Timeless Hardwood Flooring Installation
Hardwood
Timeless Beauty Underfoot
Hardwood flooring adds warmth, character, and lasting value to any home. Olive + Baxter offers a wide selection of wood species, finishes, and installation patterns to create the perfect look for your space.
Premium Selection
Choose from domestic species like oak, maple, and walnut, or exotic options for a unique look. We help you select the right wood based on durability, grain pattern, and how it will complement your interior design.
Expert Installation
Proper installation is crucial for hardwood performance. Our team ensures correct acclimation, subfloor preparation, and installation techniques for floors that look beautiful and last for generations.
Finishing Options
Select from site-finished or prefinished options. Site finishing allows for custom stain colors and seamless repairs, while prefinished offers convenience and factory-applied durability.
Recent Hardwood Projects
Natural red oak flooring and a matching oak staircase with black iron balusters from a Naperville whole-home remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished many times over its life. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a stable plywood core, which makes it more resistant to humidity swings and a better fit for basements or over concrete. Both are genuine wood, so the right choice depends on the room and subfloor.
How does the Chicago-area climate affect hardwood floors?
Our region sees humid summers and dry, heated winters, and wood naturally expands and contracts with those seasonal changes. That is why proper acclimation before installation and correct spacing matter so much. When installed correctly, minor seasonal movement is normal and the floor stays stable for decades.
Which wood species is most durable for a busy household?
Harder species like oak, hickory, and maple resist dents and wear better than softer woods, which matters in homes with kids and pets. Grain pattern also helps hide everyday scuffs. We help you weigh hardness against the look you want, since the most durable species is not always the one that fits your design.
Should I choose site-finished or prefinished hardwood?
Prefinished planks arrive with a factory-applied finish, which shortens installation time and means no on-site sanding or fumes. Site-finished floors are sanded and finished after installation, allowing custom stain colors and a smooth, seamless surface. Each has trade-offs in cost, timeline, and customization that we can walk through.
What drives the cost of a hardwood flooring project?
The main factors are the wood species, whether it is solid or engineered, the installation pattern, and the condition of the existing subfloor. Removing old flooring and any needed subfloor repairs also affect the total. We provide a detailed estimate after seeing the space rather than a one-size-fits-all price.
