Hardwood Floor Installation Contractor in Greater Boston
Solid and engineered hardwood floor installation and refinishing — Schlickmann's carpenters deliver site-finished results that match the character of Greater Boston's historic housing stock.
Hardwood floors in Greater Boston's older homes are often hidden under layers of carpet — and worth restoring. When the existing wood is salvageable, refinishing delivers a dramatic result for a fraction of new installation cost. When replacement is necessary (wide plank for an open-plan renovation, or engineered hardwood for a basement or radiant heat application), Schlickmann installs to manufacturer specification with proper acclimation and subfloor preparation.
Refinishing existing hardwood is the first decision point: can the existing floors take another sanding? Most 3/4-inch solid hardwood can be refinished 3–5 times before the tongue-and-groove is compromised. Our carpenters assess floor condition, count existing finish layers, and evaluate whether the boards have been previously sanded to their limit before recommending refinish or replacement.
For new hardwood installation in Greater Boston, engineered hardwood has replaced solid wood in most applications below grade and over radiant heat systems. Engineered hardwood is dimensionally stable in New England's humidity swings — it won't cup in summer or gap in winter the way solid hardwood does in poorly conditioned spaces. We specify engineered hardwood for basements, heated slabs, and any application where subfloor moisture is a concern.
Hardwood Floor Installation — FAQ
How much does hardwood floor installation cost in Massachusetts?
Hardwood floor installation in Massachusetts typically costs $8–$14 per square foot installed for solid or engineered hardwood (material + labor). A 1,000 sq ft installation runs $8,000–$14,000. Site sanding and finishing adds $3–$5 per sq ft. Refinishing existing hardwood costs $3–$6 per sq ft. Schlickmann provides fixed-price proposals after site assessment.
Should I refinish or replace my hardwood floors?
Refinishing is the right choice if: the existing boards are solid hardwood (not thin engineered), the surface doesn't have deep gouges or warped boards, and there's enough material left for sanding (check the wear layer above the tongue). Replacement is right when: boards are too thin to sand again, there's significant warping or cupping, or you're changing the species or width as part of a renovation. Schlickmann assesses both options and gives you an honest recommendation.
Can you install hardwood over radiant heat?
Yes — but solid hardwood is not recommended over radiant heat. Engineered hardwood (a plywood core with hardwood veneer) is dimensionally stable and appropriate for radiant systems. We specify manufacturer-approved engineered products for radiant applications and follow required acclimation and installation procedures. Subfloor moisture testing is required before installation over any in-slab heat system.
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Licensed CSL-121587 · Fixed-price proposals · Serving Greater Boston since 2021
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