Hi there. This site has been a tremendous resource, so I thought I'd see if I could milk it some more.

I am looking to replace my entire downstairs carpet with engineered hardwood on our concrete foundation. Currently leaning towards Virginia Vintage Hickory (we have two 125lb dogs). I was wondering if anyone had a recomendation for an installer and/or flooring suggestions.

FYI, the one quote I got back was over $19K for about 930 Sq Ft, glue down installation, about 4-5 hours of concrete prep (no sealant) with matching 1/4 rounds installed.

Also looking to do stairwell in either the same flooring or new carpeting.

This is in San Joaquin county.

Thanks in advance

I want to know, how they came up with 4-5 hours of floor prep, when it is covered by an existing carpet and you can't even see it to know what it is going to take?



The last job I was on, took 16 hoursof floor prep and was only 600 sq.ft.

The one before that was around 800 sq.ft. and I had 18 hours in it.

The one before that was 1100 sq.ft. and I had only 8 hours in it, because it was fairly flat, unlike the others.


Go to the NWFA website and look under contractors / installers.