Good Questions.
Clear Answers.

What services does Imperial Wood Floors offer?

Imperial Wood Floors provides solid hardwood installation, refinishing, repair and matching, custom staining, stair refinishing, and maintenance coats. What would you like to change about your floors?

Who will work on my floors?

Imperial Wood Floors is family-owned by Jeff and Jenna Shunk and uses long-time in-house flooring crews. The flooring work is not subcontracted. Jeff and Jenna remain hands-on, including final sanding and final finish work.

How long has Imperial Wood Floors served Madison?

Imperial Wood Floors has served Madison-area homeowners since 1992.

Is Imperial Wood Floors insured?

Yes. Imperial Wood Floors is insured. Contact the team if you need current coverage details or insurance documentation for your project.

Do you work in my town?

Imperial Wood Floors serves Madison and surrounding South Central Wisconsin communities. Share your town or ZIP code, and the team can confirm whether your project is within the service area.

Can damaged hardwood be repaired without replacing the whole floor?

Often, a damaged area can be evaluated for a local repair. The best approach depends on the existing wood, surrounding floor, and the result you want. Jeff can assess whether repair and matching are suitable.

Can new hardwood match my existing floor?

Imperial Wood Floors can evaluate the species, board dimensions, grain, stain, and finish to blend new wood or repairs with existing hardwood. Age and light exposure can leave differences, so an invisible match cannot be guaranteed.

How much dust does sanding create?

Imperial Wood Floors uses professional HEPA vacuum equipment and barriers to contain approximately 90% of sanding dust. Some dust is still possible. The process is not completely dust-free.

What finishes does Imperial Wood Floors use?

Imperial Wood Floors uses professional low-odor, low-VOC water-based finishing systems, including Bona products, as appropriate for the project. The team will recommend a system suited to your floor.

How should I clean my hardwood floor?

Remove grit regularly, wipe spills promptly, and use a cleaner compatible with your floor’s finish. Follow the care instructions for your specific floor. Avoid homemade vinegar-and-water cleaners.

How should I prepare for flooring work?

Arrange to have furniture removed before work begins, clear rugs and fragile belongings, and keep agreed access routes open. Keep children and pets away from active work areas. Imperial Wood Floors will provide instructions for your particular project.

Does Imperial Wood Floors offer a warranty?

Yes. Imperial Wood Floors provides a one-year craftsman warranty on its workmanship. For a question about completed work, contact the team with your project details so the concern can be reviewed.

How do I request an estimate?

Use the estimate form to tell Imperial Wood Floors about your project, location, approximate size, and the service you need. A request does not confirm an appointment. The team will follow up about the next step.

Does your crew move furniture?

No. The Imperial Wood Floors crew does not move furniture. Please arrange to have furniture removed from the work areas before the project begins.

Can I stay home during refinishing?

It depends on the work areas, products, ventilation needs, and whether you can safely avoid the floors. Imperial Wood Floors will explain what is appropriate for your project before work begins.

Can my pets and children stay home?

Keep pets and children away from active work areas. Equipment can be noisy, and temporary arrangements outside the home may be appropriate. Discuss your household and any fish tanks with Imperial Wood Floors before work begins.

When can I walk on my newly finished floor?

Walking time depends on the finish, conditions, and project details. Follow the specific instructions Imperial Wood Floors provides for your floor. Dry to the touch does not necessarily mean ready for normal use.

When can furniture and rugs go back?

Furniture and area rugs can have different waiting periods. Follow the instructions Imperial Wood Floors provides for the finish used on your floor before returning either.

Should I change my heating or air conditioning settings?

Do not change heating, cooling, or ventilation settings without project-specific guidance. Imperial Wood Floors will explain the conditions and ventilation needed for the work and products used.

What access does the crew need?

Keep agreed entryways, hallways, and access routes clear for the crew and equipment. Review parking, entry, and any special access needs with Imperial Wood Floors before the project.

What should I remove before sanding?

