CDS Hardwood Floors
Custom Hardwood Borders & Inlays in MD, VA & DC
Quick Answer
Custom borders and inlays are decorative wood elements — feature strips, medallions, contrasting-species perimeters — cut and installed within a hardwood floor for a bespoke, high-end look.
A well-executed walnut border around a white oak floor turns a beautiful room into a magazine-worthy one. Medallions, star-burst patterns and contrasting-species inlays are commonly requested in high-end Potomac and McLean homes.
We fabricate borders and inlays in-house using precision routing templates, and can execute virtually any pattern you can sketch or find in a design magazine.
Key Takeaways
- Truly custom work — every project is one-off
- Design early — patterns influence overall floor layout
Benefits
- • Bespoke, one-of-a-kind result
- • Dramatically elevates rooms without full floor replacement
- • Adds meaningful resale distinction
Our Process
1. Design
Sketch, sample and approve pattern.
2. Template
Full-scale template on-site.
3. Router work
Precision cut into existing or new floor.
4. Inlay & finish
Contrasting species inlaid, sanded flush and finished as one.
Ready to talk about your project?
Materials We Use
- • Contrasting hardwoods (walnut in oak, wenge, maple, etc.)
- • Metal and stone inlays where design calls for it
What to Expect
- • Custom project timelines vary — typically 1–2 weeks
What Affects Pricing
We don't publish flat pricing — every home is different. These are the factors we weigh in your written estimate:
- • Pattern complexity
- • Materials
- • Whether existing floor is modified or a new floor is designed around the border
Common Problems & How We Solve Them
Seasonal movement cracks
Species expansion coefficients must be matched — we design accordingly.
Maintenance Tips
- • Same as surrounding floor.
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 hardwood borders and inlays 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 hardwood borders and inlays?
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 hardwood borders and inlays 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.
Related Services
Custom Hardwood Projects
From matching a 100-year-old floor to fabricating a herringbone entry with contrasting-species borders, CDS handles the one-off requests other flooring companies decline.
Hardwood Floor Installation
Hardwood floor installation is the professional layout of new solid or engineered wood planks over a properly prepared subfloor, including acclimation, nailing or gluing, sanding and finishing.