WELCOME TO WOOD FLOORS OF WESTPORT!
Why Choose Wood Floors of Westport?
Hardwood floors aren’t cheap, and getting them wrong is costly. When we take on your project, we’re looking at the long game – floors that still look good when your kids come home from college. Most of our work comes from referrals because Westport homeowners notice the difference.
Why We’re different:
- Precision Installation That Lasts
- Expert Guidance on Wood & Design
- Clean, On-Time, Zero-Stress Projects
Every job gets the same attention, whether it’s a small repair in a Saugatuck condo or a complete installation in a Greens Farms estate. The foundation of good flooring work is patience and knowing where not to cut corners. We’ve been around long enough to see the shortcuts other companies take, and we’ve fixed enough of their mistakes to know better.
Specializing in Hardwood Flooring Services
NO MATTER YOUR WOOD FLOORING NEEDS, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.
At Wood Floors of Westport, we stick to what we know best – wood floors. We don’t dabble in tile or carpet; we install and restore hardwood floors that last. From the historic homes in Old Hill with their original millwork to the newer construction along Compo Beach, we’ve worked in nearly every neighborhood in town and understand the specific demands of Fairfield County homes.
Houses around here have their challenges, the sloping floors in pre-war buildings, those basement family rooms that get damp after heavy rain, the worn planks in 70-year-old kitchens. Our crew knows how to handle these issues because we’ve seen them all before. We don’t try to sell you on whatever’s trendy this year. Instead, we look at your specific situation and recommend the right solution – maybe that’s engineered wood in a moisture-prone space, or perhaps it’s preserving and refinishing those original oak boards that just need some care. Hardwood is what we do, day in and day out.
Hardwood Floor Installation
A new hardwood floor installation changes everything about a room. When we’re installing in older Westport homes, we often find ourselves working around tricky corners and doorways that haven’t been square since the 1940s. It takes experience to make those transitions look right.
Most of our installations start with removing whatever’s there now – carpet, laminate, or old wood that’s beyond saving. Then we check what’s underneath. In some Westport neighborhoods like Coleytown, homes from the 70s often have issues with the subfloor that need fixing first.
The wood itself matters just as much as how we put it down. We work with red oak, white oak, hickory, maple – whatever fits your home and lifestyle. Some clients near the water prefer engineered products for their stability in changing humidity. Others want authentic wide planks that match their home’s character.
Rick personally inspects every job before we call it finished. Thirty years of installing floors around here has taught him what holds up in Connecticut homes. That’s probably why we get so many referrals from past customers when their friends see their floors.
White & Red Oak Floor Installation
Oak remains the most requested wood in Westport homes, and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance of durability and character that suits Connecticut’s traditional architecture.
We work with both red and white oak varieties, though white oak has become exceptionally popular throughout Fairfield County recently. Homeowners love its cleaner appearance, subtle graining, and cooler undertones that complement both modern spaces in Saugatuck and updated traditional homes around Old Hill.
Red oak still has its place, bringing warmth and pronounced grain patterns to Colonial homes in the Greens Farms area. Both varieties handle Westport’s foot traffic remarkably well – from sandy shoes after Compo Beach days to the inevitable scrapes during holiday entertaining.
For clients seeking exceptional stability, we offer quarter-sawn and rift-sawn white oak options. These specialty cuts resist cupping and provide distinctive grain patterns that stand out in larger spaces. Our white & red oak floor installation process includes proper acclimation to your home’s specific conditions, ensuring stability through Connecticut’s seasonal changes.
Engineered Wood Floor Installation
Engineered wood offers smart solutions for Westport’s challenging environments. We’ve installed it in waterfront properties along Compo Beach and downtown condos built on concrete slabs.
The key benefit is stability through seasonal changes. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered floors resist warping in Connecticut’s humidity swings thanks to their layered construction – real wood on top with cross-grained plywood underneath.
Most clients can’t spot the difference once installed. Today’s premium engineered products feature thick veneer layers (4-6mm) that can handle multiple refinishings over their 25+ year lifespan.
We typically recommend engineered floors for basements, kitchens, or anywhere moisture might be problematic. Many homes in the Long Lots neighborhood have lower levels where engineered wood simply performs better.
