Hardwood Flooring in Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn has always been a village that values quality. Walk through any established neighborhood, from the Tudors near Lake Ellyn to the colonials along Hillside Avenue, and you will find original hardwood floors that have lasted decades. When those floors need restoration, or when it is time to install new hardwood in a recently renovated space, Turn Key Designs brings the material expertise and installation precision that Glen Ellyn homeowners expect.
Refinishing vs. New Installation
Many Glen Ellyn homes have original hardwood under carpet or vinyl. Our first step on any project is evaluating whether those existing floors can be restored. If the boards are structurally sound and have enough thickness remaining for sanding (at least 3/4 inch for solid hardwood), refinishing is typically the better investment. It preserves the original character of the wood, costs less per square foot, and can be completed in three to five days.
For floors beyond restoration, or for rooms where hardwood was never installed, we provide complete new installations using species and finishes selected at our Lombard showroom. The National Wood Flooring Association sets the standards we follow for both refinishing and new installation.
Popular Species for Glen Ellyn Homes
White Oak
The most requested species in Glen Ellyn. White oak’s closed grain structure resists moisture better than red oak, accepts stains evenly, and is available in widths from 3 to 7 inches. At 1,360 on the Janka hardness scale, it handles heavy foot traffic in kitchens, entryways, and family rooms without excessive denting.
Red Oak
Red oak works well in Glen Ellyn’s older homes with traditional decor. Its more pronounced grain creates visual warmth, and it remains the most affordable domestic hardwood option. Best suited for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where moisture exposure is minimal.
Hickory
The hardest domestic species we install (1,820 Janka). Hickory’s bold grain variation creates a rustic, character-rich floor ideal for families with pets and active children. Popular in Glen Ellyn homes with farmhouse or transitional design sensibilities.
Engineered Hardwood
For Glen Ellyn homes with concrete subfloors, radiant heating, or below-grade applications, engineered hardwood provides the appearance of solid wood with better dimensional stability. The real-wood top layer can be sanded and refinished two to three times over its lifespan.
Installation Process
- Site visit: subfloor evaluation, moisture testing, levelness assessment
- Material acclimation in your home (minimum 72 hours per NWFA standards)
- Subfloor preparation: leveling, moisture barrier, repairs as needed
- Installation: nail-down on plywood, glue-down or floating on concrete
- Finish application: stain selection and three coats of water-based polyurethane for site-finished floors
- Trim: baseboards, quarter-round, transition strips
Permits in Glen Ellyn
Standard hardwood installation does not require a building permit in Glen Ellyn. If the project involves structural subfloor repairs or modifications to radiant heating systems, the Village of Glen Ellyn Building Department may require permits. We manage all permitting through our design-build process.
Coordinating With Other Work
Hardwood installation often happens alongside other renovations. New floors throughout the main level pair naturally with a kitchen remodel or open-concept conversion, and extending hardwood into a newly added room ties the entire space together. As a full-service general contractor, we coordinate hardwood alongside cabinetry, countertops, and whole-home renovations.
For rooms where hardwood is not the right fit, we also install luxury vinyl plank, laminate, and tile. See our guide on hardwood vs. laminate vs. vinyl for a comparison.
Other Services in Glen Ellyn
Turn Key Designs provides interior design, custom cabinetry, home additions, and general contracting throughout Glen Ellyn. Visit our Glen Ellyn services page for the complete list.
Schedule Your Consultation
Our Lombard showroom has full-size samples of every species, stain, and finish. Call (630) 353-1186 or book online for a free consultation.