Big Bro Hardwood, Plainfield's Expert Hardwood Flooring Company

Big Bro Hardwood is an employee-owned hardwood flooring company serving Plainfield and the surrounding southwest suburbs. We install, sand, stain, refinish, and repair solid and engineered wood floors, starting around $3 a square foot. Over 17+ years and 500+ floors across the area, we have worked on everything from older ranch homes in Plainfield’s early postwar subdivisions to the 1990s and 2000s two-story colonials that make up much of the village’s newer housing stock – including engineered hardwood upgrades over OSB subfloors where carpet used to be.

Brazilian cherry hardwood floors refinished in Chicago area.
Hardwood floor with silvered gray stain in Chicago
Special walnut hardwood floor refinishing Chicago area
Brazilian cherry hardwood floor in a formal room, with the natural reddish-brown tone and dense surface typical of this exotic wood species
Dark hardwood refinished by Big Bro Hardwood
Final result of hardwood sanding and refinishing
New 2 1/4 Red Oak hardwood installed, stained with Jacobean color with Loba 2k Duo finish.
Room with big windows and new refinished hardwood flooring

The same small crew handles your project from the first measurement to the last coat. No rotating subcontractors, ever. We give you a clear, line-by-line estimate, use vacuum-assisted equipment that captures 95%+ of sanding dust, and finish with Bona and Loba products that are kid- and pet-safe once cured. Reach out today and we will have a free in-home estimate to you within 24 hours.

Why Plainfield Homeowners Trust Big Bro Hardwood as Their Hardwood Flooring Contractor

Premium Results From $3/sq ft

Beautiful hardwood floors in Plainfield don’t have to come with an uncomfortable price tag. Our refinishing work starts at just $3, and installation pricing is clear and itemized so you always know what you’re paying for. Use our hardwood floor cost calculator to get a quick sense of what your project might look like before we ever set foot in your home.

Dustless Sanding Technology

We use vacuum-assisted sanding systems that capture 95% or more of dust at the source. That means less mess on your furniture, cleaner air while we work, and a home you can actually breathe in during the refinishing process. It’s a straightforward upgrade that makes a real difference, especially in occupied homes with kids or pets.

Complex Projects Planned, Not Improvised

Plainfield’s housing spans everything from older ranch homes near the historic downtown to newer two-story colonials built over engineered I-joist subfloors. Each situation calls for its own approach. Before we start, we plan every detail in advance – subfloor prep, moisture control, species selection, stain sequence, transitions, and stair work – so nothing important gets decided on the fly mid-project.

Finish Options Matched to Daily Use

We don’t pick a finish based on sheen alone. We look at your wood species, how busy the space is, whether you have kids or pets, and how sensitive your household is to odor and drying time. From there, we recommend a Bona or Loba system that fits your real life. We also walk you through furniture timelines, cleaning routines, and when it’s safe to get back to normal.

80% of Clients Refer Us

Roughly 80% of our work comes through referrals. Neighbors tell neighbors. That’s how we’ve grown across Plainfield and nearby suburbs since 2008 without relying on advertising. A 5.0 rating across 50 reviews reflects the same thing – people are happy enough with the results that they send their friends and family our way without being asked.

Floors and Stairs Under One Scope

We handle installation, sanding and refinishing, staining, repair, and stair work as one coordinated scope. The same small crew manages it all, which makes it much easier to match species, board width, stain color, and sheen from room to room and up the staircase – so the finished home feels intentional rather than pieced together.

Hardwood Flooring Services for Homes Across Plainfield, Illinois

From the historic homes near downtown’s DuPage River corridor to the newer two-story colonials and master-planned subdivisions that define most of Plainfield, we handle every hardwood flooring need with the same small, experienced crew from start to finish.

