.svg){kind=small}
.svg)
.webp)
Hardwood Flooring Types We Install in Chicagoland
At Simple Flooring, we take pride in being Chicagoland’s go-to hardwood specialists. We offer a top-tier selection of hardwood species and styles designed to add warmth, style, and value to your home for years to come. Let’s find the floor that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Choose Your Hardwood Type
Installation time: 2-3 daysBest for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining roomsSolid Prefinished Hardwood
Traditional 3/4" thick solid wood planks with factory-applied finish. Ready for immediate use, these floors can be refinished 6-10 times over their 75-100 year lifespan. Perfect for Chicago homes above grade level.
Explore Our Solid Hardwood CollectionPrice: $$$-$$$$$
Best for: Basements, condos, over radiant heatInstallation time: 1-2 daysEngineered Hardwood Flooring
Multi-layer construction with real hardwood veneer over stable plywood base. Handles Chicago's humidity swings better than solid wood and can be installed in basements. Refinishable 1-3 times.
View Engineered OptionsPrice: $$-$$$$.webp)
Installation time: 5-7 days (including finishing)Best for: Custom projects, matching existing floorsUnfinished Solid Hardwood
Raw wood planks finished on-site for unlimited customization. Perfect for matching existing floors or creating custom stain colors. Seamless look after sanding and finishing.
Discover Unfinished OptionsPrice: $$-$$$$
Premium Wood Species Available
- Brown
- Gray
- Black
.svg)
Oak Hardwood
- Brown
Maple Hardwood
.webp)
- Dark Brown
- Medium Brown
- Light Brown
Hickory Hardwood
A timeless favorite for good reason — oak balances durability and classic appeal, making it a versatile choice for almost any style.
.svg)
.svg)
.webp)
White Oak: Known for its hardness and clean grain, ideal for modern spaces..webp)
Red Oak: Warm, traditional tones that add character to any setting.
A dense, light-colored wood with minimal grain patterns, ideal for modern and contemporary spaces.
The strongest domestic hardwood with dramatic grain and color variations, Hickory stands out beautifully in high-traffic areas.
.webp)
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood
.webp)
Walnut Hardwood
.webp)
- Brown
Mahogany Hardwood
This exotic hardwood features rich, warm hues that deepen over time, adding luxurious charm to your space.
Premium hardwood celebrated for its straight grain and rich reddish-brown color that epitomizes luxury.
.webp)
- Brown
Acacia Hardwood
.webp)
- Brown
Teak Hardwood
.webp)
Pine Hardwood
This exotic hardwood brings unique, eye-catching patterns along with impressive durability, perfect for high-traffic spaces that need a bit of flair.
A premium choice, teak is known for its rich golden tones and natural oils that offer exceptional moisture resistance, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
Soft and rustic, pine flooring showcases natural knots and character marks that bring warmth and charm to any home.
.webp)
- Brown
Birch Hardwood
Ash Hardwood
Birch is a budget-friendly hardwood with a subtle grain, providing excellent value and a sleek look that’s perfect for modern, open-concept designs.
Light-colored hardwood with distinctive grain patterns perfect for bright, modern spaces.
Why Hardwood Flooring? The Benefits You’ll Love.
Compare Wood Species at a Glance
Choosing Your Installation Method
Finding the right installation type for your hardwood floors depends on both budget and preferences. Here are two popular options:
Prefinished Hardwood
- Price: Additional $2-3 per sq. ft.
- Benefits: Ready for immediate use upon installation, includes a factory warranty, offers a quick 2-3 day installation, and ensures a consistent finish quality.
- Drawbacks: Limited customization options for stains and finishes.
.webp)
- Ready for immediate use upon installation
- Includes a factory warranty
- Offers a quick 2-3 day installation
- Ensures a consistent finish quality
.webp)
- Allows custom stain options
- Allows custom stain options
- Is ideal for matching existing hardwood floors
- Installation generally takes 7-10 days
Unfinished Hardwood
- Price: Typically more affordable upfront.
- Benefits: Allows custom stain options, offers a seamless appearance, and is ideal for matching existing hardwood floors. Installation generally takes 7-10 days.
- Drawbacks: Extended installation time and on-site finishing may increase overall project costs.
While unfinished hardwood can initially cost less per square foot, the additional finishing time and labor may align total costs with prefinished options.
Popular Hardwood Packages
.webp)
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood
Solid wood floors, traditionally 3/4" thick, are a classic choice. These floors can be refinished multiple times, ensuring a long-lasting investment that keeps your space looking fresh.
Price $-$$$
Walnut Hardwood
Solid wood floors, traditionally 3/4" thick, are a classic choice. These floors can be refinished multiple times, ensuring a long-lasting investment that keeps your space looking fresh.
Price $-$$$
Mahogany Hardwood
Solid wood floors, traditionally 3/4" thick, are a classic choice. These floors can be refinished multiple times, ensuring a long-lasting investment that keeps your space looking fresh.
Price $-$$$
Premium Brands We Carry
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
FAQ
How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood floors?
For a 1,000-square-foot area, installation costs typically range from $12,000 to $22,000, covering both materials and labor. The final price will depend on the type of wood chosen and the condition of the subfloor.
What's the best hardwood for Chicago's climate?
White oak and hickory perform best in Chicago's variable humidity. Their density resists seasonal expansion and contraction better than softer woods. We always acclimate wood for 72+ hours before installation.
Can I install hardwood in my Chicago basement?
Solid hardwood cannot be installed below grade due to moisture. For basements, choose engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl plank.
Is engineered hardwood better than vinyl?
Each material has its strengths. Engineered hardwood adds luxury and home value, while vinyl is a cost-effective, water-resistant choice that offers better durability for areas prone to moisture.
Which hardwood is best for flooring?
Oak is our top recommendation due to its excellent durability (1360 Janka rating) and value. It’s a versatile hardwood that adapts well to a variety of styles and has proven durability.
What is better, laminate or hardwood?
Hardwood provides unmatched longevity (lasting over 100 years) and can be refinished multiple times, adding substantial home value. Laminate is a more affordable, water-resistant alternative but doesn’t offer the same durability or potential for refinishing.
How do I maintain hardwood in Chicago winters?
Maintain 30-50% humidity year-round using a whole-house humidifier. This prevents gaps and cracks during dry winters. Use entry mats to minimize salt and moisture damage.
Service Area
We proudly serve the entire Chicago metropolitan area, with a special focus on locations within 20 miles of our Elk Grove Village showroom.
.svg)