- 590 Quivas St, Denver, CO
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The difference between solid hardwood flooring that looks beautiful for decades and one that gaps, cups or shifts within a few years? It all comes down to species selection, proper acclimation and an installer familiar with Denver’s climate.
Here’s what you get when you buy solid hardwood flooring from Tongue & Groove in Denver:
When it comes to hardwood, solid wood flooring is the gold standard. Why? Planks are milled from a single piece of timber, refinishable multiple times and capable of lasting up to a century with regular care, it should come as no surprise. At Tongue & Groove, we help Denver homeowners and custom builders select, source and install hardwood floors so they look great while holding up to Colorado’s altitude, dry winters and seasonal humidity swings. Visit our hardwood flooring showroom in Denver or let us come to you.
Solid hardwood planks are cut from one piece of natural wood so there are no layers, composite core or shortcuts. Each plank has the character of the tree it came from. You can see the grain pattern, color variation and natural texture. Plus, you can refinish your flooring multiple times, meaning you can sand it down and add a new stain to let your flooring last up to a century.
Solid hardwood flooring is hygroscopic so it expands and contracts with humidity changes. Denver has a dry, high-altitude climate so the movement is more noticeable than it is in other parts of the country. That said, when you choose the right species, cut, width, acclimation and subfloor preparation process, your flooring can last for generations rather than cause headaches within a few years.
Our experience serving Colorado homes since 2007 makes a difference.
Species determine a lot. It has an impact on hardness, grain pattern, color, how the wood responds to stain and how it performs in Colorado’s climate. Our curated collection of domestic and imported species keep Denver’s altitude and humidity in mind — we offer white oak, red oak, hickory, maple, walnut and ash that each have their own characteristics and looks. We work with you to choose the species that suits your lifestyle, design goals and environment during your consultation.
The way a board is cut from a log impacts how it responds to humidity — this makes a big difference in Denver. Here are your options:
For solid hardwood installation in Denver, we recommend quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cuts for wider planks where seasonal movement is amplified.
Plank width impacts how much a solid hardwood floor moves with humidity changes. Narrower planks (typically 2 ¼” to 3 ¼ “) are more stable in dry conditions. Wider planks have a more contemporary look, but require careful species and cut selection to last in Colorado. We work with you to honestly assess your options so you choose what’s best for your specific environment and aesthetic goals.
Finish selection affects appearance, durability, maintenance requirements and how the floor responds to daily use. At Tongue & Groove, we offer the following premium finish options:
When working on site-finished solid hardwood floors, we mix and document custom stain formulas in-house so you get to choose the color. We can also reproduce if you ever need a touch up down the line.
Unfinished solid hardwood flooring is sanded, stained and finished on-site after installation. This allows for color matching across rooms, a flush surface with no beveled edges and complete customization of stain. Prefinished solid hardwood arrives from the mill already sanded and coated, which makes for faster installation and fewer disruptions. The compromise is limited on-site customization. We have an honest conversation with you so you can make the right decision for your project, timeline and goals.
Denver’s climate creates several unexpected challenges for installers and homeowners. At 5,280 feet below sea level and with an indoor relative humidity that can drop below 20% in winter, solid hardwood floors experience more seasonal movement than anywhere else in the country.
We consider the following during every solid hardwood installation in Denver:
Before installation, solid hardwood flooring needs time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home needs time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity. It can take several days to weeks depending on the time of year, but is essential for the wood to stabilize. If there isn’t enough time before fastening it down, there’s a high risk of gapping or cupping. We follow NWFA acclimation standards for every project.
A solid hardwood floor only lasts as long as what’s underneath it. After removing your existing floors, we assess subfloor flatness, moisture levels and structural integrity. Concrete subfloors need more moisture testing and vapor barrier installation. Wood subfloors have to be flat, not just level and structurally sound. Skipping or rushing subfloor prep is one of the main reasons hardwood floors fail — we don’t skip it.
We recommend maintaining indoor relative humidity between 30-55% year-round to protect your solid hardwood investment. Most of our preferred suppliers offer product warranties for environments as low as 18% relative humidity, which is specific to Colorado homes. We help you explore humidity management options like whole-home humidifiers during your consultation.
Not every species is ideal for Denver. That’s why we direct our clients toward species and cuts that handle the movement demands of a dry, high-altitude climate. If a particular product isn’t ideal for your environment, we let you know even if you fall in love with a floor in the showroom.
Finding the right wood flooring contractor in Denver is about finding one that understands the craft and climate. Here’s what makes Tongue and Groove different:
Solid hardwood comes from a single piece of wood and can be refinished several times over. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer top that sits on a stable core, which resists movements in the variable climate. However, it cannot be refinished as many times.
Solid wood can work if you choose the right species, cut and installation method. Generally, narrow planks, rift or quarter-sawn boards make the most sense for Colorado’s low humidity.
With regular maintenance, solid hardwood lasts 50-100 years or more. Regular refinishing will keep them looking for their best throughout their lifespan.
Certain species and cuts work over radiant heat, but you have to choose carefully and have them installed correctly. We can guide you through the selection process.
Whether you are searching for new hardwood floors, working on an upcoming
project or looking to learn more about wood floors, we are here to help.