Hardwood floor installation process

Hardwood Floor Installation in Plainfield

We install solid and engineered hardwood - red oak, white oak, maple, and more - in both prefinished and site-finished options. Before any board goes down, we check subfloor flatness and moisture levels and acclimate the wood on site, so your floor stays tight through Plainfield's cold winters and humid summers.
Professional hardwood sander

Dustless Sanding & Refinishing in Plainfield

Our vacuum-assisted sanding system captures 95% or more of dust at the source, so your home stays clean throughout the job. We then apply fresh stain and multiple coats of finish to bring dull, scratched, or greyed boards back to life - refinishing starts at just $3 per square foot.
Hardwood floor stain application process

Hardwood Floor Staining in Plainfield

We test stain colors directly on your actual floor before committing to anything. Whether you want a warm natural tone, rich Jacobean, soft grey, or a white-washed look, you see exactly how it reads on your wood species in your own light before we move forward.
Hardwood floor repair and refinsihing process

Hardwood Floor Repair in Plainfield

Water damage, rotted boards, deep scratches, dents, or gaps that open up with seasonal humidity changes - we fix them all. We carefully match species, grade, and board width so the repaired section blends in and the patch is hard to find once the finish is down.
Hardwood stairs installation by Big Bro Hardwood

Stair Installation & Refinishing in Plainfield

Stairs take more wear than any other surface in the house. We install or refinish treads, risers, railings, and newel posts to match your floors in species and finish. Because the same crew handles both your floors and your stairs, everything ties together cleanly.

About Big Bro Hardwood

We’re a hardwood floor company based in the Plainfield area, with 17+ years of hands-on experience in hardwood floor installation, floor refinishing, staining, and repair services. Our team is small, focused, and takes pride in doing every job right, from the first measurement to the final product.

We’ve completed 500+ Plainfield-area projects across the city and the Chicagoland area, and we work closely with every client to make sure the results match their flooring needs — no shortcuts, no guesswork. Big Bro Hardwood wood flooring contractors adhere to the industry’s National Wood Flooring Association Technical Guidelines.

Our wood flooring company believes in clear communication, the best materials, and clean, quality work. More than 80% of our new clients come from satisfied customers who recommend us to family, friends, and neighbors — and we’re genuinely proud to earn that kind of trust.

17+ years

Of experience

500+

Hardwood floor projects completed

30+

Suburbs served

1 crew

No subcontractors - the owner is on every hardwood job

Donatas, Big Bro Hardwood owner

Donatas

Owner

Donatas, 41, founded Big Bro Hardwood flooring company, and brings 17+ years of hands-on experience.
Valdas, Big Bro Hardwood team member

Valdas

Team member

47 years old, with 17+ years of experience helping our wood flooring company deliver quality work homeowners can trust.
Slavek, Big Bro Hardwood team member

Slavek

Team member

62 years old, bringing 37 years of experience in stairs, railings, and finish carpentry to every project.

Hardwood Flooring Built for Plainfield Homes

Plainfield's mix of historic downtown properties, mid-century ranches, and newer subdivision builds each come with different subfloors, foundations, and moisture conditions - so we adjust our approach before we ever open a box of flooring.

1

Historic Downtown and Pre-War Homes

Older frame homes near the DuPage River corridor sometimes still have original strip oak or maple under carpet or tile. We check boards and subfloor condition up close before recommending anything. For homes built before 1978, we follow EPA Lead RRP protocol – proper containment, HEPA vacuuming, and clearance verification throughout the job.

2

Mid-Century Ranches and Split-Levels

Postwar ranches typically sit over basements with dimensional lumber joists and plywood subfloors. These take nail-down solid hardwood well, but we always check for levelness and moisture first. A floor that moves or squeaks usually points to a subfloor issue, not the wood itself.

3

1990s and 2000s Subdivision Homes

Most of Plainfield’s housing stock comes from this era. Engineered I-joists and OSB subfloors are common, and they perform well with nail-down hardwood once we confirm moisture levels from below are in range. Wide-plank prefinished and site-finished options both work here.

4

Slab-On-Grade Construction

Some newer entry-level and smaller homes in Plainfield were built on concrete slabs. Nail-down solid hardwood is not an option there. We typically recommend glue-down engineered hardwood or a floating installation, using low-VOC adhesives that are safe for kids and pets once cured.

5

Seasonal Humidity and Wood Movement

Plainfield’s humid continental climate means cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers – a wide swing that solid hardwood feels. We acclimate every delivery on site and advise keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% year-round. That one habit prevents most of the gapping and cupping calls we see in the area.

In many Plainfield homes the original wood is worth saving rather than replacing - the only way to know is to look at the subfloor and boards up close.

How We Work as a Hardwood Floor Contractor

1

Call Us Today

Call or send the form, tell us about your floors, and we’ll set a time to come look.

2

In-Home Visit & Consultation

We measure, check the wood and subfloor, talk through color and options, and leave you an itemized estimate.

