1025 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80204(303) 625-3835
5280 Floors
  • Commercial Flooring
    • Hardwood Installation
    • Concrete Polishing
    • Hardwood Refinishing
    • Epoxy Coatings
    • Direct Materials Sales
    Residential Flooring
    • Hardwood Installation
    • Concrete Polishing
    • Hardwood Refinishing
    • Epoxy Coatings
    • Direct Materials Sales
    • About Us
    • Events
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Commercial Hardwood
    • Residential Hardwood
    • Commercial Concrete
    • Residential Concrete
  • Showroom
Book A Consultation
  • Commercial Flooring

    • Hardwood Installation
    • Concrete Polishing
    • Hardwood Refinishing
    • Epoxy Coatings
    • Direct Materials Sales
  • Residential Flooring

    • Hardwood Installation
    • Concrete Polishing
    • Hardwood Refinishing
    • Epoxy Coatings
    • Direct Materials Sales
  • About

    • About Us
    • Events
    • Blog
    • FAQs
  • Galleries

    • Commercial Hardwood
    • Residential Hardwood
    • Commercial Concrete
    • Residential Concrete
  • Showroom
Book A Consultation
5280 Floors

Denver's hardwood, concrete and railing specialists. Locally owned, NWFA certified.

Services

  • Residential Flooring
  • Commercial Flooring
  • Hardwood Flooring
  • Concrete Flooring
  • Floor Refinishing

Galleries

  • Commercial Hardwood
  • Residential Hardwood
  • Commercial Concrete
  • Residential Concrete

Company

  • About Us
  • Events
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us

© 2026 5280 Floors LLC · 1025 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80204

  • Privacy Policy
  • |Sitemap
  • |Powered by Goldrock Creative
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. FAQs

FAQs

Questions, answered.

Straight answers about hardwood, refinishing, stairs, concrete and our showroom. Don't see yours? Just ask.

Topics

  • Getting started & working with us8
  • Hardwood installation10
  • Refinishing & care7
  • Stairs & railings4
  • Concrete & coatings13
  • Showroom & materials11

Still have a question?

Our team is happy to help. Give us a call or send a message.

(303) 625-3835Send Us a Message

Getting started & working with us

How do I get started?

Visit the showroom or send us a request. We'll talk through your home, your style and your budget, then set up a time to measure and check the subfloor before we quote.

Do we need to move out during the project?

Usually not for an install. For sanding and site-finished floors, plan to stay out of the rooms we're working in, and out of the house on finish days so each coat can cure without foot traffic. We'll give you the schedule up front so you can plan around it.

Is the process safe for kids and pets?

Yes. We use Bona dust containment and low-VOC, GREENGUARD-certified waterborne finishes for healthier indoor air, and we'll tell you when the floor is ready for little feet and paws.

Can you match my existing floors?

In most cases, yes. We match the species, board width and stain so new boards blend in, and we can refinish the whole level so old and new wear the same color.

Do you work with general contractors and designers?

Yes. We work alongside general contractors, architects and designers on new builds and renovations, from material selection through installation, and our showroom is open to the whole team.

Can you work around our business hours?

Yes, in most cases. We can phase the work by area or schedule it outside business hours so you can stay open. We plan the sequence with you before we start, so there are no surprises.

How large a project can you take on?

Anything from a single tenant suite to large commercial and multi-family projects. Tell us the square footage and timeline, and we'll staff and schedule the job to match.

Do you maintain floors after they're installed?

Yes. We offer long-term maintenance, including deep cleaning and recoating, to keep high-traffic floors looking their best between refinishes.

Hardwood installation

How long does hardwood installation take?

Most installs take 2–5 days, depending on the size of the space, the condition of the subfloor and the product. Site-finished floors need a little longer so each coat of stain and finish can cure.

Does hardwood need to acclimate before it’s installed?

Yes. We deliver the wood 7–14 days ahead so it can adjust to your space’s temperature and humidity. Skipping this step is the most common cause of gaps and cupping later on.

How should I prepare for installation?
  • Clear the room. Move furniture out of the install area, or ask us. We offer furniture moving.
  • Keep the climate steady. Aim for 60–80°F and 35–50% humidity before and during the job.
  • Leave the subfloor to us. We check it, then clean and level it as part of the install.
How much does hardwood flooring cost?

Plan on roughly $12–$25+ per square foot for materials and installation, depending on species, width and finish. We’ll give you an itemized quote after measuring your space.

What’s the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Solid hardwood is wood all the way through. Engineered hardwood has a real-wood top layer over a plywood or HDF core, so it handles moisture better (think basements and slabs) and costs less.

