Solid or engineered
Solid hardwood is milled from one piece of wood and is typically nailed to a wood subfloor, which makes it common in pier-and-beam homes. Engineered hardwood has a real wood wear layer over a stable core, and it can be glued down or floated over a concrete slab, which is why it is the go-to choice for most slab homes in Central Texas.
We will tell you which construction fits your home and why, before you buy.
Moisture and acclimation
Wood moves with humidity. We check subfloor and slab moisture, follow the manufacturer's acclimation requirements, and leave proper expansion space at walls. Skipping those steps is what causes gapping and cupping a season later.
Layout and finish details
Board direction, starting line, stagger, transitions to tile, flush stair nosing and door undercuts all get planned before the first row. Baseboard and quarter-round are reset or replaced as part of the scope.
What the bid covers
- Removal and haul-off of existing flooring
- Subfloor flatness and moisture checks
- Leveling or plywood repair as needed
- Installation by nail-down, glue-down or floating method
- Transitions, reducers and stair nosing
- Baseboard or quarter-round reset
- Cleanup and final walkthrough
Questions about hardwood installation
Can hardwood go over a concrete slab?
Engineered hardwood can, using a glue-down or floating installation with the moisture protection the manufacturer requires. Solid hardwood generally needs a wood subfloor.
How long does a hardwood install take?
It depends on square footage, prep and acclimation time. Your written bid includes an expected schedule.