Question 1

How much does flooring installation or refinishing cost per square foot in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood floor dustless refinishing in Metro Detroit typically averages $3.50 to $6.00 per sq ft. Solid or engineered hardwood installation ranges from $8.00 to $15.00 per sq ft depending on wood species and subfloor preparation. Waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) installed with standard surface leveling runs $4.50 to $8.50 per sq ft. Every estimate from AA Quality Floors is itemized line-by-line with zero hidden surprise charges.

Question 2

Are in-home flooring estimates free in Metro Detroit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide completely free in-home estimates throughout Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County. Owner David Cohut or an experienced technician measures your square footage, conducts electronic subfloor moisture testing, inspects transitions, and provides a clear written quote within 48 hours.

Question 3

What factors can change the final price of my flooring project?

Accepted Answer

The primary factors influencing price include subfloor condition (leveling uneven low spots or repairing moisture rot), old floor demolition and debris disposal, staircase construction (individual tread fabrication and risers), trim carpentry (shoe molding and custom reducer transitions), and moving heavy furniture or appliances.

Question 4

Is your hardwood floor sanding process truly dustless?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We utilize continuous multi-stage HEPA vacuum extraction systems connected directly to our 220V continuous belt sanders, rotary buffers, and edge sanders. This equipment captures over 95% of airborne wood dust at the cutting surface, preventing sawdust from circulating into your home ductwork and living spaces.

Question 5

Can my hardwood floors be refinished, or are they worn too thin?

Accepted Answer

Most 3/4-inch solid hardwood floors can be safely sanded and refinished 4 to 6 times over their 80+ year lifespan. During our initial in-home evaluation, we measure the remaining wood wear layer above the tongue-and-groove joint (typically inspected at floor heat registers) to verify structural integrity before sanding.

Question 6

Can you fix deep scratches, gouges, or dark pet stains during refinishing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Minor surface scratches and discoloration disappear during our coarse belt sanding pass. For deep gouges or black pet urine stains that have oxidized into the wood grain, we remove the damaged boards and lace in matching new solid oak planks before sanding and staining so the repair is virtually invisible.

Question 7

Do you test stain colors on my actual wood floor before finishing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because natural wood absorbs stain pigments differently depending on age and grain density, we never rely on paper swatches. Once your floor is sanded down to raw wood, we brush 3 to 4 custom stain formulations directly onto your boards so you can choose your color under your home authentic daylight.

Question 8

What is the difference between waterborne and oil-based polyurethane finishes?

Accepted Answer

Commercial waterborne polyurethane dries clear, will not amber or yellow over time, cures to full hardness in 5 to 7 days, and produces very low VOC odors so you can comfortably remain in your home. Traditional oil-based polyurethane produces an amber glow but has high chemical odor and takes up to 30 days to fully cure.

Question 9

How soon can I walk on newly refinished hardwood floors?

Accepted Answer

With our commercial water-based finishes, you can walk across the floor in clean stocking feet after 24 hours. Light foot traffic is permitted after 48 hours. Furniture and area rugs can be safely returned after a full cure of 5 to 7 days.

Question 10

How long does a typical flooring installation or refinishing project take?

Accepted Answer

A standard 500 to 1,000 square foot hardwood refinishing or LVP installation project typically requires 2 to 4 working days from initial setup through final coat application. Larger whole-house projects or jobs requiring extensive subfloor leveling may require 4 to 6 business days.

Question 11

What is the best flooring for a Michigan basement?

Accepted Answer

Rigid core stone-plastic composite (SPC) luxury vinyl plank installed over an approved 6-mil vapor barrier is the superior choice for Michigan basements. It is 100% waterproof, will not warp or cup from subterranean concrete slab moisture vapor, and features excellent thermal underfoot comfort.

Question 12

Why do hardwood floors cup in summer and gap in winter in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Wood is a hygroscopic natural material that expands when absorbing summer humidity and contracts during dry winter heating. When indoor relative humidity drops below 25% in winter, boards shrink and create thin gaps. In humid summers, boards swell and press together, causing board edges to cup. We manage movement through proper acclimation and expansion spacing.

Question 13

How do you test concrete slab moisture before installing floors?

Accepted Answer

We perform electronic surface impedance tests as well as ASTM F1869 anhydrous calcium chloride tests and ASTM F2170 relative humidity (RH) probe tests. If moisture vapor emission rates exceed manufacturer limits, we apply commercial epoxy moisture mitigation barriers before laying underlayment.

Question 14

What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Solid hardwood is milled from a single 3/4-inch piece of solid lumber and can be sanded multiple times over decades, but is vulnerable to basement humidity. Engineered hardwood features a genuine hardwood veneer bonded to cross-ply dimensional plywood, providing superior stability against humidity over concrete slabs and radiant heat.

Question 15

Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) completely waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rigid core SPC and WPC luxury vinyl planks are 100% waterproof on their surface and core. Spills, pet accidents, or plumbing leaks will not damage or swell the planks. However, standing water beneath the planks must be extracted promptly to protect the underlying concrete or plywood subfloor.

Question 16

What areas of Metro Detroit and Michigan do you service?

Accepted Answer

From our Sterling Heights headquarters, we provide prompt service across Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County, including Sterling Heights, Troy, Warren, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe, and Detroit.

Question 17

Is AA Quality Floors licensed and insured in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AA Quality Floors operates under Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license #801438051. We carry $2,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance and provide a written 1-year workmanship warranty on all installations and refinishing.

Question 18

Do I need to remove furniture before the flooring installers arrive?

Accepted Answer

All small decorative items, fragile electronics, clothing, and closet floors should be cleared prior to our arrival. For heavy furniture pieces such as sofas, dressers, and tables, our crew can provide professional moving and repositioning as a line item on your estimate.

Frequently Asked Flooring Questions

How Michigan Climate & Architecture Shape Flooring Decisions

Acclimation & Moisture Testing

Concrete Slabs & Basement Moisture

Contractor Q&A: Everything You Need to Know