FeatureSolid hardwoodEngineered hardwood
Material100% solid woodReal-wood top layer over plywood or HDF
Refinishing7–10 times2–4 times
Moisture resistanceProne to moisture damageMore moisture-resistant
InstallationNail-down or glue-downFloating, glue-down or nail-down
Lifespan50+ years with proper care20–30 years
CostHigher upfront costMore budget-friendly
Which is better for my home: solid or engineered hardwood?
  • Choose solid hardwood if you want a long-lasting floor that can be refinished many times, with a classic, high-end look.
  • Choose engineered hardwood for areas with moisture concerns, like basements, or if you want a more budget-friendly, easier-to-install option.
Can engineered hardwood increase home value?

Yes. Solid hardwood is often preferred, but high-quality engineered hardwood still adds value, especially in areas where moisture resistance matters.

Should I choose pre-finished or site-finished hardwood?
  • Pre-finished: the finish is applied at the factory, so installation is faster and the surface is very durable.
  • Site-finished: sanded and finished in place, so you can choose any stain and get a seamless, flat surface.
Can hardwood be installed over concrete?

Yes. Over a slab we use a moisture barrier, or an engineered hardwood made to be glued down or floated. We’ll test the slab’s moisture first and recommend the right approach.

Is hardwood a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms?

Hardwood does well in kitchens with sensible care. Bathrooms with a shower are tougher on wood, but we carry a hardwood from Mafi that’s made for wet areas, and luxury vinyl is a great alternative there.

Refinishing & care

How often do hardwood floors need refinishing?

With proper care, a water-based finish protects your floor for 6–8 years or longer. When it starts to wear thin, usually in high-traffic areas, a single-day recoat restores the sheen and protection without sanding. A full sand is only needed once wear reaches the wood itself.

Can you change the color of my floors?

Yes. Refinishing is the perfect time to lighten, darken or revive the original color. As a Bona certified contractor we have a wide range of stains, and we put samples right on your floor so you can see them in your own light before choosing.

How much dust does refinishing make?

Very little. We sand with Bona dust containment systems, which cut airborne dust by 99.8% compared with traditional sanding, and we cover furniture, doorways and vents to protect the rest of your home.

Can you fix water stains and deep scratches?

Often, yes. Sanding removes most scratches and many water stains. Boards with damage that goes too deep can be repaired or replaced and blended in with the rest of the floor.

Should I choose natural oil or polyurethane?
  • Water-based polyurethane builds a smooth, easy-care surface that lasts 6–8 years or longer, then can be recoated in a day.
  • Natural oil soaks into the wood for a matte, natural look with zero VOCs. It needs a quick refresh every 1–3 years, which can be as easy as mopping, but with proper care never needs sanding again.

We'll help you pick the right one for your space at your consultation.

How do I take care of new hardwood floors?
  • Sweep or vacuum regularly.
  • Damp-mop with a hardwood-safe cleaner, never a soaking-wet mop.
  • Put felt pads under chairs and furniture.
  • Book a professional deep clean to lift grime out of the grain.
  • Recoat at the first signs of wear, usually every 5–7 years.
What's a Bona Deep Clean?

A fast, safe way to remove built-up dirt, grime and residue from hardwood without sanding. It's a great way to bring dull floors back between refinishes.

Stairs & railings

Can you put hardwood on my carpeted stairs?

Usually, yes. We pull the carpet, check what's underneath, then cap or replace the treads and risers with hardwood that matches your floors.

Will my stairs match my floors?

That's the goal. We build treads, risers and nosing in the same species, stain and finish as the floor around them, so the stairs and landings read as one piece.

What railing styles can you do?

Horizontal steel, iron balusters, glass panels and classic wood, as well as custom designs. Stop by the showroom to see stair and railing systems in person.

Can you refinish my existing stairs?

Yes. Hardwood stairs can be sanded and refinished along with your floors, including a new stain color, so everything matches again.

Concrete & coatings

Can you polish the concrete floor I already have?

Usually, yes. Most sound slabs can be polished, even under old carpet glue, paint or coatings, and minor cracks can be filled as part of the job. We’ll look at your floor and tell you what’s possible before you commit.

How long does concrete polishing take?

Most commercial spaces are done in several days to a week, depending on the size of the space, the condition of the slab and the finish you choose. Homes are often quicker. We’ll give you a clear schedule at your consultation.

Is polished concrete easy to maintain?

Very. Regular sweeping and an occasional damp mop are usually all it needs, with no waxing, stripping or recoating. A protective guard helps it resist stains and moisture, and with the right care the floor looks great for decades.

Is polished concrete slippery?