Clear rugs, lamps, decorations, fragile items, and valuables from the work areas. Arrange furniture removal before the start date. Consider securing delicate wall decorations in nearby areas affected by sanding vibrations.

How much will my flooring project cost?

I can’t give you a reliable price without an assessment of your floors and project. Request a complimentary in-home estimate from Imperial Wood Floors for recommendations and pricing specific to your home.

How long will the work take?

Project timing depends on the scope, floor condition, products, and required waiting periods. Imperial Wood Floors can explain the expected work schedule and floor-use instructions for your project.

How soon can you start?

I don’t have access to the crew’s current schedule. Contact Imperial Wood Floors with your project and preferred timing so the team can discuss availability.

Should I repair, refinish, or replace my floor?

The right approach depends on the condition of the wood and finish and the result you want. Imperial Wood Floors can evaluate the floor and explain whether maintenance, repair, refinishing, or new hardwood should be considered.

Do you refinish stairs?

Yes. Stair refinishing is among the hardwood flooring services offered by Imperial Wood Floors. The team can assess the staircase and discuss the work needed.

Can you install hardwood in another room?

Imperial Wood Floors installs solid hardwood and can evaluate adding hardwood to another room or blending an addition with existing flooring. Matching, transitions, and site conditions need to be assessed.

Which hardwood species is best for my home?

Consider the grain and color you like, household traffic, pets, and any existing flooring you need to match. Red oak, white oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and birch have different characteristics. Imperial Wood Floors can help compare them for your home.

How do red oak and white oak differ?

Red oak usually has prominent open grain and warm, sometimes pinkish tones. White oak has versatile natural tones and distinctive oak grain and is slightly harder on average. Samples help show the differences in your lighting.

What should I know about maple?

Maple has fine grain and a light natural appearance. It is hard and durable, but darker stains can look uneven without careful preparation. Imperial Wood Floors can discuss color options for your project.

What should I know about hickory?

Hickory has strong grain, pronounced board-to-board variation, and high hardness among commonly used domestic hardwoods. It suits homeowners who enjoy visible natural character.

What should I know about walnut?

Walnut is known for rich chocolate-brown tones and elegant grain. It is softer than oak or hickory, so consider dents and household activity when comparing options.

What should I know about birch?

Birch ranges from light to warm tones with generally fine grain. Its appearance and hardness depend on the particular species and grade. Compare the actual material being considered for your home.

What board width should I choose?

Narrow strips can suit older Madison homes, while wider boards can create a more expansive look. Existing flooring, room proportions, subfloor conditions, and seasonal movement all affect the best choice.

What is the difference between stain and finish?

Stain changes the wood’s color. The protective finish helps protect the surface and determines how much light it reflects. Species, stain, and sheen each contribute to the finished appearance.

How do matte, satin, and semi-gloss compare?

Matte has low reflection and a natural-looking surface. Satin gives soft, balanced reflection. Semi-gloss has more shine and can make dust or surface imperfections more noticeable.

Is a shinier finish more durable?

Sheen alone does not determine durability. The finish system, proper application, maintenance, and household use all matter. No finish prevents every scratch.

Is any hardwood scratch-proof?

No hardwood is scratch-proof. Harder species generally resist dents better, but grit, pets, furniture, finish selection, and care all affect everyday wear.

Why do floors change with Wisconsin’s seasons?

Wood responds to humidity changes. Dry winter air can cause seasonal gaps, and humid summers can cause expansion. Consistent indoor conditions and appropriate installation help manage movement.

Will my floor look exactly like a sample?

No two boards are identical. Grain, color, and character vary even within one species, so a finished floor will not look identical to a small sample. View samples in your home’s lighting when choosing color and sheen.

Can I wet mop my hardwood floor?

Avoid wet mopping or flooding hardwood. Excess liquid can enter between boards and cause problems. Use the cleaning method approved for your floor’s finish and wipe spills promptly.

Can I use a steam mop?

