Choosing the right hardwood floor comes down to your lifestyle, design preferences, and the space you're renovating:

• Species: Each wood species offers different hardness, grain patterns, and durability. For high-traffic areas, harder species like Oak, Hickory, or Maple are ideal. For a more elegant or unique look, consider Walnut or Cherry.
• Color: Lighter colors like natural oak or maple can make a space feel larger and more open, while darker tones like walnut or espresso create warmth and a more dramatic look. Consider your existing furniture, wall colors, and lighting when selecting a stain or finish.
• Board Size: Wider boards (5 inches and up) provide a more modern, spacious feel, while narrower boards (2-3 inches) offer a classic, traditional look. Wider boards are great for open spaces, while narrower boards can help smaller rooms feel more proportionate.

We recommend ordering samples to see how the species, color, and board size look in your home’s lighting before making a final decision.

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer on top of layered plywood, offering greater stability in areas with fluctuating humidity like basements or over concrete subfloors.

Start by measuring the length and width of each area you plan to cover, then multiply those numbers to get the square footage of each space. Add the total square footage together and include extra material for cuts, waste, pattern matching, and future repairs. The amount of overage needed can vary depending on the layout and installation pattern, so it is always smart to build in some cushion before placing your order.

Hardwood flooring can be installed in most rooms, but some spaces are better suited than others:

• Ideal Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and offices are perfect for hardwood thanks to their stable, low-moisture environments.
• Caution Areas: Kitchens can accommodate hardwood, but spills should be cleaned promptly to avoid damage. Using rugs and mats can help protect the floor.
• Not Recommended: Rooms with high moisture like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements are generally not suitable for traditional hardwood due to the risk of warping or cupping. In these areas, engineered hardwood or waterproof alternatives may be a better choice.

Always consider the room's moisture levels and foot traffic when deciding if hardwood is appropriate for that space.

Prefinished flooring comes with the finish already applied, which can make installation faster and reduce mess on the job site. Unfinished flooring is installed first and then sanded and finished after installation, which allows for more customization in stain color and final appearance. The best choice depends on your timeline, desired finish, and project needs.

Yes, natural color variation is a characteristic of real hardwood flooring. Each plank is unique, with differences in grain patterns, mineral streaks, knots, and color tone—even within the same species. These variations add to the authentic beauty and character of the floor.

Factors like wood species, grade, and finish will influence the degree of variation. For a more consistent appearance, select a higher grade of wood, but if you prefer a natural, rustic look, embracing these variations is ideal.

We always recommend reviewing samples and, if possible, multiple planks before purchase to understand the range of tones you can expect in your finished floor.

A floating floor is installed so the flooring pieces lock or fit together over the subfloor without being permanently fastened in the same way as a nail-down or glue-down system. This type of installation can be a good fit for certain spaces, products, and subfloor conditions. The right installation method depends on the flooring selected and the needs of the project.

Many flooring projects benefit from underlayment, but the right type depends on the flooring product, subfloor, and installation method. Underlayment can help with sound control, moisture protection, and overall floor performance. Some installations require specific underlayment products, while others may not. Always match the underlayment to the flooring system and job conditions.

The supplies you need will depend on the flooring product and installation method, but common items may include adhesives, fasteners, trowels, moisture barriers, underlayment, nailers or staplers, spacers, layout tools, and finishing accessories. Having the right installation products on hand before starting helps avoid delays and supports a smoother job from start to finish.

Regularly sweep or vacuum using a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris. Clean with a hardwood-specific cleaner. Use protective pads under furniture and rugs in high-traffic areas to prevent scratching.

We do not recommend using water or steam mops on hardwood floors, as excessive moisture can damage the wood. Instead, use a damp microfiber mop with a hardwood-specific cleaner like Bona or Basic Coatings Squeaky.

Yes! We offer sample kits so you can see the species, color, and finish in your home’s lighting before committing to a full order. Contact us to request samples.

Yes. Our Custom Shop can support projects that need a more tailored solution, including custom color matching and specialty requests. If you need help with a custom project, larger quantity, or something more specific than a standard product listing, contact our team and we can review the details with you.

Shipping times can vary depending on the product, brand, order size, and destination. Smaller parcel items may ship differently than flooring, treads, or other larger products that require freight. For larger or specialty orders, freight delivery timing and requirements may vary. If you have questions about shipping expectations before ordering, our team can help review the best option for your project.