Not when it’s clean and dry; it’s a smooth floor, not a slick coating. For entries, kitchens and other areas that get wet, we can recommend a lower sheen or a slip-resistant treatment.

Can polished concrete be stained or colored?

Yes. We use non-reactive, environmentally friendly dyes in one or more colors, then finish with a clear coat in a matte or glossy sheen. Patterns and logos are possible too.

Is polished concrete a sustainable choice?

It is. Polishing uses the slab you already have instead of adding new flooring material, and the US Green Building Council’s LEED program recognizes polished concrete as a green flooring option.

What’s the difference between polishing and an epoxy coating?
  • Polished concrete is the slab itself, ground, hardened and polished, so there’s nothing on top to peel or chip.
  • Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings add a seamless layer in a solid color, metallic or flake finish. They’re a great fit for garages, shops and showrooms.

We do both and can help you choose at your consultation.

What's the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic?

Both are two-part coatings, a resin and a hardener that cure into a tough, seamless layer. Epoxy builds a thick, hard surface; polyaspartics cure faster and resist yellowing in sunlight, which suits garages with big doors. We'll recommend the right system for your space.

Is an epoxy coating a good choice for a garage?

It's one of the most popular uses. A coated floor seals the slab against oil, road salt and moisture, cleans up easily and makes the garage feel finished. Flake systems add texture and help hide dust and dirt.

Can you coat a basement floor?

Yes. A coating is seamless, waterproof and resists stains and chemicals, which makes it a great fit for utility rooms, workshops and basement gyms. For cozy living areas, it's less warm underfoot than other floors, so we'll talk through options.

Can you coat my existing concrete?

Usually, yes. We grind the slab to open it up so the coating bonds, remove old coatings and fill cracks before the first coat goes down. We'll look at your floor and tell you what's possible before you commit.

Are epoxy floors slippery?

A smooth coating can be slippery when wet, so we can add a non-slip texture or choose a flake finish for entries, kitchens, garages and other areas that get wet.

What about stains and dyes instead of a coating?

Staining is a durable option on a budget. We use non-reactive, environmentally friendly dyes in one or more colors, then finish with a clear coat in a matte or glossy sheen.

Showroom & materials

When can I visit the showroom?

We're open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays by appointment. Walk-ins are welcome during the week.

Who can buy materials from you?

Anyone. General contractors, builders, designers, architects and DIY homeowners all buy from our showroom, and we'll give each of you the same expert advice our own crews get.

Can I take samples home?

Yes. Colors look different on a screen and under showroom lights, so we encourage you to take samples home and see them next to your cabinets, paint and natural light before you order.

Do you offer trade pricing?

Yes. Contractors, builders and designers get trade pricing on the materials we carry. Talk to our showroom team about pricing for your project.

Do you keep materials in stock?

We keep in-stock materials and samples at our Zuni St showroom. For special orders, we'll give you a reliable timeline up front.

Can you install what I buy?

Absolutely. Install it yourself, hand it to your crew, or let us schedule professional installation and coordinate the logistics for you.

What are the main differences between hardwood, LVP and laminate?
FeatureHardwoodLVT / LVPLaminate
MaterialNatural woodSynthetic (PVC-based)Composite wood with a printed surface
DurabilityCan scratch or dent, but can be refinishedHighly scratch- and dent-resistantScratch-resistant, but can chip
Water resistanceSusceptible to moisture100% waterproofWater-resistant, not waterproof
InstallationNail-down, glue-down or floatingClick-lock, glue-down or loose layClick-lock floating
MaintenanceRefinish over timeLow maintenanceLow maintenance, can't be refinished
CostHigher upfront investmentMore budget-friendlyMore affordable than hardwood, similar to LVT
Resale valueHighModerateLower than hardwood and LVT/LVP
Which flooring is more durable?

Luxury vinyl (LVT/LVP) resists scratches, dents and water better, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. Hardwood is durable too, and it can be refinished over time instead of replaced.

Which is more water-resistant?

Luxury vinyl is 100% waterproof, so it's a better choice for bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Hardwood can warp or stain when it's exposed to moisture.

Is hardwood or luxury vinyl better for resale value?

Hardwood has the higher resale value thanks to its timeless appeal and the fact that it can be refinished. High-quality luxury vinyl can still add value.

What are the cost differences?
FlooringCost per sq ft (materials & installation)
Hardwood$12–$25+
LVT / LVP / Laminate$8–$12

Your price depends on the product, the space and the prep it needs. We'll give you an itemized quote after measuring.

A wall of full-size hardwood samples in the 5280 Floors showroom

Get in touch

Still have a question?

Call us, send a message or stop by the showroom. We're happy to talk through your project.

Contact UsCall (303) 625-3835