Planning a Remodel? Here’s How to Choose the Right Hardwood Floors in Apple Valley, MN
Remodeling your home can be exciting—new colors, updated finishes, and a fresh layout that finally fits your lifestyle. But before the paint dries and the cabinets go in, there’s one important choice that affects everything else: your floors.
At Timberwolf Hardwood Floors, we’ve helped Apple Valley homeowners upgrade their spaces for more than 35 years. If hardwood flooring is part of your renovation, knowing what to expect and when to install it can save you time, money, and stress later on.
Start With the Basics: Solid or Engineered Hardwood?
The first step in any flooring project is deciding which type of hardwood works best for your space.
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood. It’s strong, long-lasting, and can be sanded and refinished many times over the years. It’s ideal for most rooms above ground level—living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a real wood surface bonded to several support layers underneath. This makes it more stable when temperature or humidity changes. That stability is especially useful in basements, on concrete slabs, or over radiant heat systems.
Not sure which option is right? We’ll look at your remodel plans and walk you through what fits your layout, budget, and lifestyle best.
Choosing a Look That Matches Your Home (and Life)
Your flooring sets the tone for the whole space. Think about how you use your home day to day.
If you have kids or pets, you’ll want a tough, scratch-resistant wood species like white oak or hickory. These hardwoods are durable, easy to maintain, and naturally hide wear. For a timeless, traditional feel, red oak is another great choice—it’s been a staple in Minnesota homes for generations.
Once you choose a wood type, you’ll decide on a finish and plank style:
- Matte finishes hides small scuffs and footprints.
- Gloss finishes reflect more light for a polished, formal look.
- Wide planks feel modern and open, while narrow boards create a classic pattern.
We bring samples to your home or invite you to our showroom in Circle Pines so you can see how each option looks in real lighting before making your decision.
When Should Flooring Be Installed During a Remodel?
Timing is one of the biggest factors in any renovation. Ideally, hardwood flooring is installed after drywall, paint, and electrical work are done. This prevents dust, paint splatter, and damage from other trades.
Before installation, we also allow the wood to acclimate to your home’s environment. Since Apple Valley’s climate changes from humid summers to dry winters, this step helps the planks adjust to local moisture levels and reduces the risk of gaps or cupping later.
If you’re working with a general contractor, we’ll coordinate directly to make sure installation fits seamlessly into the schedule
Prefinished or Site-Finished: What’s the Difference?
You’ll also need to decide how you want your floors finished.
Prefinished hardwood comes ready to install. It’s been stained and sealed at the factory, which makes installation faster and cleaner. You can walk on it almost right away—a big plus if you’re living in the home during the remodel.
Site-finished hardwood starts as raw wood and is sanded, stained, and sealed right in your home. It takes a little longer and requires curing time, but it allows for full customization of color, sheen, and texture. You’ll also get a smooth, seamless surface without the micro-bevels that prefinished planks have.
Both options have their benefits, and we’ll help you decide based on your timeline, design goals, and comfort level.
Keeping Floors Safe During Construction
Once your new hardwood floors are installed, it’s important to protect them—especially if other renovation work is still happening. We recommend covering them with breathable materials like paper or cardboard, which shield against dust and debris without trapping moisture. Avoid plastic covers or heavy tape directly on the wood; both can cause damage.
After the remodel, we’ll walk you through proper care and cleaning. A quick sweep or vacuum keeps grit from scratching the surface, and a hardwood-safe cleaner preserves the finish. We’ll also explain long-term maintenance options—like our buff and coat service, which refreshes the protective layer every few years.
If you choose a WOCA oil finish, we’ll give you specific care instructions to keep the surface nourished and looking rich.
Blending Old and New Floors
Not every remodel starts with a blank slate. If you have existing hardwood in part of your home, we can sand and refinish it to match your new installation. Our technicians specialize in blending old and new flooring seamlessly so the finished result looks unified throughout your home.
If your remodel involves removing walls or expanding rooms, we can lace new boards into the old layout for a flawless transition. That’s the kind of detail that makes a professional installation stand out.
Experience That Simplifies Your Remodel
Remodeling is full of moving parts, but flooring doesn’t have to be one of the stressful ones. With over three decades serving Apple Valley and the greater Twin Cities area, Timberwolf Hardwood Floors has worked on every kind of home—from new builds to complete renovations.
We handle everything: helping you choose materials, scheduling installation, coordinating with other trades, and providing maintenance guidance after the job’s done. Our goal is to make the process straightforward, from the first estimate to the final cleanup.
Let’s Talk About Your Apple Valley Remodel
If hardwood flooring is part of your renovation plan, we’re here to help you make smart choices from the start. Whether you’re updating one room or transforming your entire home, Timberwolf Hardwood Floors can guide you through every step—selection, installation, protection, and care.
Call 612-430-9595 or email timberwolfhardwood@gmail.com to set up a free consultation. You can also visit our Circle Pines showroom to explore samples and design options in person.
A great remodel starts from the ground up—let’s make sure your floors are built to last.