3

Executing the Plan

Our crew handles prep, sanding, install, stain, and finish on a dust-controlled setup, cleaning up daily.

4

Enjoy Your New Floors

We do a final walkthrough, go over care and timing, and stand behind the work.

Before & After: See a Recent Plainfield Refinishing Project

A lot of Plainfield homes built in the 1990s and 2000s had hardwood added as an upgrade over OSB subfloor, and after years of foot traffic those boards can get pretty beat up. We recently worked on a home just like that - the floors were worn, scratched and dull from heavy daily use. We sanded them back, repaired the damage and refinished them, same wood, no replacement. Take a look at the before and after and judge the results for yourself.

Old wood floors in Chicago Refinished wood floors in Chicago by Big Bro Hardwood team
Close-up of a hardwood floor

Ready to Transform Your Plainfield Hardwood Floors?

Get a free in-home estimate within 24 hours. No pressure, no hidden costs — just honest advice and expert results, and no cutting corners.

How Much Will Your Plainfield Floor Project Cost?

Get a realistic budget range in about a minute for refinishing, new installation, replacing carpet with hardwood, or stairs. It’s a starting point, not a firm quote, and we confirm the exact figure with a free in-home estimate.

Get a Hardwood Flooring Estimate

Choose what you'd like an estimate for

Floor Area
Enter the total square footage to be refinished
sq ft
WOOD & FLOOR TYPE
Select the wood species and current finish

Not sure which one? Learn about wood types →

Red oak hardwood flooring sample
Red Oak
White oak hardwood flooring sample
White Oak
Maple hardwood flooring sample
Maple (clear coat)
Stained maple hardwood flooring sample
Maple (stained)
Cherry hardwood flooring sample
Cherry
Walnut hardwood flooring sample
Walnut
Hickory hardwood flooring sample
Hickory
Exotic hardwood flooring sample
Exotic / Other
Unfinished
Prefinished (oak)
Prefinished (maple / exotic)
Finish & Stain
Choose the coating system and color treatment
1-Component Water-Based
2-Component Water-Based
No Stain / Clear
Natural / Light Stain
Dark Stain
White Wash
Condition & Layout
Select the floor's current condition and room layout
Good Shape
Beat Up (deep scratches)
Old Wax Finish (30+ yrs)
Open Area (living room)
Mixed (kitchen + hallways)
Complex (multi-floor, tight)
Stairs (optional)
Estimated Project Cost

* This estimate is for budgeting purposes only. Actual pricing may vary based on site conditions, moisture levels, subfloor state, and access. A final quote requires an on-site inspection.

$—
$—
Minimum order is $700. Applied to your estimate.
Get Your Free Accurate Estimate
Floor Area
Enter the total square footage to be refinished
sq ft
Wood & Installation
Select the wood species and current finish

Not sure which one? Learn about wood types →

Red oak hardwood flooring sample

Red Oak $3–$7 / sq ft

White oak hardwood flooring sample

White Oak $4–$10 / sq ft

Maple hardwood flooring sample

Maple (clear coat) $4–$9 / sq ft

Stained maple hardwood flooring sample

Maple (stained) $4–$9 / sq ft

Cherry hardwood flooring sample

Cherry $5–$12 / sq ft

Walnut hardwood flooring sample

Walnut $7–$15 / sq ft

Hickory hardwood flooring sample

Hickory $4–$10 / sq ft

Exotic hardwood flooring sample

Exotic / Other $8–$20 / sq ft

Nail-Down
Glue-Down
Floating
Yes — include material cost
No — labor only
Add-ons

No removal needed

Remove carpet +$0.70–$1.60 / sq ft

Remove vinyl / linoleum +$1.00–$2.50 / sq ft

Remove tile +$1.50–$3.50 / sq ft

Subfloor leveling / repairs+$1.00–$3.00 / sq ft

Moisture barrier / underlayment+$0.70–$1.50 / sq ft

Stairs (optional)
Estimated Project Cost

* This estimate is for budgeting purposes only. Actual pricing may vary based on site conditions, moisture levels, subfloor state, and access. A final quote requires an on-site inspection.

