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Constantin Floors

Hardwood Installation

Professional Hardwood
Flooring Installation in
Rhode Island

There's nothing quite like solid hardwood underfoot — warm, timeless, and built to last generations. Constantin Floors installs hardwood with the precision and care your home deserves.

Solid Wood. Expert Installation.

What Hardwood Flooring
Installation Actually Involves

Installing hardwood flooring isn't simply laying boards down over your existing floor. A professional installation begins long before the first plank goes down — with an honest evaluation of your subfloor, moisture testing, and a plan for how the wood will acclimate to your home's environment.

Different rooms, different subfloor conditions, and different wood species all require different approaches. Some installations are nail-down, others glue-down or floating. The right method depends on your specific situation — and getting it wrong leads to gaps, squeaks, and premature wear.

At Constantin Floors, we take the time to prepare the surface correctly, select the appropriate installation method, and fit every plank with care. The result is a floor that holds its shape, feels solid underfoot, and looks exceptional for decades.

hardwood floor

Why It Matters

What the Right Installation Does
for Your Home

Built to Last Decades

Solid hardwood can outlast the house itself when properly installed and maintained. Many species can be refinished four or more times, extending the life of your investment considerably.

Adapts to Your Home

Wood breathes with your home's humidity. Proper installation — including correct acclimation and expansion gaps — ensures the floor moves naturally without cracking or buckling.

Increases Home Value

Hardwood consistently ranks among the flooring choices that buyers prefer. A well-installed hardwood floor is a genuine selling point, not just an aesthetic one.

Timeless Appearance

Unlike trends that date quickly, hardwood looks as appropriate in a restored Victorian as it does in a modern open-plan home. It ages beautifully rather than simply wearing out.

Natural Material

Solid hardwood is a natural, renewable material. When chosen and sourced responsibly, it's one of the more sustainable flooring options available.

Repairable and Refinishable

Scratches and worn areas on solid hardwood can be sanded away and refinished to like-new condition — something no carpet or vinyl can offer.

Helpful Guide

Is Hardwood the Right Choice for Your Home?

You want a floor that adds long-term value to your home

You're installing in a living room, bedroom, hallway, or dining room

You prefer a natural material over synthetic options

Your subfloor is in good condition or you're prepared to have it leveled

You want a floor that can be refinished and refreshed over the years

You value craftsmanship and aren't looking for the cheapest option available

What to Expect

The Constantin Floors Process

01

Free In-Home Estimate

We visit your home, measure the space, evaluate the subfloor, and discuss your preferences for species, plank width, and finish. No commitment required.

02

Material Selection

We help you choose the right wood species, width, and finish for your space, lifestyle, and budget — without unnecessary upselling.

03

Acclimation Period

Wood needs time to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity. We deliver the material and allow it to acclimate properly before installation begins.

04

Subfloor Preparation

ueaky boards, and ensuring the surface is clean, dry, and stable.

05

Precision Installation

Each plank is carefully fitted, ensuring consistent gaps, tight seams, and proper fastening. We work methodically, not quickly.

06

Final Walkthrough

Before we leave, we walk through the finished floor with you, address any questions, and provide care instructions so your floor stays beautiful for years.

Transformation

Before & After

After
Before

BEFORE

AFTER

A dated, worn floor replaced with freshly installed wide-plank white oak — transforming the
entire feel of the room.

Our Work

Recent Projects

recent projects
Providence, RI

Rustic Weathered Hardwood Installation

Wide-plank character-grade hardwood featuring rich tone variation and weathered details, nail-down installation over a fully prepared subfloor. The homeowners wanted a warm, rustic-yet-refined look — delivered exactly that.

recent projects
Cranston, RI

Warm Rustic Hardwood Installation

Wide-plank character-grade hardwood featuring rich amber and warm brown tone variations, nail-down installation over a fully prepared subfloor. The homeowners wanted a cozy, grounded contrast against the crisp white subway tile — delivered exactly that.

recent projects
Warwick, RI

Classic Red Oak Hardwood Installation

Traditional-width red oak hardwood featuring rich, warm amber and reddish-brown undertones with a polished protective finish, nail-down installation over a fully prepared subfloor. The homeowners wanted a timeless, classic warmth — delivered exactly that.

Our Work

Materials & Choices

Common Wood Species

White Oak

Rhode Island's most popular choice — consistent grain, warm tone, takes stain beautifully. Excellent durability.

Red Oak

Warm reddish hue, prominent grain. A classic that works well in traditional and transitional homes.

Maple

Light, subtle grain. Ideal for contemporary spaces where a clean, minimal look is the goal.

Walnut

Rich chocolate tones, naturally dark. Often used as a statement floor in living areas or studies.

Hickory

The most durable domestic species. High contrast grain pattern — distinctive and rustic.

Finish Options

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Durable, amber-toned finish. Enhances the wood's natural warmth.

Water-Based Polyurethane

Clear, non-yellowing finish. Better for lighter woods like maple.

Hardwax Oil

A European-style penetrating finish that looks and feels more natural. Easier spot repairs.

Pre-Finished

Factory-applied finish. Faster installation and ready to use immediately — no curing time needed.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

01

How long does hardwood floor installation take?

Most residential installations are completed in 1–3 days depending on the square footage and pattern. Add 3–7 days for the wood to acclimate before installation begins. If the subfloor needs leveling, allow additional time for that work.
02

Can hardwood be installed over my existing flooring?

It depends. Hardwood can sometimes be installed over existing hardwood if it's in good condition and the height difference won't cause issues at thresholds. Installing over vinyl or tile is generally not recommended — we'll evaluate your specific situation during the estimate.
03

Does the subfloor need to be flat?

Yes. The subfloor needs to be within 3/16" over 10 feet for most installations. If it's out of tolerance, we address that before installation begins — a critical step that's often skipped by less thorough contractors.
04

How do I choose between solid and engineered hardwood?

Solid hardwood is exactly that — a full piece of wood, typically 3/4" thick. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a plywood core, making it more stable in humidity-prone areas like basements. We'll recommend the right option based on where you're installing and your subfloor type.
05

How long before I can walk on the floor after installation?

For pre-finished hardwood, you can typically walk carefully on the floor the same day. For site-finished floors, you'll need to stay off for 24–48 hours after the final coat, with full cure time of 5–7 days before returning heavy furniture.

Also Consider

Related Services

Get Started

Ready for New Hardwood Floors?

Whether you're starting from scratch or replacing tired flooring, Constantin Floors will give you
an honest assessment and a detailed
estimate — no pressure,
no surprises.