Avoid using steam unless the flooring and finish manufacturers explicitly approve it. Heat and moisture can affect the wood, finish, and seams. If the finish is unknown, ask Imperial Wood Floors before trying steam.

How can I protect my floor from everyday wear?

Keep grit off the floor, use breathable entry mats and suitable rugs, and check felt furniture protectors regularly. Replace protectors when dirty or compressed. Follow your floor’s care instructions.

Can cleaning fix a dull or worn finish?

Cleaning cannot replace missing finish or repair damaged boards. If your floor stays dull, gray, rough, or visibly worn, Imperial Wood Floors can evaluate whether maintenance coating, repair, or refinishing should be discussed.

Should I use wax, oil soap, or household polish?

Avoid waxes, oil soaps, abrasive pads, and residue-producing products unless they are specifically approved for your floor’s finish. The wrong product can dull the surface or interfere with future recoating.

How do I raise a concern about completed work?

Contact Imperial Wood Floors with your name, project address, and a description or photos of the concern. The team will review the work and circumstances and explain the next step. Keep your project documents and care instructions available.

How do I contact Imperial Wood Floors?

Call Imperial Wood Floors at (608) 274-2821 or use the contact page. If you’re ready to discuss a flooring project, the complimentary in-home estimate form is another good next step.

Is the in-home estimate free?

Imperial Wood Floors offers complimentary in-home estimates for qualifying hardwood flooring projects in its service area. Send your project details through the estimate form so the team can confirm the next step.

Does submitting the form book an appointment?

No. Submitting the estimate form sends a request. Imperial Wood Floors will follow up about your project and scheduling. An appointment is confirmed only when the team confirms it with you.

What information should I include in my estimate request?

Include your project location, contact information, approximate size, the hardwood service you need, and what you would like to change. Use the estimate form for personal contact and project details.

Can I clean hardwood with vinegar and water?

Avoid vinegar-and-water cleaning mixtures. Vinegar can dull or damage the protective finish over time. Use a cleaner approved for your floor’s finish instead.

What should I do when liquid spills on my floor?

Wipe up spills promptly with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid leaving standing liquid or soaking the floor. Follow the care instructions for your finish.

Can I vacuum hardwood floors?

Use a vacuum’s bare-floor setting or an attachment intended for wood floors. Routine removal of dust and dirt helps maintain the floor. Follow the vacuum manufacturer’s guidance for your model.

What should I put under chair and table legs?

Use suitable felt furniture protectors and check them regularly. Replace pads that are dirty, compressed, or missing. Keep grit off the floor as part of normal care.

Can sunlight change the color of hardwood?

Repeated sunlight exposure can fade or change a wood floor’s color over time. Window coverings can help reduce strong direct exposure. A change in appearance needs assessment before choosing a repair or refinishing approach.

Why is the floor a different color where a rug used to be?

Areas that receive different amounts of light can develop different appearances over time. A visible rug outline does not by itself identify the right remedy. Imperial Wood Floors can evaluate the floor and discuss the options.

How can I reduce scratches from my dog’s nails?

Keep pet nails trimmed and use suitable breathable rugs at entryways to reduce tracked-in dirt. Scratches can still happen. Ask Imperial Wood Floors about care and repair options for your particular floor.

What should I do after a pet accident on hardwood?

Clean up the accident promptly using a method compatible with your floor’s finish. If discoloration, roughness, or damage remains, contact Imperial Wood Floors for an assessment. Cleaning alone cannot repair damaged wood or missing finish.

What does cupping in hardwood look like?

Cupping describes boards with edges raised above their centers. Moisture changes can contribute to this shape. Contact a wood flooring professional to assess the floor and its conditions rather than assuming sanding is the solution.

When should I have gaps between boards checked?

Some gaps change with seasonal humidity. Large gaps, or gaps that do not close during more humid months, should be evaluated by a wood flooring professional. Do not assume every gap is normal seasonal movement.

Can high heels or sports cleats damage hardwood?

Sharp or concentrated contact from high heels and sports cleats can damage wood flooring. Avoid wearing them on the floor and keep grit away from the surface.