Floor Area
Enter the total square footage to be refinished
sq ft
Wood & Installation
Select the wood species and current finish

Not sure which one? Learn about wood types →

Red oak hardwood flooring sample

Red Oak $3–$7 / sq ft

White oak hardwood flooring sample

White Oak $4–$10 / sq ft

Maple hardwood flooring sample

Maple (clear coat) $4–$9 / sq ft

Stained maple hardwood flooring sample

Maple (stained) $4–$9 / sq ft

Cherry hardwood flooring sample

Cherry $5–$12 / sq ft

Walnut hardwood flooring sample

Walnut $7–$15 / sq ft

Hickory hardwood flooring sample

Hickory $4–$10 / sq ft

Exotic hardwood flooring sample

Exotic / Other $8–$20 / sq ft

Nail-Down
Glue-Down
Floating
Yes — include material cost
No — labor only
ADD-ONS

Subfloor leveling / repairs+$1.00–$3.00 / sq ft

Moisture barrier / underlayment+$0.70–$1.50 / sq ft

Stairs (optional)
Estimated Project Cost

* This estimate is for budgeting purposes only. Actual pricing may vary based on site conditions, moisture levels, subfloor state, and access. A final quote requires an on-site inspection.

Clients' Testimonials

starstarstarstarstar
katherine rubiskatherine rubis
00:29 04 May 25
We had hardwood floors added to our family room and then refinished the whole main level. The quality of work was amazing. Donatas and his team were very easy to work with and always showed up on time. Would highly recommend!
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Matt MillerMatt Miller
00:48 29 Apr 25
If you want your floors to look awesome, have it done reliably and have very fair pricing, contact BigBroHardwood. We had our floors redone prior to moving in, the former owners didn't take care of the floors at all and now they look brand new!
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starstarstarstarstar
Michael SchieslMichael Schiesl
20:00 03 Feb 25
We had existing hardwood refinished along with installation of new hardwood in a carpeted area of our house. We were very pleased with the work that was done. Donatas and his team were very easy to work with. I would highly recommend them.
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starstarstarstarstar
jana mensingerjana mensinger
13:15 19 Nov 24
We hired Donatas to refinish hardwood floors in our 56-year-old Darien house last week and we are very pleased with the results. We dreaded the project because we had to shuffle furniture into other rooms and because of my preconceived notion that the entire house would be covered in sawdust. Well, I have to say it was nowhere near as bad as anticipated! Donatas sealed off adjacent areas and kept the dust down to a minimum, vacuuming up at the end of each day. We were very impressed with his attention to detail and overall work ethic, going out of his way to fix an unexpected issue resulting in a very long day for him. Ours was a week-long project, followed by a five-day curing period and Donatas made it as painless as possible for us. We feel very comfortable giving Big Bro Hardwood and Donatas in particular a five-star review and highly recommend them!
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Pat JohnsonPat Johnson
00:56 12 Apr 24
Dan and his team did a great job with our floors he was very thorough, explained the process well and cleaned up at the end of every day. He pays attention to the smallest of details too. I would certainly recommend him for your next flooring project.
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Carla Garza BeckerleyCarla Garza Beckerley
17:58 13 Apr 23
Dan transformed our 50 year old floors. They now shine as if they are brand new! We love the color of stain and the commercial finish he offered. Knowing we have a large dog this was a perfect choice and feel it is a great value. Again we are so happy with the results. Dan was prompt, professional and accommodating.

We would highly recommend Big Bro Hardwood!
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starstarstarstarstar
B OConnorB OConnor
14:29 21 Feb 23
We hired Dan after talking to 2 other companies and couldn’t be happier!!
He did a fantastic job, he showed up on time and his price was very reasonable.
He sanded and stained our 2nd story oak floors from golden oak color to a beautiful Jacobean stain. I really wish I had gotten “before & after” pictures. Our floors look absolutely beautiful and unlike the crew who did our 1st floor, Dan was very careful not to get ANY dark stain splatters on our white trim.
His hard work is impeccable and he’s a great credit to his craft!
I highly recommend him.
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Alicia CiuffiniAlicia Ciuffini
22:11 14 Dec 22
Couldn’t be happier with the job Big Bro did. The previous owners of our home installed bright red maple (who knows why), and I’ve wanted to change it forever. Maple is hard to work with, and Dan did a beautiful job. He worked with us on breaking up the project into two parts to inconvenience us the least, and was always on time and cleaned up. The project timeline went exactly as expected (a rarity these days). While refinishing floors is a hassle by default, Dan made it as painless as possible. Check out our before and after of one room for the big difference (still needs paint!)
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Michael ClarkMichael Clark
17:59 04 Aug 22
I thought my wood floors were beyond repair. 2 days later they look brand new.
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Brian ConserBrian Conser
02:21 02 Jul 22
We had our floors refinished and Denotas did an awesome job. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
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Claire ProeschClaire Proesch
02:36 20 Apr 22
Dan refinished my floors and did amazing work. Not only do my floors look brand new, but he was extremely responsive throughout the entire process. I would 100% recommend Big Bro Hardwood!
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mark sejdamark sejda
20:18 09 Aug 21
Big Bro Hardwood did an excellent job refinishing our hardwood floors and replacing our railing. The result is beautiful. Pictures aren't from the same viewpoint, but show the before and after. They were great to work with and very responsive, which I greatly appreciated. Definitely would recommend them.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Most Plainfield homes were built in the 1990s or later - does that affect hardwood installation?