Our engineered wood floor installation methods adapt to your situation. Floating installations work well for below-grade spaces, while we might choose glue-down for concrete slabs or nail-down methods for traditional subfloors. Each approach has its place in Westport’s diverse housing stock.
Laminate Flooring Installation
Not everyone needs solid hardwood throughout their house. That’s why we install top-quality laminate in certain spaces, mostly in active family homes around town.
Modern laminate isn’t what it used to be. The stuff we put in now has gotten remarkably better at mimicking real wood. Most visitors can’t tell the difference until they’re right on top of it, especially in rooms with good natural light like you find in the newer developments off Easton Road.
Most clients can’t spot the difference once installed. Today’s premium engineered products feature thick veneer layers (4-6mm) that can handle multiple refinishings over their 25+ year lifespan.
We typically recommend it for Westport families with kids running in from soccer practice at Wakeman Fields, or homes where pets might scratch up traditional hardwood. It works great in finished basements too, especially in older homes near the Saugatuck River where moisture can be an issue.
Our laminate flooring installation approach is straightforward but precise. We make sure the subfloor is completely level (fixing any problems first), lay down a good moisture barrier, and install the floating floor system with proper expansion gaps. Little details like matching transition pieces and careful work around doorways make all the difference in the final look.
Subfloor Preparation & Leveling
Half the battle with any flooring job happens before we even open the wood boxes. We see it all the time in Westport, beautiful homes with floors that need serious prep work underneath. Subfloor preparation & Leveling is an extremely important part of the process.
The 1920s Colonials in Old Hill often have original subfloors that have shifted over time. Those need careful assessment and sometimes selective replacement before we can start. In the split-levels popular around Coleytown, we frequently find uneven concrete slabs that require grinding or leveling compound.
Rick won’t let us rush through the prep stage. Skip this part, and you’ll pay for it later with squeaky floors or boards that flex when you walk. We spend extra time hunting down those trouble spots – loose nails, warped sections, dips and humps that you might not notice now but will drive you crazy later.
Most fixes aren’t complicated. We’ll screw down loose boards, sand down high spots, or pour self-leveling compound where needed. In older homes near Compo Beach where moisture has crept in over the years, we might need to replace sections of subfloor entirely. The extra day this takes pays off in floors that stay level and quiet for decades.
Our Company History
Wood Floors of Westport started with Rick Shepard’s simple idea: do the job right, and people will keep calling. Rick has been working in wood flooring and home improvement for over 40 years. Rick grew up in Weston and got into flooring work when he was still a teenager. Back then, it was just him, a truck, and a lot of trial and error. He took whatever local jobs he could find, learning fast and figuring out what worked, and what didn’t.
As years went on, he brought in a small crew, mostly guys he trusted to work the same way he did. They stuck to simple rules: pay attention, do solid work, and don’t leave a job half-finished. Rick’s seen his share of problems, buckled floors, bad subfloors, water damage that wrecks boards. He’s learned how to handle each one without making a bigger mess.
One thing he tells customers: sometimes flooring’s just part of the picture. You’ve got to think about how it ties into cabinets, trim, even paint colors. Those details matter if you want everything to look right.
Today, Wood Floors of Westport is known across Fairfield County for reliable service and floors that last. Rick still keeps a close eye on every project, making sure his crew sticks to the same standards he’s followed since day one. Read more about our history on our About Us page.
Hardwood Floor Installation FAQs
Pricing really depends on the details. Things like the type of wood, the size of the job, and how much prep work is needed all play a part. Around here in Westport, I’ve seen most projects fall between $10 and $25 per square foot. But honestly, I don’t like giving blanket numbers. I prefer to see the space first so I can give you a proper estimate that makes sense for your home.
Yes, and I’ve seen it firsthand. Buyers around here are always drawn to real wood floors, they’re seen as a sign of quality. I’ve worked on plenty of homes that sold faster (and often for more) after new hardwood went in. It’s one of those upgrades that pays off in both looks and resale value, especially in a place like Westport.
Most people do, yes. We usually work around furniture and tackle things in sections to keep the disruption down. That said, it’s good to know it can be noisy and dusty, even with our dustless gear. If we’re doing staining or sealing, the smell might be strong for a bit. Some folks decide to stay elsewhere for a day or two, but it’s not always necessary.
