What to Expect When Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Your Shoreview Home
At Timberwolf Hardwood Floors, we know that many Shoreview homeowners want to improve their homes but don’t always know what to expect during a flooring project. Whether you’re remodeling or replacing older floors, choosing the right material and contractor matters. Engineered hardwood offers a great combination of style, durability, and flexibility. With over 35 years of experience, our team provides a smooth, reliable installation process from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about engineered hardwood flooring in Shoreview, MN, here’s what to expect when working with Timberwolf.
Initial Consultation and Flooring Selection
The process starts with an in-home consultation. During the visit, we take a look at your space, ask about your goals, and help you explore flooring options. We bring samples so you can see how different stains and finishes look in your lighting and with your decor.
Our engineered hardwood selections include options like white oak, red oak, and hickory. You can also choose between wide plank and traditional board widths. We’ll help you understand the differences between solid and engineered hardwood and recommend what works best for your layout and subfloor. Many Shoreview homes benefit from engineered hardwood because of its stability in changing humidity levels.
Preparing Your Home for Installation
Once you’ve selected your materials, we’ll help you prepare for the installation. We recommend removing furniture ahead of time, and we’ll let you know how long the flooring needs to acclimate before work begins. Acclimation allows the wood to adjust to your home’s environment, which is especially important in Minnesota’s climate. Click here to learn more about how to prepare for installation.
Our team handles all the prep work for the floor itself. We make sure the subfloor is clean and level and take care of any adjustments needed to make the surface ready for installation. Before we begin, we’ll go over the timeline and expectations so there are no surprises.
The Installation Phase: What It Looks Like
During hardwood installation, our crew plans out the layout and handles edge details for a clean finish. We work efficiently but take our time with the details that matter. Our team installs engineered hardwood with care, avoiding shortcuts that could affect the final result.
If your home has transitions to tile, carpet, or other surfaces, we create smooth and even connections. We protect the rest of your home while we work and clean up thoroughly once the job is done.
Protective Finishing and Appearance Customization
After the boards are installed, we help you choose a finish. Timberwolf offers water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane, and WOCA penetrating oil. Each option has a different appearance and performance profile.
Water-based finishes dry quickly and have a clear, natural look. Oil-based finishes add a warmer tone and create a more traditional feel. WOCA oil gives a soft, natural look and soaks into the wood for deeper protection. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each and help you choose based on how you use your space.
Cure times vary. Water-based finishes typically allow foot traffic in a few hours, while oil-based products may take longer. Rugs and furniture placement will also depend on which finish you select. We’ll provide clear instructions before we leave.
Post-Installation Care and Long-Term Maintenance
Keeping engineered hardwood floors in great shape doesn’t take much. Sweep daily with a soft broom to remove dust and grit. Use a hardwood-safe cleaner like Bona every few weeks—avoid oil soaps or wax-based products, which can leave a residue.
We also recommend using felt pads under furniture and avoiding tape or plastic coverings directly on the floor. For deeper protection over time, we suggest scheduling a buff and coat every 3 to 5 years, depending on traffic. This process adds a fresh layer of finish without full sanding.
If your engineered floor has a thick enough wear layer, it may be possible to refinish it down the road. We’ll let you know what your flooring can handle and provide honest guidance if that time comes.
Timberwolf’s Full Range of Services
We offer more than just installation. Timberwolf provides complete floor care, including sanding and finishing, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re installing new floors, refreshing old ones, or addressing damage, we have the tools and experience to do the job right.
Our team works with homeowners across Shoreview and nearby areas. We bring personalized attention to every project, and we don’t leave until the job meets our high standards. Many of our clients come back to us years later for buff and coat services or additional rooms.
Let’s Talk About Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Shoreview, MN
Engineered hardwood flooring is a smart choice for Shoreview homeowners who want a strong, attractive, and easy-to-maintain floor. At Timberwolf Hardwood Floors, we offer quality materials, expert installation, and a straightforward process from start to finish.
If you’re ready to explore your options, give us a call at 612-430-9595 or email timberwolfhardwood@gmail.com to schedule your consultation. You can also visit our shop in Circle Pines to view samples and ask questions. We look forward to helping you create floors that work for your home and your life.