In Plain English
Quick Answer
Real wood planks installed as a finished floor that can be sanded and refinished over time.
Definition
Definition
A hardwood floor is a finished flooring system made from solid or engineered wood planks, typically oak, maple, hickory, or other hardwood species. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, while engineered hardwood uses a real wood veneer over a plywood core for better dimensional stability in humidity-variable environments. Hardwood floors are graded by appearance and finished with stain and polyurethane or pre-finished from the factory.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Hardwood flooring estimates hinge on the solid-versus-engineered decision, finish method, and subfloor condition, each of which shifts both material and labor pricing. Field-finished floors add sanding, staining, and cure-time scheduling that affect sequencing and overall duration, so the flooring sub's scope must be tightly defined to avoid bid-day surprises.
Example
Example
An estimator levels two flooring quotes, confirming both include moisture testing and that the field-finished oak allows the specified three coats of polyurethane within the GC's schedule.
See Also
Related Terms
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Related Tools & Templates
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Should I bid solid or engineered hardwood flooring?
Follow the specification, but understand the cost drivers: solid hardwood costs more and is sensitive to humidity, while engineered uses a veneer over plywood for stability over concrete or below grade. If the documents permit either, note the assumption so the sub's quote matches the carried scope.
What scope items get missed when pricing hardwood floors?
Subfloor preparation, moisture testing and mitigation, transitions, base shoe, sanding between coats, and final protection are frequently overlooked. Field finishing also requires cure time that affects sequencing of other trades. Confirming these in the flooring sub's quote prevents scope gaps that the GC otherwise absorbs.
How does finish type affect a hardwood floor bid?
Pre-finished planks reduce site labor and schedule but limit appearance options, while site-finished floors add sanding, staining, multiple polyurethane coats, and dust containment. Site finishing also delays follow-on trades during cure time, so estimators weigh both labor cost and schedule impact when pricing the assembly.
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