CDS Hardwood Floors

Engineered Hardwood Installation in Maryland, Virginia & DC

Quick Answer

Engineered hardwood is a multi-layer plank with a real hardwood veneer over a stable plywood core — required over concrete slabs, radiant heat and in basements, and increasingly popular for wide-plank looks.

MHIC #141267

Fully Insured & Bonded

15+ Years Experience

Family-Owned

If you're installing hardwood over a concrete slab (any basement, most condos, many first-floor slab homes) or over radiant heat, engineered is not optional — solid hardwood will fail in those conditions.

Engineered isn't a compromise. Premium products from Mirage, Somerset and Shaw have 4–6mm wear layers that can be refinished multiple times, and their dimensional stability actually beats solid in wide planks.

Key Takeaways

Required over concrete and radiant heat
Wear-layer thickness determines lifetime value
Not a downgrade from solid — often better in wide planks

Benefits

• Installs over concrete slabs and radiant heat
• More stable than solid — wider planks stay flat
• Refinishable 1–3 times with premium wear layers
• Available in every species and finish

Our Process

1. Moisture testing
Concrete slab tests critical — under 3lb/1000sf/24hr calcium chloride.
2. Vapor barrier
6-mil poly or manufacturer-approved membrane.
3. Install method
Glue-down for slabs and radiant, staple/nail over plywood, floating for click-lock.
4. Acclimation & install
72-hour acclimation, then install with proper expansion gaps.

Ready to talk about your project?

Schedule a consultation (240) 731-7030

Materials We Use

• Mirage engineered white oak & maple
• Somerset engineered oak
• Shaw and Mohawk engineered lines
• Bostik and Mapei approved glues for glue-down

What to Expect

• Similar timeline to solid install
• Slightly less expensive per SF than solid in most species
• Longer expected refinish cycles than solid

What Affects Pricing

We don't publish flat pricing — every home is different. These are the factors we weigh in your written estimate:

• Wear-layer thickness (2mm vs 6mm — huge difference)
• Species and grade
• Glue-down vs nail-down vs float
• Slab prep and moisture mitigation

Common Problems & How We Solve Them

Delamination

Almost always from installing over a wet slab. Moisture testing prevents this.

Can only be refinished once

You bought a 2mm wear layer. We recommend 4mm+ for future-proofing.

Maintenance Tips

• Same as solid hardwood — Bona cleaner, felt pads, no steam.

Warranty & Guarantee

All CDS craftsmanship is backed by our workmanship guarantee. Manufacturer finish warranties are transferred to you in full.

Why Choose CDS Hardwood Floors

Family-owned, licensed (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded, with 15+ years serving Maryland, Virginia, DC, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our craftsmanship has earned us landmark commercial work (including DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC) alongside thousands of luxury residential projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does engineered hardwood installation take in a typical home?

Most residential projects are completed within 3–7 working days, depending on square footage, drying times and any repairs required. We provide a firm timeline in your written estimate.

Do I need to move out during engineered hardwood installation?

In most cases, no. Our dustless equipment keeps the home habitable, though we recommend staying off finished areas for 24–72 hours to let the finish cure.

Can I schedule a consultation?

Yes. Every engineered hardwood installation project starts with a free on-site consultation and a detailed written quote, usually delivered within 24 hours.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. CDS Hardwood Floors is a Maryland-licensed contractor (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded for your protection.