CUSTOM HARDWOOD · DAYTON OHIO
Hardwood is a 50-year floor when it's done correctly. RA Cooks Renovations levels the subfloor, acclimates the wood properly, runs moisture readings, and finishes in stages so the surface cures hard and even. Cheap installs cup, gap, and scratch within a year — ours don't.
We've been installing and refinishing hardwood across the Miami Valley since 1987 — site-finished red and white oak, prefinished engineered, herringbone, and intricate inlays. Most jobs come in through our Kettering design center where you can see real species samples and stain options.
SCOPE OF WORK
3/4" solid red oak, white oak, hickory, or maple. Nailed-down over plywood subfloor. Site-finished with stain and protective topcoat.
Real wood top layer over a stable plywood core. Goes over concrete and radiant heat. Often the smarter choice for basements and over-slab installs.
Down to bare wood, re-stained to your color, multiple coats of polyurethane. We can match new sections to existing or change the entire color.
Damaged boards swapped, blended into the surrounding floor, refinished to match. No need to redo the whole room.
Solid hardwood treads, scribed and stained to match your floor. Open or closed risers, custom stringers.
Herringbone, chevron, and parquet patterns. Focal point floors for entries, dining rooms, and kitchens.
OUR PROCESS
Picked at our showroom, delivered to your home, then acclimated for 7–14 days so it matches your home's humidity before installation.
Plywood or OSB checked for level and condition. Squeaks fixed. Moisture readings recorded with a meter so we install on a stable base.
Plank direction mapped to room geometry. Starter rows snapped to a chalk line — not aligned to a potentially-out-of-square wall.
Solid hardwood nailed at proper spacing with a flooring stapler. Engineered glued or floated depending on substrate.
Drum sander, edger, and buffer in three grits. Stain applied evenly and given full dry time. Three coats of polyurethane with sanding between.
Every plank inspected, every transition smooth. We walk the room with you and don't leave until you've signed off.
MATERIALS
The classic American hardwood. Strong, takes stain well, available in countless cuts and grades. Our most-installed species.
Tighter grain, more contemporary look. Works well with modern stain colors (espresso, gray, natural). Slightly harder than red oak.
The hardest common North American hardwood. Dramatic grain variation. Stands up to dogs, chairs, and high-traffic spaces.
Smooth, subtle grain. Lighter natural color. Often picked for modern, clean-line homes.
Real wood top layer, plywood core. Stable over concrete and radiant heat. Pre-finished or site-finished.
Site-finished gives a smoother surface and color match. Prefinished is faster, with factory-cured aluminum-oxide finish that lasts longer.
SERVICE AREA
RA Cooks Renovations installs and refinishes hardwood across the Dayton metro from our Kettering showroom — Dayton, Oakwood, Centerville, Beavercreek, Washington Township, Bellbrook, Miamisburg, and Springboro.
ONE CONTRACTOR, FULL PROJECT
Most hardwood installs happen during a bigger remodel — a kitchen redo, a whole-home refresh, or a basement transition. RA Cooks Renovations handles all of it under one roof — same crew, same project manager, one warranty.
Full bath remodels — vanities, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, layout changes, tile end-to-end.
Learn more →Custom cabinetry, countertops, backsplash tile, and full layout redesign — designed in our showroom.
Learn more →Family rooms, in-law suites, theaters, gyms, bars — finished basements designed for daily use.
Learn more →Multi-room renovations and full-home updates — coordinated trades, single project manager.
Learn more →Tear-off and replacement, architectural shingles, ridge vents — installed by our in-house crew.
Learn more →← Scroll to see more →
INSTALLATION SERVICES
Same in-house crew, same warranty, all designed and built from our Kettering showroom.
Bathroom floors, walk-in shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, mudrooms, fireplace surrounds — designed and installed by our in-house crew.
View →Solid and engineered hardwood — installed, sanded, stained, and finished. Refresh existing floors or start new across the Miami Valley.
Waterproof, scratch-resistant LVP installed throughout your home. The look of hardwood without the maintenance — installed level and clean.
View →Durable, low-maintenance laminate floors. Subfloor prep, level transitions, clean cuts — warrantied workmanship.
View →Tile, slab, and mosaic backsplashes installed clean and level. Subway, herringbone, mosaic, slab — installed under cabinets and scribed to countertops.
View →Convert an underused tub into a modern walk-in shower. Custom tile, glass enclosure, optional accessibility features.
View →Replace hollow-core doors with solid-core panels, swap closet bypass doors, install new trim and hardware — clean jamb prep, level fit.
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FAQ
How long does a hardwood install take?
A single room runs 5–7 days including acclimation, install, sand, stain, and finish coats. A whole main floor: 2–3 weeks. Engineered prefinished is faster — 2–4 days per room.
Can you refinish my existing floors instead of replacing?
Most likely yes. Solid hardwood can be sanded down 4–7 times in its life. We'll inspect to make sure you have enough wood left to refinish safely.
How long do I need to stay off the floor after refinishing?
You can walk on it in socks 24 hours after the last coat. Furniture goes back at 72 hours. Area rugs at 30 days (the finish needs that long to fully cure).
Is hardwood good for kitchens?
Yes — properly finished hardwood holds up well in kitchens. We'd recommend skipping it in a bathroom or basement where moisture is unpredictable.
Is your hardwood work warrantied?
Yes. Our installation and refinishing work carries a written workmanship warranty. The wood itself is covered by manufacturer or species-grade warranties.
Visit our Kettering showroom or book an in-home consultation. Clear scope, real samples, written estimate.
Book a consultationFrom the Journal
Flooring guides and design playbooks from RA Cooks Renovations.
Take the next step
Our NARI-certified team will measure your space, listen to your goals, and send a transparent line-item proposal within 5 business days. No pressure, no surprises — just a clear plan for the project you’ve been picturing.
Local & Nearby
Touch the materials, see the finishes, and meet the team that will design and build your project — by appointment or walk-in.
Stop By Our Showroom
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Get Directions →15 pages · CertainTeed Integrity Roof System · the cheap-roof math, plus a $1,000 design credit if you book within 14 days.