Why is dirt at the doorway a concern for hardwood?

Tracked-in grit can scratch the floor. Use suitable breathable entry mats and remove dirt regularly. Keep the mats and the floor beneath them clean.

Is floor polish the same as a professional maintenance coat?

No. A household polish is not the same process as a professional maintenance coat. Some polishes or residue-producing products can interfere with future recoating. Ask Imperial Wood Floors what is appropriate for your existing finish.

Should I dilute Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner?

Bona’s ready-to-use floor cleaners should not be diluted unless the container says the product is a concentrate. Check the label on the exact product and make sure it is suitable for your floor’s finish.

Why should I rinse or change the microfiber cleaning pad?

A dirty pad keeps carrying the dirt it has collected. Bona recommends rinsing the pad periodically during cleaning, then wringing it so it is only slightly damp before continuing. Follow the product instructions.

How do I choose a cleaner if I do not know the finish?

Choose a cleaning method that is compatible with the existing finish. If the finish is unknown, ask Imperial Wood Floors before trying an unfamiliar product. Avoid wax, oil soap, and residue-producing household polish unless specifically approved.

What is the difference between a maintenance coat and a full sand and refinish?

A maintenance coat renews an existing finish after suitable preparation. A full sand and refinish removes the old surface finish and sands the wood before a new finish is applied. The floor’s condition determines which approach is suitable.

Can solid hardwood be sanded an unlimited number of times?

No. The number of suitable sanding cycles depends on the wood remaining, the floor’s condition and flatness, and how the work is performed. Imperial Wood Floors needs to assess the actual floor before recommending another sanding.

Can refinishing be an opportunity to change the floor color?

Sanding and refinishing can provide an opportunity to choose a different color. Imperial Wood Floors offers custom staining and can discuss what is achievable with your existing wood. The result depends on the material and project.

Can you assess a patch where a cabinet or wall was removed?

Imperial Wood Floors can assess local hardwood repair and matching. Share what was removed and the flooring you want to blend with. The existing wood, surrounding floor, and intended result affect the options.

Does water damage always mean replacing the whole floor?

A damaged area may be suitable for a local repair, but the extent and condition need assessment. Imperial Wood Floors can evaluate whether repair, refinishing, or replacement should be considered. A short description cannot establish the right remedy.

Will stain make the natural grain and board variation disappear?

Stain changes color, while the wood still has natural grain and board-to-board variation. Do not expect every board to look identical. Compare actual samples and discuss the appearance you want with Imperial Wood Floors.

Why can one stain color look different across a floor?

Boards naturally vary in grain and color, even within one species. Your room’s lighting also affects how a sample or floor appears. View color choices in your home and expect some natural variation.

How should I choose a sheen for a busy room?

Compare the level of reflection you prefer and how noticeable dust or surface marks may be. Matte reflects less light, satin has a soft reflection, and semi-gloss has more shine. Sheen alone does not determine durability.

Does every hardwood floor need the same cleaning schedule?

No. Care needs vary with traffic, wear, and household use. Remove dust and grit routinely, address spills promptly, and follow the instructions for the specific finish rather than relying on one universal schedule.

Should I switch off climate control while away on vacation?

Wood floors benefit from a consistent indoor environment. NWFA advises against completely shutting off air conditioning during a summer absence. Follow the flooring and finish guidance for your home, and ask Imperial Wood Floors about conditions during scheduled work.

Can a maintenance coat remove deep dents or exposed bare spots?

A fresh coat alone may not meet the needs of a floor with deep dents, deep scratches, or worn-through finish. Sanding and refinishing or a repair may need consideration. Imperial Wood Floors can assess the damage and recommend the next step.

Can I use any wood cleaner on an unfinished or waxed floor?

Do not assume a cleaner intended for a sealed, unwaxed, unoiled floor is suitable for a different surface. Bona specifies finish compatibility for its cleaners. Identify the existing surface and follow the exact product label before use.