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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
We’re Big Bro Hardwood — local hardwood flooring installers serving Chicago and the suburbs. Our employee-owned team installs solid and engineered wood floors with tight seams, a clean, low-odor, dust-controlled workflow, and on-schedule delivery. Get a clear, itemized bid fast and a floor that looks built-in from day one.
Our team proudly serves Chicago, IL and nearby communities including Naperville, Downers Grove, Aurora, Hinsdale, Arlington Heights, Lemont, Plainfield, and more.
Service Highlights
Employee-Owned Company
80% of Clients Refer Us
Free In-Home Estimate in 24 Hours
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 is the smart upgrade when you want a durable, refinishable surface that adds value and looks built-in — ideal for Chicago homes and condos. It balances longevity, resale appeal, and clean indoor air better than most alternatives.
- Durable & refinishable — serves for decades and can be renewed instead of replaced.
- Preferred by buyers — supports resale value and first impressions at showings.
- Low-VOC options — healthier indoor air than fibers that trap dust and dander.
- Engineered solutions — suited for kitchens, basements, and concrete slabs.
- Radiant-heat compatible — when specified and installed to manufacturer requirements
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 hardwood 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, plank width/finish, and the correct method. You get an itemized bid and schedule. (Indoor targets: 60–80°F, 30–50% RH per NWFA/manufacturer.)
2
2. Subfloor Inspection and Preparation
Removal of old flooring, moisture checks (wood 6–9% MC; concrete RH/CaCl if needed), squeak fixes, leveling, and base prep for wood or concrete. Flatness target: ≤ 3/16″ over 10′ (or 1/8″ over 6′). Underlayment and vapor barriers as specified in your bid.
3
3. Layout & Acclimation
Board direction, room transitions, and patterns (e.g., herringbone/chevron) planned for balanced visuals and minimal waste. Product acclimates on site ~3–7 days per manufacturer/NWFA before install.
4
4. Install — Method Matches the Base
Nail-down on wood subfloors; glue-down for concrete, wider planks, or patterns; floating where engineered makes the most sense. We maintain proper expansion gaps and set flush, safe transitions.
5
5. Finish & Details
Prefinished: light foot traffic the same day. Site-finished: sand/stain/coat with guidance on furniture/rug timing. Stairs/treads, thresholds, baseboards, and shoe molding completed as specified in your scope.
6
6. Final Check & Handoff
We inspect together, do quick touch-ups, share simple care tips, and confirm when to move furniture and rugs.
Hardwood Installation Pricing in Chicago
Pricing for hardwood floor installation in Chicago depends on method, square footage, and subfloor condition. The table below shows transparent labor rates 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; trim 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 staircase | 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; 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.
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.
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/adhesive to prevent squeaks, gaps, and cupping.
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 makes the most sense—with proper expansion and smart transitions.
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, and protected walk paths.
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.
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.
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 — a wood floor installation service that’s fast, clean, and precise.
Why Choose Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
- Solid & engineered hardwood — matched to your space (single-family, townhouse, condo) and conditions.
- Methods that fit your base — nail-down for wood subfloors, glue-down for concrete/wider planks or patterns, floating where engineered makes the most sense.
- 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/white oak, maple, hickory, walnut; plank width/texture selected to match adjacent rooms and your design.
- Scope options — stairs and treads, transitions/thresholds, baseboards and shoe molding to complete the install.
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.
Learn more
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, giving your flooring a personalized touch.
Learn more
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.
Learn morefrequently asked questions
How much does hardwood floor installation cost in Chicago?
Most projects fall around $6–$12 per sq ft (labor); labor+materials varies by species and finish. Pricing depends on square footage, subfloor condition, install method (nail-down/glue-down/floating), patterns (herringbone/chevron), stairs, and demo/haul-away.
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—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, concrete slabs, kitchens, and radiant heat when installed to manufacturer specs.
Can you install hardwood over concrete or radiant heat?
Yes—typically engineered hardwood, glue-down over properly prepared concrete with appropriate vapor barriers; radiant systems must meet temperature/humidity specs and expansion allowances.
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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