Donatas

63 articles

My name is Donatas. 39 year old, born in Lithuania. I have finished two university degrees – building construction and later on Medical degree, which lead me to become a flooring refinishing Doctor. I came to the US 15 years ago, after graduating Medical University and instantly started working in floor refinishing industry. After 2 years of hard working for another company I felt in love with what I do, so I decided to start my own company. I knew, if I’m the boss, I can make my own decisions and make this industry much better. Hardwood flooring became my passion.

I also have a family, 2 wonderful kids. They get me up in the morning everyday and drives me to do amazing things.

On free time I have couple personal hobbies. Off-roading in the woods, playing pickleball and enjoying time with my family.

Hinsdale Whole-Home Refinish + Oak Stair Makeover

Donatas

September 09, 2025

Hinsdale whole-home refinish with a full staircase makeover: we swapped red Brazilian-cherry treads for oak, matched floors and stairs in Espresso, and sealed it extra-matte with Loba 2K Duo—one calm, cohesive look from foyer to bedrooms.

Refinishing hardwood floors article cover by Big Bro Hardwood

How To Refinish Hardwood Floors: Guide 2025

Donatas

August 22, 2025

Refinishing hardwood floors can erase years of wear, restore rich grain, and protect your investment for decades—without the cost of full replacement. This step-by-step guide covers everything from testing if your floor is a refinishing candidate to choosing the right tools, stain, and finish for lasting results.

Refinishing Oak Floors: From Fading Red Oak to Fresh White Oak

Donatas

July 09, 2025

What started as a simple refinish turned into a full floor replacement — see how we gave this century-old home a fresh start with white oak hardwood.

Water Popping Wood Floors: Step-by-Step Guide

Donatas

June 26, 2025

Thinking about staining your hardwood floor? Learn exactly what water popping wood floors means, when to use it, and how to do it step by step to get deep, even stain results without costly mistakes.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Donatas

June 12, 2025

In this article you’ll learn the best way to clean hardwood floors, what to use (and avoid), how to mop hardwood floors safely, and how to handle everything from daily dust to deeper stains and scuff marks.

Can you refinish engineered hardwood? Article cover by Big Bro Hardwood

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Donatas

May 13, 2025

If you try researching this topic, you might be surprised by how confusing the answers are. That’s because there are many factors to consider, and the shortest answer is “Sometimes yes, sometimes no.” In this guide, we’ll share the knowledge we’ve acquired during our 15 years of experience and discuss the details you need to understand to determine whether you can refinish engineered hardwood floors in your home.

Screen and recoat hardwood floors article cover

Screen and Recoat Hardwood Floors: Why, When, and How

Donatas

April 17, 2025

At Big Bro Hardwood, we often have clients wondering whether their floors need just recoating or full sanding. This guide will show you how to find the answer by examining your floor. We’ll also describe how to screen and recoat hardwood floors on your own and answer other popular questions.

How to polish hardwood floors cover by Big Bro Hardwood

How to Polish Hardwood Floors Without Damaging Them

Donatas

March 31, 2025

This guide will walk you through every step of polishing hardwood floors, from choosing the polish to the final maintenance tips. Bonus: top reasons why the floor still looks dull despite your best effort and which “natural polishes” damage the finish.

Can you refinish prefinished floors? Article cover

Refinishing Prefinished Hardwood Floors – Everything You Need to Know

Donatas

February 20, 2025

Can you refinish prefinished hardwood floors? Yes, but it can be a bit more complicated. Here we’ll cover when refinishing is a good option, the full process, mistakes to avoid, and whether DIY or professional option is best for you.