Question 1

How much does hardwood floor installation cost in NJ?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood floor installation in New Jersey typically ranges from $8 to $18 per square foot installed, depending on the wood species, plank width, pattern complexity, and subfloor condition. Wide-plank white oak and custom patterns like herringbone sit at the higher end, while engineered hardwood and standard strip flooring fall on the lower end. SW Flooring LLC offers free in-home estimates with transparent, itemized pricing — no surprises.

Question 2

How long does it take to install hardwood floors?

Accepted Answer

A standard hardwood floor installation for an average 500–800 sq ft area takes 3 to 5 working days from start to finish: one day for subfloor prep and acclimation, one to two days for installation, and one to two days for finishing and curing. Larger homes, herringbone patterns, and full-home installations may take 1–2 weeks. We provide an exact timeline during your free in-home estimate.

Question 3

Should I refinish or replace my old hardwood floors?

Accepted Answer

If your hardwood floors are at least 3/4 inch thick and structurally sound, refinishing is almost always the better choice — it costs 40–60% less than full replacement and preserves character. Replacement is recommended when boards have deep water damage, severe warping, termite damage, or have already been sanded 3+ times. SW Flooring LLC assesses your floor condition during a free in-home consultation and gives you an honest recommendation.

Question 4

What is dust-free sanding and is it really dust-free?

Accepted Answer

Dust-free sanding uses sanding equipment connected to a powerful HEPA-filtered vacuum system that captures 99%+ of airborne dust at the source. While no system is 100% dust-free, our system keeps your indoor air quality safe and your home clean enough for families, children, pets, and even people with respiratory sensitivities to remain at home during refinishing.

Question 5

How long does it take for refinished hardwood floors to dry?

Accepted Answer

Water-based finishes are walkable in 4–6 hours and fully cured in 7–14 days. Oil-based polyurethane takes 24 hours between coats and 30 days to fully cure. We recommend keeping the floor free of furniture and area rugs for at least 7 days after the final coat to allow proper hardening and avoid impressions.

Question 6

Do I need to leave my home during hardwood floor refinishing?

Accepted Answer

With our dust-free sanding system and low-VOC water-based finishes, most clients stay home throughout the project. We seal off non-work areas and the refinished space is walkable within hours, not days. If we are using oil-based finishes, we recommend ventilating well or staying elsewhere for 24–48 hours due to fumes.

Question 7

What's the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Solid hardwood is one solid piece of wood (typically 3/4 inch thick) that can be sanded and refinished many times — ideal for above-grade rooms in dry climates. Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood veneer over a stable plywood core, making it more resistant to humidity and moisture — perfect for basements, kitchens, concrete subfloors, and coastal homes. Both look identical once installed. We help you choose the right one for each room during your consultation.

Question 8

Can you repair water-damaged or deeply scratched hardwood floors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We perform board-by-board replacement, weave-in repairs, water damage restoration, and full screen-and-recoat for pet scratches and surface wear. In most cases the repair is invisible once the floor is refinished — we match species, grain, and stain color exactly. Our craftsmen have restored floors as old as the 1700s.

Question 9

What hardwood species hold up best in high-traffic areas?

Accepted Answer

Hickory, white oak, red oak, and Brazilian cherry are the top choices for high-traffic homes and commercial spaces due to their hardness ratings (Janka 1290+). White oak in particular offers an ideal balance of durability, stain absorption, and timeless aesthetics — it's the most-requested species in our NJ, NY, and PA projects.

Question 10

Do you offer free in-home estimates and what areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every estimate is free, in-home, and includes a detailed scope and itemized pricing. We serve all of New Jersey (including Eatontown, Montclair, Princeton, Hoboken, Summit, Westfield, Morristown, Short Hills, Livingston, and surrounding towns), New York (including Brooklyn and the greater NYC area), and Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia). Call (908) 309-4527 or request a quote on our website.