Expert Hardwood Flooring and Installation In Elgin, IL
Natural hardwood floors enrich and enliven any space and add value to a home. And homeowners who want the most value go to Royal Flooring for Elgin hardwood installation.
Wood flooring is a significant investment. So we want to highlight the benefits of hardwood floors, the various types of materials and installation processes, refinishing, and the products we carry.
The Housing Market in Elgin
A historic sellers’ market has been running its course in Elgin and the country at large since early 2020. As of November 2021, the area’s homes had median sale prices 17% higher than a year prior. The lucrative results of strong buyer motivation also include 44% of houses selling above list price after an overall median of just nine days on the market.
As if this weren’t enough good news for those preparing to sell in Elgin, the addition of hardwood floors can work real estate magic. Installing wood floors is one of the most effective home improvement projects to garner interest from homebuyers. Realtors overwhelmingly report the ease of selling homes with wood floors and the possibility to fetch a 10% higher selling price.
Types of Hardwood Floors
There are three hardwood construction options with different installation processes and subfloor requirements:
- Floating wood floor planks are extremely tough because they contain layers of compressed wood. There are moisture and sound minimizing underlayments available in foam, rubber, cork, and more.
Instead of being fixed to the subfloor, engineered floating planks fit together at the edges with glue or interlocking components. Thus, the planks move sightly, causing a springy sensation underfoot that can be more comfortable to stand on for long periods. However, walking on floating wood floors has a distinctly hollow sound.
- Nailed-down solid hardwood planks are the original wood floor type, and it works exactly how it sounds.
- The glue-down option uses engineered wood planks that adhere firmly to the subfloor for the same solid sound and feel as nailed-down wood. Glue-down engineered hardwood will neither move on a sloped subfloor nor separate or tilt beneath appliances.
- Plywood subfloor is the best-case scenario because it handles every flooring construction type
- Glue down and floating wood floors are your only choices with concrete slab subfloor; plywood can be added before nail-down installation, but this creates an extra expense
- Gypsum or lightweight concrete subfloor typically accommodates only floating wood floors; plywood cannot be installed for nail-down, and glued wood flooring cannot stick directly onto the surface
Hardwood Installation in Elgin
All installation types start with removing furniture and rugs, then existing flooring, molding, baseboards, and sometimes doors. This ensures the thickness of the new wood floors will fit.
Additionally, spacers are set against the wall for even space around the perimeter. This step is necessary because wood naturally expands and contracts as humidity fluctuates.
From here, the installation processes diverge:
- Floating
Installing floating engineered hardwood is as simple as prepping, arranging, and cutting planks as needed, then fitting them all together snugly, and finally adding transition moldings in narrow spaces so the material can expand. Since this process doesn’t use much time or many materials, floating hardwood flooring can be the most affordable way to go.
- Nail-Down
To start, nail holes are pre-drilled, then the first rows of boards are planned and arranged along one wall in a staggered pattern. Once everything is in place, the installer nails down the initial row of planks by hand.
The next set of boards are underway, continuing the staggered seams to reinforce the floor’s stability and make it look organic and aesthetically pleasing. The contractor securely fits the planks against previous rows with a block and mallet.
Now there is enough space away from the walls for the nailer machine to work, automatically nailing the flooring down. The process continues up to areas close to the walls that are secured by hand.
- Glue-Down
Gluing down wood floors is a more complex process than floating, making this a pricier installation.
Since the planks attach to the subfloor directly, installers must prep it by flattening, smoothing, and/or cleaning it as needed. They then set the spacers, measure and organize the first rows of planks, varying the seams consistently.
In manageable sections, adhesive is distributed onto the subfloor. Then the boards are pressed on top and tapped together tightly. Once the flooring is placed throughout the room, it’s all pressed with a roller to make sure all planks are even.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Elgin
As trusty and long-lasting as hardwood can be, it inevitably endures wear and damage over time. Royal Flooring has your back when it comes to hardwood that has seen better days. We refinish your cherished wood floors. Why completely replace your floor when the one you have can get its luster back?
Turn back the clock on your current hardwood by vanishing scratches and fading. We use a unique dust-free sanding system before going over with a new stain or seal and protectant or finish.
Hardwood Flooring Styles That We Offer
But if you’re looking for new hardwood floor installation, browse our selection of hardwood flooring products from reputable brands. The species available include Maple, Pine, Oak, American Cherry, Kupay, Walnut, Birch, and Hickory.
Plus, we provide five different textures, and any stain color that harmonizes with your interior design sense.
Why Choose Us for Hardwood Flooring and Installation in Elgin
The Royal Promise makes Royal Flooring the first choice for hardwood flooring in Elgin, IL:
We work with you to make appointment planning, confirming, and rescheduling easy with top-notch Quality Assurance.
A Free In-Home Appointment lets you review the choices and get an estimate.
Our Low-Price Guarantee secures the lowest cost around. If you find a better rate somewhere else up to 30 days after purchase, the difference is on us, plus 10%.
Thanks to our Lifetime Installation Warranty, never fret over normal wear and tear issues again. We’ll come back and fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my hardwood floors?
Always protect hardwood flooring from scratches, moisture, and direct sunlight. Use gentle, soft brooms and dust cloths and only clean with wood-approved products.
Who installs hardwood flooring near me in Elgin?
Royal Flooring is the home of industry-leading Elgin hardwood floors.
What is the cost of installing hardwood flooring in my home?
Total cost depends on the type of hardwood floor, subfloor, and the amount of material needed to do a given space. We’ll go over it during your estimate, and we offer financing for any budget.
Do you install other types of flooring?
Royal Flooring covers all of Elgin’s flooring needs, including carpet, vinyl, and laminate.
Why is it important to have a professional install or refinish your hardwood flooring?
You’re understandably reluctant to attempt hardwood installation yourself. Errors could result in tons of wasted time, money, and materials.
Royal Flooring is the answer for homeowners asking ‘who has dependable hardwood flooring services near me?’ in Elgin. Because our installation professionals have decades of experience. They treat you and your property right, and they do the job right.
