Frequently Asked Questions

Referral and flooring questions

Does Dunwoody Hardwood Floors perform the work?

Dunwoody Hardwood Floors is a referral service. It connects homeowners with independent flooring contractors and does not perform flooring, construction or installation work itself. Contractors set their own prices, schedules and terms.

Is my address covered?

Launch coverage is limited to relevant residential portions of ZIP codes 30338 and 30360 in and around the City of Dunwoody. ZIP codes do not match city or neighborhood boundaries, so every property address is confirmed before service is promised.

Is submitting a request a booking?

No. Contractor availability, scope, schedule and pricing must be confirmed directly.

Can every hardwood floor be refinished?

No. Floors with very little remaining wear layer, severe water damage, loose or failing installation, or certain engineered products may not be good candidates. A contractor needs to inspect the floor first.

Is refinishing dust-free?

No contractor can honestly promise dust-free sanding. Containment systems reduce dust, but some cleanup should be expected.

How soon can I walk on the floor?

It depends on the finish product, number of coats, temperature and humidity. Ask your contractor for the waiting times for the specific product they use, and check the product label.

Can I change the stain color?

Usually yes on a full sand, because sanding removes the old color. Results depend on the species and condition of the wood, so ask for samples.

Will a repaired board match the rest of the floor?

Not automatically. New wood and old finish age differently. Blending usually requires sanding and finishing a larger area or the whole room.

Should I repair before refinishing?

Usually yes. Replacing boards first lets the contractor sand and finish the floor as one surface.

Can water damaged boards be saved?

Sometimes. Mild cupping may relax after the moisture source is fixed and the floor dries. Boards with deep staining, rot or delamination usually need replacement.

Can solid hardwood go over concrete?

Generally it is not recommended directly over concrete. Engineered hardwood is the more common choice on slabs. Ask a contractor about your specific subfloor.

Do I need to buy the flooring myself?

Either can work. Some contractors supply material and some install customer-supplied flooring. Tell us on the form if you already bought material.

How long does installation take?

It depends on square footage, subfloor condition, acclimation and whether the floor is finished on site. Your contractor will give a timeline in the estimate.

Can engineered hardwood be refinished?

It depends on the wear layer. Some products can be sanded once or more, others not at all. A contractor can check the edge of a plank or the product specification.

Is engineered hardwood real wood?

Yes, the top layer is real wood. The core underneath is layered plywood or another engineered material.

Will a recoat remove scratches?

Only very light scratches in the top finish may become less visible. Scratches into the wood stay. Full refinishing is needed for those.

Can a recoat change my floor color?

No. A recoat adds clear finish over the existing color. Changing color requires sanding to bare wood.

Is a recoat good for engineered floors?

It can be, because it does not remove wood from the wear layer. Compatibility with the factory finish must be checked.

Is there hardwood under my carpet?

Sometimes. Lifting a corner in a closet is a quick check. Even if hardwood is there, it may need repair before refinishing.

Does this include the stairs?

No. Staircase work is not part of this site's service list. You can mention it on the form and it will be routed separately.

Will the new floor match the old one perfectly?

Usually not perfectly on day one. Matching species and width, weaving the boards and refinishing everything together gets it close. Some difference can remain as woods age.

Do I have to refinish the old floor too?

For the best blend, yes. Many contractors recommend refinishing the connected area together with the extension.