and are flooring rooms at or above ground level. It is also the natural choice when new wood has to tie into existing hardwood elsewhere in the house.
It is usually not the right fit for basements, rooms installed directly over concrete, or spaces that see standing water. For those areas we typically recommend engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank.
Our installation process
We measure every room, check the subfloor for flatness and fasteners, and take moisture readings of both the subfloor and the new wood. The wood is delivered ahead of time to acclimate to the home. During installation we move standard furniture, protect the work area, leave the proper expansion gap at walls and clean up each day.
For site-finished floors, the boards are sanded flat after installation, stained if desired, and coated. Prefinished floors are ready to walk on once installed and trimmed out. The project ends with a walkthrough and care guidance.
Maryland humidity and moisture considerations
Maryland has humid summers and dry, heated winters. Wood naturally expands as it takes on moisture and shrinks as it dries, so seasonal gaps in winter and slight swelling in summer are normal for solid hardwood. Proper acclimation, moisture testing and correct expansion gaps keep that movement within a healthy range.
Keeping indoor relative humidity reasonably steady year-round, with air conditioning in summer and a humidifier if needed in winter, helps any hardwood floor perform at its best. Homes close to the water around Annapolis and the Severn and Magothy rivers can see higher humidity, which we take into account when recommending solid versus engineered wood.
Caring for a new hardwood floor
Use felt pads under furniture, mats at entry doors and a cleaner recommended for your finish. Avoid wet mopping and steam cleaners. When the finish starts to look worn in traffic lanes, a screen-and-recoat can often refresh it before a full sand-down is needed.
Common questions
- How long does hardwood floor installation take?
- Most single-room or main-level projects take one to three days of installation. Site-finished floors need additional days for sanding, staining, coating and drying. You will get a project timeline with your written estimate.
- Should I choose prefinished or site-finished hardwood?
- Prefinished hardwood installs faster with less odor and is ready to use right away. Site-finished hardwood allows custom stain colors and a flat, seamless surface, and is the better choice when matching existing floors.
- Can new hardwood be matched to my existing floors?
- Usually yes. We match species and board width, then sand and finish new and existing areas together so the color blends.
- Do you offer free estimates for hardwood installation?
- Yes. Estimates are free, in-home and written, and include measurement and a subfloor and moisture check.
Related services
Further reading and nearby areas
Where we work
Prospect Hardwood Flooring of Maryland is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and serves communities across the state, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold and Gaithersburg, plus the rest of Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
Get a free, written estimate
We measure, check your subfloor and moisture levels, and give you an itemized estimate with no obligation.