CDS Hardwood Floors

Solid Hardwood Installation in Maryland, Virginia & DC

Quick Answer

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood 3/4" thick, typically nailed or stapled to a plywood subfloor above grade. It's the traditional, refinishable-forever choice for most single-family homes in the DMV.

MHIC #141267

Fully Insured & Bonded

15+ Years Experience

Family-Owned

Solid hardwood remains the gold standard for above-grade installations in single-family homes. A well-installed solid oak floor can be refinished 4–7 times over its life — meaning your grandchildren will still be walking on it.

We install every domestic species in strip, plank and wide-plank widths. Traditional 2 1/4" and 3 1/4" strip is still the most common in Montgomery County colonials; 5"–8" wide plank has taken over new construction.

Key Takeaways

The single best long-term flooring investment
Above-grade only — never over slab or below grade
On-site sanded and finished beats prefinished for a custom look

Benefits

• Refinishable 4–7 times over its life
• Traditional look preferred in historic and colonial homes
• Long-term ROI unmatched by any other flooring
• Repairs are simple and localized

Our Process

1. Above-grade only
Never solid over slab or below grade — engineered required there.
2. Subfloor check
3/4" plywood or OSB minimum, screwed down.
3. Vapor barrier
Rosin paper or building felt between subfloor and hardwood.
4. Nail-down install
Blind-nailed through the tongue every 6–8".
5. Sand & finish
Unfinished product sanded on-site for a truly custom look.

Ready to talk about your project?

Schedule a consultation (240) 731-7030

Materials We Use

• White oak (most popular)
• Red oak (best value)
• American walnut (luxury)
• Hickory, maple, ash, cherry

What to Expect

• 3–7 day install + finish depending on square footage
• Unfinished on-site is ~1 week longer than prefinished, but far more customizable

What Affects Pricing

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

• Species (oak vs walnut vs exotic)
• Plank width
• Prefinished vs unfinished-and-finished-on-site
• Pattern (straight lay vs herringbone)

Common Problems & How We Solve Them

Excessive seasonal gapping

Maintain 30–50% humidity year-round.

Squeaks

Loose subfloor. Fix before install.

Maintenance Tips

• Bona cleaner, felt pads, humidity control. Screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years.

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 solid 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 solid 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 solid 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.