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Big Bro Hardwood / Hardwood Flooring Installation Chicago
Hardwood Flooring Installation Chicago
Subfloor Preparation
Eco-friendly Materials
On Schedule and Within Budget
15 Year of Experience
Transform Your Home with Expert Hardwood Flooring Installation in Chicago, IL
Local Hardwood Flooring Installers in Chicago
We’re Big Bro Hardwood — a Chicago-based hardwood flooring installation company serving the city and surrounding suburbs. Our hardwood flooring installers specialize in solid and engineered hardwood floor installation, using method-matched fastening (nail-down, glue-down, or floating) based on subfloor type, moisture conditions, and manufacturer requirements.
Our hardwood experts focus on tight seams, proper racking and joint staggering, correct expansion gaps, and clean transitions — with a low-odor, dust-controlled workflow and predictable scheduling.
We proudly serve Chicago, IL, and nearby communities, including Naperville, Downers Grove, Aurora, Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Lemont, Plainfield, and surrounding suburbs.
Service Highlights
Employee-Owned Company
80% of Clients Refer Us
Free In-Home Estimate in 24 Hours
Most installs in 1–3 days, Dust-Controlled*
* Timeline depends on square footage and complexity; dust control minimizes, but doesn’t eliminate dust or odors.
Why Hardwood Floors for Chicago Homes
Hardwood flooring installation is a smart home improvement investment when you want a durable, refinishable surface that adds long-term value and looks built-in.
Professionally installed hardwood flooring works especially well for Chicago homes and condos, balancing appearance, longevity, and indoor air quality better than carpet or many synthetic flooring options.
- Durable & refinishable — hardwood floors can serve for decades and be sanded and refinished instead of replaced, making them a cost-effective flooring solution over time.
- Preferred by buyers — hardwood flooring is consistently associated with higher resale appeal during renovation projects and home sales.
- Low-VOC options — modern finishes support healthier indoor air than carpet, which can trap dust, allergens, and pet dander around furniture and high-traffic rooms.
- Engineered wood solutions — ideal for kitchens, concrete subfloors, and some basements when moisture testing and humidity control requirements are met, helping reduce risks related to water damage.
- Radiant-heat compatible — engineered and selected solid hardwood floors can be installed over radiant heating systems when specified and installed according to manufacturer guidelines.
Our Hardwood Floor Installation Process in Chicago
Our process is simple and fully managed: clear scheduling, dust-controlled work, and transparent communication. We explain each step upfront, handle prep and logistics, and keep your wood floor installation in Chicago low-stress.
Timeline at a glance:
≤300 sq ft
1–2 days
800–1,200 sq ft
3–5 days (prep/acclimation may add time)
1
1. Measure & Plan
On-site measure and goals; we confirm solid vs engineered wood flooring, plank width/finish, room layout, and the correct installation method. You receive an itemized bid and schedule. (Indoor targets: 60–80°F, 30–50% RH per NWFA/manufacturer.)
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2. Subfloor Inspection and Preparation
Removal of old flooring, moisture checks (wood 6–9% MC; concrete subfloors via RH or CaCl testing if required), squeak fixes, leveling, and base prep. Flatness target: ≤ 3/16″ over 10′ (or 1/8″ over 6′). Underlayment and vapor barriers installed as specified in your bid.
3
3. Layout & Acclimation
Board direction, room transitions, and patterns (e.g., herringbone or chevron) are planned for balanced visuals and minimal waste. Product acclimation is verified by moisture readings on site, following manufacturer and NWFA requirements before installation.
4
4. Install — Method Matches the Base
Nail-down installation on wood subfloors; glue-down installation for concrete, wider planks, or patterns; floating installation where engineered wood makes the most sense. Proper expansion gaps and flush, safe transitions are maintained.
5
5. Finish & Details
Prefinished floors allow light foot traffic the same day. Site-finished floors are sanded, stained, and coated with guidance on furniture and rug timing. Stairs, treads, thresholds, baseboards, and shoe molding are completed as outlined in your scope.
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6. Final Check & Handoff
We inspect together, complete quick touch-ups, share simple care guidance, and confirm when to move furniture and rugs back into place.
Hardwood Installation Cost in Chicago
Pricing for hardwood flooring installation in Chicago depends on method, square footage, and subfloor condition. The table below shows transparent labor rates from our Chicago flooring company to give you a clear starting point before an on-site visit.
| Package / Method | Typical Use | Labor from* | Includes (labor) | Not Included |
| Nail-Down | Houses, 1st/2nd floor | $3.5–$6.5 / sq ft | Layout, nailer setup & fastener install; shoe molding install | Demo & disposal, subfloor leveling, new plywood |
| Glue-Down | Condos, basements | $5.5–$9.5 / sq ft | Adhesive application (trowel & roll-in); rolling | Moisture barrier, acoustic underlayment (IIC) |
| Floating | Fast installs, rentals | $3.0–$5.5 / sq ft | Click/lock assembly; underlayment install | Transitions, premium sound mats |
| Stairs (tread + riser) | Any | $150–$300 per step | Cut-to-fit & install; nosings; adhesives | Handrails, balusters |
*Pricing shown is labor-only. Final itemized quote is provided after an on-site visit and moisture testing by our flooring contractors; materials and extras (flooring, adhesive, underlayments, moisture mitigation, leveling, HOA acoustic underlayment, trims) are billed separately as line items. Inclusions and exclusions are defined line by line in your bid by our hardwood flooring contractor.
