Hardwood Floor Installation
Professional hardwood installation with the preparation, layout and attention to detail the finished floor depends on.
Craftsman Hardwood Floors installs solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, wide plank flooring and custom layouts throughout West Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Whether the project starts with an empty room or needs to connect new flooring with existing hardwood, the work begins with understanding the home before the first board goes down.
Good Installation Starts Before the First Board Goes Down
Hardwood installation is not just a matter of fastening boards to the floor. The finished result depends on the conditions underneath, the layout and how the new floor connects to the home.
We look at subfloor condition, flatness, moisture, board direction, transitions, adjoining surfaces and the relationship between new and existing flooring before installation begins.
Those details determine whether a floor simply gets installed or feels like it was always meant to be there.
Flooring Options for Different Homes and Projects
The right hardwood depends on the home, the subfloor, the look you want and how the new floor needs to connect with the rest of the space.
Project photos are examples of Craftsman Hardwood Floors work. Flooring type, color, layout and finish are selected based on each individual project.
A Better Floor Needs a Better Foundation
Hardwood can only perform as well as the surface supporting it. Before installation, the existing floor and subfloor need to be evaluated for the conditions that can affect the finished project.
- Subfloor condition and stability
- Flatness and elevation changes
- Removal of existing flooring when needed
- Moisture conditions
- Transitions into adjoining rooms
- Board direction and room layout
- Doorways and neighboring surfaces
New Hardwood Should Look Like It Belongs There
Adding hardwood to a home that already has wood flooring creates a different challenge than starting with an empty room. Species, width, direction, elevation and transitions all affect how naturally the new floor connects to what is already there.
In some projects, existing hardwood can also be sanded and refinished together with the new installation to create a more consistent color and finish across connected areas.
Tell us what is already in the home and where the new flooring needs to connect. We can evaluate the best way to approach the transition.
From the First Look to the Final Detail
Consultation
We review the rooms, existing flooring, project goals and how the new hardwood needs to function within the home.
Flooring & Design
Species, construction, width, board direction, transitions and finishing direction are considered before work begins.
Site Preparation
Existing materials are addressed and the subfloor is prepared for a stable, properly aligned installation.
Layout & Installation
The floor is laid out intentionally and installed with attention to board placement, room lines and transitions.
Sanding & Finishing
For site-finished floors, the installation is sanded, stained when selected and protected with the chosen finishing system.
Final Review
The finished floor, transitions and details are reviewed before the project is considered complete.
Small Decisions Make a Big Difference Across an Entire Floor
Board Direction
Direction changes how a room reads and affects the relationship between adjoining spaces.
Board Placement
Natural variation in hardwood should be distributed intentionally, not simply installed in the order boards come out of the bundle.
Transitions
Doorways, tile, carpet, stairs and neighboring floors need clean, deliberate connections.
Installation Has to Work With the Home, Not Against It
Every installation has its own conditions. Room dimensions, adjoining surfaces, existing hardwood, transitions and the character of the home all affect how the finished floor should be approached.
That is why we look beyond the flooring product itself. The goal is a finished installation that feels intentional in the space and connects naturally with the rest of the home.
Work With the Person Responsible for the Finished Floor
Craftsman Hardwood Floors combines direct owner involvement with years of hands-on hardwood flooring experience.
Tom Farquhar entered the hardwood flooring trade in 2009 and remains personally involved in Craftsman Hardwood Floors projects. That direct accountability matters when layout, site conditions, matching existing floors and installation details all affect the final result.
Questions About Hardwood Floor Installation
How Long Does Hardwood Floor Installation Take
Project length depends on square footage, flooring type, demolition, subfloor preparation, layout complexity and whether the floor is prefinished or finished on site.
Can You Match New Hardwood to Existing Floors
Often, yes. Matching depends on species, board width, grade, age, existing stain and the way the floors connect. In some cases, refinishing both areas together can create a more consistent result.
Is Engineered Hardwood Real Wood
Yes. Engineered hardwood uses a real hardwood wear layer over a dimensionally stable core and can be a strong option for certain applications and installation conditions.
Can You Install Wide Plank Hardwood
Yes. Wide plank floors require careful attention to material, moisture conditions, subfloor preparation and the installation method selected for the product.
Do You Install Herringbone and Chevron Floors
Custom patterns can be part of an installation project when the room, flooring product and layout are appropriate for the design.
Ready to Talk About New Hardwood Floors
Tell us what you are planning, what flooring is currently in the home and what you want the finished space to look like.