Hardwood install, step by step.
Nailed or glued depending on subfloor. Engineered hardwood can float; solid hardwood cannot.
- 1
Acclimate 5–7 days
Hardwood needs to match the room's humidity (35–55% RH) before install.
- 2
Moisture-test subfloor
Wood subfloor under 12% MC; concrete under 4 lbs/1000 sq ft via calcium chloride test.
- 3
Install moisture barrier
15-lb felt over wood; 6-mil poly + acoustic underlayment over concrete.
- 4
Lay first three rows straight
Snap a chalk line; first three rows define the entire job.
- 5
Nail or glue per spec
Cleats every 6–8" along plank for nail-down; full-spread urethane for glue-down.
- 6
Cure and finish
Wait 24 hours before walking, 72 hours before heavy furniture.
Install issues - and how a pro crew prevents them.
Gaps in winter, cupping in summer
Normal seasonal movement. Run a whole-home humidifier to hold 35–55% RH year-round.
White haze after cleaning
Too much water or wrong cleaner. Buff with a dry microfiber; if persistent, recoat the affected area.
Scratches across the grain
Light: rub with a fine-grade walnut. Deep: spot-sand and touch up with matching finish, or schedule a screen-and-recoat.
Squeaks underfoot
Subfloor nails worked loose. Drive trim-head screws from below into the joist where possible.
Pet urine black spots
Tannin reaction with the finish. Sand and refinish the affected boards - bleaching with oxalic acid before sealing.
Sun-faded floor near windows
UV-filter window film slows future fading. Rearranging rugs every 6 months evens the color over time.
What you're getting for the install.
30–100+ years (refinishable 4–10 times)
Finish: 25–lifetime; structural: lifetime on solid, 25–50 years engineered
Hardwood demands the most discipline of any floor - humidity control, no standing water, periodic refinishing. The payoff: it's the only flooring that adds resale value and can outlast the house.
Hardwood install questions.
- Both last 30+ years. Solid can be refinished 6–10 times; engineered 1–4 depending on wear-layer thickness. Engineered is stabler over concrete or in humid climates.
- Yes, with discipline: wipe spills immediately, mat under the sink, and avoid solid hardwood in homes with dishwashers prone to leaks. Engineered is the safer bet.
- Every 7–15 years for a full sand-and-finish, or every 3–5 years for a screen-and-recoat that adds a fresh topcoat without removing wood.
- Any hardwood scratches under pet nails. Choose harder species (hickory 1820 Janka, white oak 1360) and a matte aluminum-oxide finish to hide and resist marks.
- Yes for engineered with manufacturer approval; surface temp must stay under 80°F and RH 35–55%. Solid hardwood over radiant is risky and usually not warrantied.
Three steps. No surprises.
- 01
Pick a time
Choose a window that fits your week. Mornings, evenings, weekends - your call.
- 02
We bring real samples to you
A local specialist arrives with hand-picked samples so you can see them in your light.
- 03
Flawless install - often next day
One vetted crew. Furniture moved, dust contained, cleanup included.
The SimpliFloors flagship offer
We beat any written quote by 10%.
Bring us a licensed competitor's bid on the same material and install scope - we beat the bottom line by 10%. In writing. No haggling.
- Next-day installOrder by 2pm - installed tomorrow.
- All-inclusive pricingPad, removal, haul-away, base.
- Lifetime install warrantyWe replace, repair, or refund.
- Free in-home estimateExact sq ft confirmed in writing.
Four small steps. Zero pressure.
From "I'm just looking" to "It's installed" - here is exactly what happens, with the time it takes at each step.
About 2 minutesBook your home visit
Pick a time online or by phone. A real person, no robots.
Same weekSamples at your door
A local pro brings real planks, tile, and carpet that match your style.
- About 1 hour
Measure & real price
Laser-measured rooms with a written all-inclusive price on the spot.
As soon as next dayInstalled tomorrow
Vetted local installers. Lifetime install warranty in writing.
What you'll pay today
$0. No deposit until you say yes.
Five promises. In writing. On every job.
Price-Beat
Beat any quote by 10%
Next-Day Install
In-stock materials
Lifetime Install Warranty
On every job
No-Pressure Promise
Real prices first
Vetted Installers
Background-checked
No calendars. No callbacks you didn't ask for.
What style do you love?
Pick one to start. You can change your mind anytime.