Add-ons:
$1–$3 / sq ft.
Old floor removal
$1–$3 / sq ft.
Subfloor leveling
$0.7–$1.5 / sq ft.
Moisture barrier
per bid
Baseboard/shoe
Why Choose Big Bro Hardwood as Your Wood Floor Installers
Choosing the right flooring installation company is as important as the wood you pick. Our Chicago team leads with prep, method selection, and clear scope control so you get a stable, clean hardwood floor install with zero guesswork.
15+ Years, Employee-Owned
An employee-owned crew with 15+ years across Chicago homes. Ownership on the job means accountability end-to-end, from single rooms to full-home installs, including stairs, transitions, and trim, handled by experienced hardwood floor installers.
Subfloor & Moisture First
Great installs start under the floor. We correct subfloor issues, verify and log moisture (%MC) for subfloor and planks, and specify the right underlayment or adhesive to prevent squeaks, gaps, cupping, and costly floor repair later.
Method Matched to Your Base
Method follows conditions, not habit: nail-down on wood subfloors; glue-down for concrete, wider planks, or patterns; floating where engineered wood makes the most sense, with proper expansion gaps and smart transitions used by professional flooring contractors.
Fast, Clean, Predictable
Free in-home estimate within 24 hours, then a schedule you can plan around. Most installs finish in 1–3 days (scope-dependent) with dust-controlled containment, tool-connected extraction, protected walk paths, and respectful customer service in lived-in homes.
Clear, Itemized Pricing & Coordination
You see what’s included before we start: labor, materials, removal/haul-away, thresholds/transitions, baseboards or shoe molding, stairs, and any add-ons. If hidden issues appear at demo, we price and approve before proceeding with your hardwood floor installation.
Local Proof: 80% Referrals
80% of clients refer us, and many rehire us. Trusted across Chicago and nearby communities including Naperville, Downers Grove, Aurora, Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Lemont, and Plainfield; references available on request from our hardwood flooring contractor team.
Before and After
Ready to breathe new life into your floors? Get a free estimate today!
contact big bro hardwoodHardwood Installation: Types, Methods & Finishes in Chicago
We install solid and engineered hardwood across Chicago with the right method for your subfloor and timeline . You get a professional wood flooring installation service delivered by an experienced hardwood flooring contractor that’s fast, clean, and precise.
Why Choose Professional Hardwood Installation?
- Solid & engineered hardwood — matched to your space (single-family homes, townhouses, condos) and construction conditions by skilled hardwood floor contractors.
- Methods that fit your base — nail-down for hardwood or plywood subfloors, glue-down for concrete, wider planks, or patterns; floating where engineered hardwood makes the most sense for long-term stability.
- Finishes & timelines — prefinished floors allow same-day light foot traffic; site-finished installs enable custom stain, with furniture typically after 24–48 hours (finish-dependent).
- Species & looks — red and white oak, maple, hickory, walnut; plank width and texture selected to match adjacent rooms, kitchens, and renovation goals.
- Scope options — stairs and treads, transitions and thresholds, baseboards and shoe molding to complete the floor installation and reduce future floor repair or water-damage risks.
Client Reviews
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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Other Quality Flooring Services
Bring your damaged hardwood floor back to life with our professional repair services. We seamlessly fix scratches, dents, and other damage to restore the natural beauty and durability of your hardwood.
Refresh the look of your floors with our expert staining services. Choose from a variety of rich colors of different wood types to enhance the natural grain of your wood flooring, giving your flooring a personalized touch.
Revitalize your hardwood floors with professional wood floor sanding and refinishing. This refinishing and sanding process removes scratches and imperfections, leaving your floors smooth, polished, and looking brand new.
frequently asked questions
How much does wood flooring installation cost in Chicago?
Most projects fall around $6–$12 per sq ft (labor). Hardwood floor installation cost varies with square footage, subfloor condition, install method (nail-down, glue-down, or floating), patterns (herringbone/chevron), stairs, and demo or haul-away. Labor plus materials depends on species and finish.
How long does installation take?
Typical installs take 1–3 days for a room or two; whole-home or custom layouts take longer. Prefinished floors allow same-day light foot traffic; site-finished adds finish cure time before moving furniture/rugs.
Can I stay home during installation?
Yes, but expect noise and some dust. We use dust-controlled containment and daily cleanup to keep lived-in areas usable.
When can I walk on the floor and move furniture/rugs?
Light foot traffic is usually fine right after prefinished installs. For site-finished, we’ll confirm the finish’s cure window; furniture is commonly 24–48 hrs, rugs later.
Solid vs. engineered: which is better for my space?
Solid hardwood suits above-grade wood subfloors and future refinishing. Engineered hardwood is better for basements when moisture conditions allow, concrete slabs, kitchens, and radiant heat when installed to manufacturer’s specs.
Can you install hardwood over concrete or radiant heat?
Yes, our team can install hardwood floors over concrete using engineered products, typically glue-down over properly prepared slabs with appropriate vapor barriers. Radiant systems must meet temperature, humidity, and expansion requirements.
How do I care for new hardwood floors?
Dry dust or vacuum (hard-floor mode), use a pH-neutral cleaner, and keep it damp-not-wet. Avoid steam and vinegar/ammonia/oil soaps. Add felt pads and wipe spills promptly.
Is DIY hardwood floor installation worth it?
Usually not. Most issues come from moisture/subfloor prep or the wrong install method, which can void manufacturer warranties and cost more to fix than a pro install.
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