What to Know Before Choosing Hardwood Flooring for Your Apple Valley Remodel
At Timberwolf Hardwood Floors, we work with homeowners across Apple Valley who want to improve their homes through remodeling. One of the most important—and often overlooked—decisions during a remodel is flooring. Choosing the right hardwood flooring early in the process can save time, simplify planning, and lead to better long-term results.
If you’re planning a renovation, here’s what you should know about selecting hardwood flooring for remodels in Apple Valley, MN.
Solid or Engineered? Know What Works for Your Space
Start by understanding the difference between solid and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is made from one piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished many times and works well in most above-grade areas.
Engineered hardwood is made with a top layer of real wood and multiple layers underneath. It’s more stable when exposed to humidity changes, which makes it a good fit for lower levels or over radiant heat. If your remodel includes a basement or heated floor, engineered may be the better choice.
Our team can walk you through both options and help you decide based on your layout, subfloor, and long-term plans.
Match the Floor to the Style and Traffic Level
Hardwood isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some species hold up better to daily wear. Others offer a softer look and feel. For active households in Apple Valley, we often recommend white oak or hickory. These dense woods hold up well to kids, pets, and heavy use. Red oak is another classic option with a traditional grain and color range.
Finish also matters. Matte finishes help hide scratches, while gloss finishes reflect more light. Wide plank flooring offers a more modern look, while narrow boards give a traditional appearance. We offer samples so you can see how each style looks in your space before making a decision.
When in the Remodel Timeline to Install Flooring
Timing is important. In most remodels, hardwood flooring should be installed after drywall, painting, and electrical work. This helps avoid dust and damage during earlier phases.
Wood flooring also needs time to adjust to your home’s humidity. We’ll deliver your materials ahead of time so the wood can acclimate before installation. This helps prevent movement or gaps later.
We coordinate our schedule with your other contractors to make sure installation fits smoothly into your overall project timeline.
Prefinished vs. Site-Finished During a Remodel
Another choice to make is whether to go with prefinished or site-finished hardwood. Prefinished hardwood is finished at the factory. It arrives ready to install, which shortens the timeline and reduces dust and odor. It’s a great option if you want to keep the rest of your home livable during the remodel.
Site-finished hardwood is installed as raw wood, then sanded, stained, and sealed on-site. This allows for more customization in color and sheen, and results in a smooth, flush surface without beveled edges. It does require more time and attention, but many homeowners prefer the custom look. We’ll help you weigh both options and choose based on your priorities.
Protecting the Floor During and After Renovation
Once your new floors are installed, it’s important to protect them—especially if the remodel isn’t fully complete. We recommend using breathable floor coverings like paper or cardboard. Avoid taping directly to the wood and never use plastic, which traps moisture.
After the work is done, follow proper care instructions to keep your floors in good shape. Sweep regularly, use a hardwood-safe cleaner, and avoid oil soaps or wax-based products. For polyurethane finishes, we recommend a buff and coat every few years. For WOCA oil finishes, we offer specific care guidance and maintenance plans.
We include care instructions with every project and offer support if questions come up down the road.
Full Services for a Complete Result
At Timberwolf, we offer more than just new installations. Our services also include sanding and finishing, buffing and coating, and repair work. If your remodel includes older hardwood floors that need a refresh, we can bring them back to life. A buff and coat is often a great final step after a full renovation to restore sheen and protect your investment.
With over 35 years of experience in the Apple Valley area, we’ve worked on all types of homes and remodels. Our team understands the details that matter—like matching transitions, planning around cabinetry, and managing timing with other trades.
Ready to Plan Hardwood Flooring for Remodels in Apple Valley, MN?
Hardwood flooring is one of the most visible and used features in your home. Choosing the right material and planning ahead during a remodel makes a big difference. From deciding between solid or engineered, to selecting stain and finish, to scheduling installation at the right time—each step matters.
At Timberwolf Hardwood Floors, we’re here to guide you through every part of the process. We offer honest advice, quality materials, and expert service from start to finish.
If you’re starting a renovation, let’s talk about how to include hardwood flooring in your plan. Call us at 612-430-9595 or email timberwolfhardwood@gmail.com to schedule a consultation. You can also stop by our showroom in Circle Pines to view samples and ask questions in person. We’re ready to help you create a floor that looks right, feels solid, and lasts for years.