Hardwood floor installation is a skilled trade. The quality of the result depends almost entirely on the contractor's experience, technique, and attention to detail. A bad installation can ruin even the finest hardwood — and fixing it costs more than doing it right the first time. This guide helps Michigan homeowners find, vet, and hire a qualified hardwood flooring contractor.

Why Contractor Selection Matters

Hardwood floor installation involves dozens of decisions that affect the final result:

• Subfloor preparation and leveling
• Moisture testing and vapor barrier selection
• Acclimation time and conditions
• Fastener type, size, and spacing
• Expansion gap sizing at walls and transitions
• End joint staggering for structural integrity and aesthetics
• Transition strip selection and installation

An experienced contractor makes all of these decisions correctly without being asked. An inexperienced one may not know they matter.

How to Find a Qualified Contractor

Referral from a Specialty Retailer

The most reliable source. Specialty flooring retailers like Quality Hardwoods of Michigan maintain networks of vetted contractors. We've seen their work, we know their quality standards, and we refer them because we're confident in the results. A contractor who consistently produces poor results doesn't stay in our network.

Contact us at (248) 601-0200 or visit our Rochester Hills showroom for a contractor referral.

Google Reviews

Look for contractors with 20+ reviews and a 4.5+ star rating. Read the negative reviews carefully — a pattern of complaints about specific issues (gaps, squeaks, poor communication) is more informative than the overall rating.

Houzz and Angi

Both platforms have contractor directories with reviews and photos of completed projects. Photos are particularly valuable — you can see the quality of the work before you hire.

Vetting a Contractor: What to Ask

Before hiring any hardwood flooring contractor, ask these questions:

• "Are you licensed and insured?" — General liability and workers' compensation are non-negotiable. Ask for certificates of insurance.
• "How long have you been installing hardwood floors?" — Look for 5+ years of dedicated hardwood experience.
• "Can I see photos of recent projects?" — A qualified contractor will have a portfolio. Look for projects similar to yours in species and complexity.
• "Can you provide references from recent customers?" — Call the references. Ask specifically about communication, timeline, and whether they'd hire again.
• "What is your moisture testing process?" — A qualified contractor will test both the subfloor and the hardwood before installation.
• "What equipment do you use?" — Professional-grade nailers (Bostitch, Primatech, Powernail) produce better results than rental equipment.

Red Flags to Avoid

• No license or insurance
• Unusually low bid (significantly below other quotes)
• Requests for large upfront payment (more than 25–30%)
• No written contract or scope of work
• Can't provide references or photos of recent work
• Doesn't mention acclimation or moisture testing
• Pressure to decide immediately

What Should Be in the Contract

A professional hardwood flooring contract should specify:

• Species, grade, width, and finish of the flooring
• Installation method (nail-down, glue-down, floating)
• Subfloor preparation included or excluded
• Number of finish coats (for site-finished projects)
• Stain color (if applicable)
• Timeline and completion date
• Payment schedule
• Warranty on labor
• What happens if there are problems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a hardwood flooring contractor charge in Michigan?

Installation: $4–$8/sqft for labor. Refinishing: $3.50–$6/sqft. Stair installation: $25–$50/step. Always get at least three quotes and verify what is included.

How do I get a contractor referral from Quality Hardwoods of Michigan?

Call us at (248) 601-0200 or visit our Rochester Hills showroom. We maintain a network of vetted contractors throughout Oakland and Macomb counties and will match you with the right contractor for your project.