Most installs wrap up within 3 to 5 days, but that’s just a ballpark. It can take longer if we’re doing a bigger space or something custom. One thing folks don’t always think about is acclimating the wood before we start, that alone can take a few days. We don’t rush it because doing it right the first time saves a lot of headaches later.
It depends on what you need. I usually tell people that engineered hardwood is a smart pick if you’ve got areas with moisture or uneven temps, like basements or condos. Solid hardwood lasts longer overall and can be sanded down more times. I’m happy to walk you through the options when we check out your space and talk about how you plan to use the room.
That really comes down to your style and what’s going on in your home. Oak is a solid pick—it holds up well and has a classic look. I’ve also installed a lot of walnut, hickory, and cherry for people wanting something a little different. Engineered wood has its place too. I always tell customers: let’s look at your space, talk about traffic and maintenance, and figure out what makes the most sense for you.
Serving Westport, CT & all of Fairfield County
While Westport is home base, our service areas extend across Fairfield County. We’ve handled everything from historic renovations in Southport Village to new construction in Fairfield’s Greenfield Hill. Each town throws different challenges our way.
Stamford’s older neighborhoods need careful assessment of original floors, while New Canaan clients often want custom stain colors to match designer specifications. Weston’s homes tend to have moisture considerations given their wooded settings, and Norwalk projects range from complete restorations in Rowayton to quick repairs in newer developments.
We know the local terrain, both literally and in terms of housing stock. After thirty years working these service areas, we’ve probably done a floor on your street already.
Wood Floor Refinishing Service
Most hardwood floors in Westport don’t need replacement, they need revival. We’ve brought floors back to life throughout Fairfield County, from century-old boards in Southport Village to 30-year-old oak showing wear in Long Lots.
Our wood floor refinishing service starts with honest assessment. Some floors just need a light buff and fresh coat of finish. Others require complete sanding to remove deep scratches, water spots, or sun damage. We look at how you actually use your rooms, not just the wood itself.
Our sanding process removes old finishes while our dust containment keeps the mess down. That matters when you’re trying to live in your house during summer renovations while the kids are home from Staples or Bedford.
The real transformation happens with staining and finishing. We can match existing colors in adjacent rooms or help you pick something new. Our water-based finishes dry quickly with minimal smell – perfect for Westport families who can’t evacuate for days. The result is floors that look fresh and hold up to everyday life, from grocery deliveries to soccer cleats to dinner parties.
Flooring Contractor
As a local flooring contractor, we handle projects other companies often avoid. Those partial floor replacements after kitchen renovations in Westport’s 1950s homes? We’ve mastered the art of weaving new boards into existing floors so the transition is nearly invisible.
Our work goes beyond simple installations. When that pipe burst in a Saugatuck condo building last winter, we helped multiple homeowners salvage what they could and replace what couldn’t be saved. After Hurricane season, we’re usually busy with homes along Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores, addressing water damage while preserving as much original flooring as possible.
Every contractor promises quality, but our approach is different. We limit the number of jobs we take on, ensuring each project gets proper attention. You won’t find us starting your floor then disappearing for days to work elsewhere – something that happens too often with larger companies serving Fairfield County.
Rick oversees every job personally, often working alongside the crew. He’s built relationships with Westport homeowners, architects, and builders over decades. That local reputation matters more than any advertising. Just ask around town – chances are your neighbors or friends have worked with us over the years.
Floor Sanding and Polishing Service
Floor sanding isn’t glamorous, but it makes or breaks a refinishing job. As part of our floor sanding and polishing service, we’ve taken over plenty of projects in Westport where someone else rushed this step, and it always shows in the final product.
We use a pretty straightforward approach – start with rough sandpaper to strip off old finish and level the floor, then work through finer grits to get it smooth. Corners and edges need extra attention, especially in those older homes around Gorham Avenue where previous sanders didn’t get close enough to the baseboards.
Our dust collection system catches most of the mess, though I always tell customers it’s not 100% perfect. When we worked on that row of homes off Kings Highway last summer, the homeowners appreciated being able to stay put during the process without their furniture getting covered in wood dust.
After sanding comes the fun part – polishing that brings out the grain and character. Red oak shows its best self after proper sanding and polishing, which matters in Westport where so many homes have this classic wood. We spend extra time on this step, since it’s what you’ll see every day once we’re gone.