Floors That Last Through Generations

Professional hardwood flooring installation services in Ohio, from M.L. Dunn Flooring.

If your current flooring shows wear from years of foot traffic, hardwood installation gives you a floor that holds up to daily life while looking clean and natural. In Englewood, many homeowners choose hardwood to replace worn carpet or outdated vinyl, especially in homes where subflooring is solid and ready for new material. M.L. Dunn Flooring provides installation services that include both solid hardwood and engineered options, depending on your home's conditions and how you use the space.

The installation process begins with checking your subfloor for level surfaces and moisture levels, since hardwood performs best when the foundation underneath is dry and stable. Installers align each plank carefully, checking for tight seams and consistent spacing that prevent gaps or movement over time. In Englewood and throughout Ohio, this kind of precision matters in older homes where floor joists may have settled or shifted. Solid hardwood works well in living rooms and bedrooms, while engineered hardwood offers more flexibility in areas with minor moisture concerns or over concrete slabs.

M.L. Dunn Flooring can walk you through installation timelines and material options during a consultation at their Englewood showroom or at your home.

What Goes Into Installing Hardwood Correctly

When you schedule hardwood installation in Englewood, the crew brings tools for cutting, fastening, and leveling, along with the planks you selected. They remove existing flooring if needed, then check the subfloor for any soft spots or uneven sections that could cause squeaks or movement later. Once the surface is clean and level, they begin laying the hardwood, fastening it with nails or adhesive depending on the product type and subfloor material.

After installation, you will notice a floor surface that feels solid underfoot, with no bounce or hollow sound when you walk across it. The seams between planks line up evenly, and the finish coat reflects light consistently across the room. Hardwood flooring is handled carefully during installation to protect both the material and the surrounding walls, trim, and doorways.

The crew also installs transition strips where hardwood meets tile or carpet, and they leave a small expansion gap along walls to allow the wood to shift naturally with humidity changes. Installation does not include moving heavy furniture or repainting baseboards, though the team works around these elements to keep your home as clean as possible. Once the floor is down, you can walk on it the same day if adhesive was used, or after a few hours if nails were the primary fastener.

Questions You Might Have Before We Start

Homeowners in Englewood often ask about installation timing, material differences, and how the work affects their daily routines, so here are answers to the most common concerns that come up before scheduling.

What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is cut from a single piece of wood and can be sanded multiple times over its life, making it a good choice for long-term durability in stable environments. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a plywood core, which resists moisture better and can be installed over concrete or in basements where solid wood might warp.
How long does a typical hardwood installation take?
Most installations in Englewood take one to three days depending on the size of the area and whether old flooring needs removal. You can discuss your specific timeline during the consultation with M.L. Dunn Flooring.
Why does hardwood need an expansion gap along the walls?
Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so leaving a small gap around the perimeter prevents buckling or cupping as the seasons change. The gap is covered by baseboards or quarter-round trim, so you will not see it once the job is finished.
What kind of subfloor works best for hardwood installation?
Hardwood installs well over plywood or OSB subfloors that are clean, dry, and level. If your subfloor has moisture issues or severe unevenness, the crew will address those before laying the planks to avoid problems later.
How soon can I put furniture back on the new floor?
If the hardwood was nailed down, you can place furniture back within a few hours. If adhesive was used, it is best to wait 24 hours before adding heavy items to give the bond time to cure fully.

M.L. Dunn Flooring brings decades of flooring knowledge to every installation in Englewood and across Ohio, with crews trained to handle alignment, fastening, and finishing work that lasts. If you are ready to replace old flooring or upgrade your home with hardwood, reach out to discuss your project and schedule an installation consultation.