It actually works in your favor. Newer Plainfield homes typically have engineered wood I-joists and plywood or OSB subfloors over full basements, which are well-suited for nail-down solid or engineered hardwood. We check subfloor flatness and moisture levels before any install begins. The main thing we watch is moisture coming up from below, so we always use a proper vapor retarder and follow NWFA guidelines to protect your investment long-term.

Plainfield summers are humid and winters are dry - will solid hardwood hold up here?

Yes, with the right preparation. Plainfield’s humid continental climate means your floors will expand slightly in summer and contract in winter as indoor humidity swings. We acclimate every board on-site before installation and leave proper expansion gaps at walls and transitions. Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% year-round is the single best thing you can do to prevent gapping or cupping, and we walk every client through exactly how to manage that.

Some Plainfield neighborhoods have older ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s - can those original oak floors be refinished?

Usually yes. Mid-century ranches in Plainfield often have strip oak floors that have been covered by carpet for decades. Once we pull back the carpet and check board thickness and condition, most of those floors have plenty of wood left to sand. We assess every floor individually before recommending refinishing or replacement, and we never push a more expensive option when a good sand-and-finish will do the job beautifully.

My newer Plainfield home has a slab foundation in part of the lower level - what are my hardwood options there?

Solid hardwood cannot be nailed into concrete, but you still have good choices. Glue-down engineered hardwood is our most popular recommendation for slab areas – it bonds securely, resists moisture better than solid wood, and looks just as beautiful. A floating engineered floor is another option if you prefer not to glue. We assess your specific slab conditions, including moisture readings, before recommending which approach fits your space and budget.

What does hardwood floor refinishing cost in Plainfield, and how do I estimate my project?

Refinishing starts at $3 per square foot, and for smaller homes under 1,200 square feet we offer flat-rate pricing so there are no surprises. Larger or more complex projects get a detailed, line-by-line estimate. For a quick ballpark before we visit, try our cost calculator. We also offer 10% off for first-time clients. The most accurate number always comes from a free in-home estimate, which we schedule within 24 hours of your call.

How do I know whether to refinish my existing floors or replace them entirely?

Refinishing makes sense when the wood is structurally sound and has enough thickness for sanding – most floors can be refinished several times over their life. Replacement is worth considering when boards are warped, deeply damaged, too thin to sand again, or when you want a different wood species or width. We give you an honest recommendation either way at the free estimate, because our reputation in Plainfield is built on referrals, not upsells.

Will I need to leave my home during sanding and refinishing, and how long does it take?

Most refinishing projects take two to three days depending on square footage and the number of finish coats. You can stay in the home during sanding, though we recommend sleeping elsewhere the first night after finish is applied while it cures. Our vacuum-assisted sanding system captures 95% or more of dust at the source, so there is far less disruption than old-school methods. We work the same small crew start to finish, so scheduling stays predictable.

Are the finishes you use safe for kids and pets in a Plainfield home?

Yes. We work primarily with Bona and Loba finishes, both of which are low-VOC and kid- and pet-safe once fully cured. Curing typically takes 24-48 hours before light foot traffic and about a week before rugs go back down. We will give you a clear timeline at the end of the job so you know exactly when it is safe for everyone in the household, including the dog, to move freely through the space.

Let’s Get Your Project Started

Tell us what you need — we’ll help you figure out the best way to get it done.