Classic Floors That Age With Your Home
Hardwood Flooring in Lewiston for homes and light commercial spaces that need flooring with long-term value and refinishing potential
Imperial Flooring installs solid and engineered hardwood flooring in Lewiston for homeowners who want a floor that improves with age and for businesses that need a warm, professional appearance in offices, boutiques, or waiting areas. You may be replacing worn carpet in a living room or installing new flooring in a historic home where maintaining character is a priority, and hardwood offers a material that can be refinished multiple times, adapts to different interior styles, and holds up under decades of use when properly maintained.
Hardwood installation begins with subfloor assessment to ensure it is level, dry, and structurally sound. Solid hardwood is typically nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor, while engineered hardwood can be glued, floated, or nailed depending on the product and the subfloor type. Each board is laid with attention to grain direction, color variation, and end joints to create a natural, staggered appearance. Expansion gaps are left along walls to allow the wood to expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes common in Maine. After installation, the floor is sanded smooth if it is unfinished, then stained and sealed with polyurethane or oil-based finishes that protect the surface and bring out the wood's natural color and grain.
If you are planning a flooring upgrade in Lewiston and want a material that can be refinished and maintained over time, contact Imperial Flooring to schedule an estimate and review wood species and finish options.
What You Gain From Professional Hardwood Installation
You will have a floor that feels solid underfoot, does not flex or shift with foot traffic, and displays the natural grain, color variation, and texture of the wood species you select. The finish protects the surface from scratches, stains, and moisture, and the floor can be sanded and refinished when wear patterns or damage accumulate over the years. In homes with forced-air heating or seasonal humidity swings, properly installed hardwood adjusts without cupping, crowning, or separating at the seams, as long as indoor humidity is managed within recommended ranges.
Imperial Flooring ensures that boards are aligned with tight seams, end joints are staggered for stability, and the finish is applied evenly without streaks or pooling. After installation, you will notice that the floor requires regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit that can scratch the finish, and occasional damp mopping with a wood-safe cleaner. Rugs or mats in high-traffic areas help reduce wear, and furniture pads prevent dents and scratches. The floor will age with your home, developing a patina that reflects its use and history, and can be refinished to restore its original appearance or updated with a new stain color.
Installation timelines vary based on square footage, the type of hardwood, and whether unfinished boards require on-site sanding and finishing. Acclimation of the wood to indoor temperature and humidity is necessary before installation to prevent movement or gapping after the floor is laid. Custom stains, borders, or inlays extend the timeline but allow for a more personalized appearance. Imperial Flooring does not include furniture moving, baseboard removal, or disposal of old flooring unless arranged in advance.
Hardwood Flooring Questions in Lewiston
Homeowners and business owners in Lewiston often ask about wood selection, maintenance requirements, and suitability of hardwood for different rooms and conditions before moving forward with installation.
What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood that can be sanded multiple times, while engineered hardwood has a thin hardwood veneer over a plywood core, offering more stability in humid or below-grade environments.
How does Maine's climate affect hardwood flooring?
Seasonal humidity changes cause wood to expand and contract, so proper acclimation, expansion gaps, and indoor humidity control are necessary to prevent gaps, cupping, or crowning.
When should I choose a harder wood species like oak or maple?
Harder woods resist denting and scratching better than softer species like pine or fir, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.
Why does the finish matter for hardwood flooring?
The finish protects the wood from moisture, stains, and wear, and determines the floor's sheen, texture, and ease of maintenance, with options ranging from matte to high-gloss and oil-based to water-based formulas.
What maintenance does hardwood flooring require in Lewiston?
You sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit, use a damp mop with a wood-safe cleaner, maintain indoor humidity between 35 and 55 percent, and avoid standing water or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Imperial Flooring works with residential and light commercial clients throughout Lewiston who need hardwood flooring that offers lasting value and refinishing potential. Reach out to discuss wood types, finishes, and project timelines that fit your space and budget.