This is a critical health concern. Many standard contractors still use high-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes that off-gas harmful fumes for weeks. Hawkins Hardwood is a leader in using premium water-based finishes (like Bona Traffic HD) which are ultra-low VOC. These finishes are not only safer for your family and pets but also dry significantly faster, allowing you to re-enter your home sooner without the "chemical headache."

This is the #1 fear for most homeowners. Traditional sanding does create a massive cloud of toxic dust. However, Hawkins Hardwood has invested in a state-of-the-art Dustless Sanding System. This advanced machinery captures virtually all airborne particles at the source before they can escape. Instead of a dusty disaster, you get a clean home and a healthier air environment—essential for families with allergies or asthma.

Many flooring companies will push you toward replacement because the material markup makes them more money. Hawkins Hardwood prides itself on honesty. If your solid hardwood still has a "wear layer" left, we will almost always recommend refinishing as the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. We will measure your floor's thickness during the estimate to give you an honest "Refinish vs. Replace" assessment.

Yes, but only if the right finish is applied. Many contractors use "residential-grade" finishes to save money, which wear through quickly under paw traffic. Hawkins Hardwood specializes in commercial-grade polyurethane finishes (both water-based and oil-based). These are designed to withstand significantly higher abrasion levels, keeping your floors beautiful even with furry family members running around.

No, sanding only fixes the surface. Squeaks come from the subfloor loosening from the joists. While "fast-food" style flooring companies will just sand right over the squeaks, Hawkins Hardwood takes a comprehensive approach. During our initial assessment and prep work, we identify and secure loose subfloors before any sanding or installation begins. We fix the structure of the floor, not just the look.

Most people think they are stuck with the yellow/orange look of old oak. Hawkins Hardwood specializes in modern techniques like "water popping" (which opens the grain to accept darker, richer stains) and using non-yellowing finishes. We can transform a dated, yellow 1990s floor into a modern, neutral, or matte-finish masterpiece that looks like entirely new wood.

"Free installation" is a marketing gimmick where the cost is hidden in inflated material prices or sub-par labor. These stores often subcontract the work to the lowest bidder, meaning you don't know who is entering your home. Hawkins Hardwood is a locally owned, owner-operated RI business. You get John (the owner) and his dedicated team, ensuring accountability, higher security, and craftsmanship that a random subcontractor simply won't provide.

Uncertainty about timelines is a major frustration with contractors. Hawkins Hardwood is famous for reliability and clear communication. A standard refinish typically takes 3–5 days depending on square footage and humidity. Because we serve the local RI community (from Smithfield to Narragansett), we are punctual, efficient, and stick to the schedule we promise you at the estimate.

Coastal Rhode Island homes face extreme humidity swings that can warp solid wood. A generic contractor might sell you solid wood because it's what they have in stock. Hawkins Hardwood acts as a consultant first; for coastal or below-grade (basement) areas, we often recommend high-quality engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer. This gives you the beauty of real wood with the structural stability to resist RI’s coastal moisture.

"Weaving in" new wood to match 100-year-old oak is an art form that few get right. If you hire a general handyman, the patch often looks obvious. Hawkins Hardwood is renowned in RI for our Custom Stain Matching. We don’t just use a standard color chart; we analyze the species and oxidation of your current floor to create a custom blend that makes repairs and additions look original to the house.

This is a classic New England humidity issue. If a contractor rushes the installation without letting the wood "acclimate," your floors will warp. Hawkins Hardwood understands Rhode Island’s unique climate—humid, coastal summers and dry winters. We ensure all new wood is properly acclimated to your home’s specific humidity levels before installation, preventing those unsightly gaps and buckles later on.

Accountability is rare in construction. Hawkins Hardwood stands behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee on our craftsmanship. Because we use commercial-grade durability finishes, immediate scratching is rare. However, if there are adhesion issues or application defects, we are known for returning promptly to make it right—a level of service attested to by our 100+ 5-star reviews across Google and other platforms.

Prefinished floors are factory-coated and faster to install. Unfinished floors are sanded and stained on-site, allowing complete customization of color and finish.

Most hardwood floors should be refinished every 7–10 years. Homes with pets or heavy traffic may need refinishing sooner.

We serve homeowners and businesses across Rhode Island, as well as select nearby areas of Massachusetts.

Yes. Hawkins Hardwood Flooring is a registered contractor with the State of Rhode Island and fully insured.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for refinishing, installation, sanding, and repair projects.