Guides
Practical advice on hardwood floors, tile, and tub-to-shower conversion — from the crew at Summit Home Services.
How Much Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost?
Most refinishing projects cost $3–$8/sq ft. Here's what drives the price, what's included in a quote, and how to compare estimates.
Read article →Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need to Be Refinished
Gray discoloration, scratches through to bare wood, and dullness that won't clean up are all signs it's time. Here's how to know for sure.
Read article →How Long Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Take?
Most projects take 3–5 days on-site. Here's exactly what happens each day, and when you can walk on the floors again.
Read article →Best Finish for Hardwood Floors: Oil vs. Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based dries clear and fast. Oil-based adds warmth and is considered more durable. Here's how to choose.
Read article →What Is Dustless Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
A commercial HEPA vacuum connected to the sander captures 90%+ of dust at the source. Here's how it works and why it matters.
Read article →Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Yes — if the wear layer is thick enough. Here's how to check yours, what the process looks like, and when you should replace instead.
Read article →How to Prepare Your Home for Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Clear rooms, cover HVAC vents, arrange for pets and kids to leave. Here's the full pre-refinishing checklist.
Read article →Hardwood Floor Stain Colors: How to Choose
Stain color is one of the most permanent decisions in a refinishing project. Here's how to test, compare, and commit without regret.
Read article →Replace or Refinish Hardwood Floors: How to Know Which One You Need
If the floor is structurally sound and damage is surface-level, refinish. If moisture, movement, or deep damage is involved, replace.
Read article →How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Floors
Most squeaky floors are caused by wood rubbing against nails or gaps forming in the subfloor. Here's how to diagnose and fix them.
Read article →Hardwood vs LVP vs Laminate Flooring: A Practical Comparison for NJ Homes
Hardwood wins on authenticity. LVP wins on practicality. Laminate wins on budget. Here's how to pick the right one for your home.
Read article →How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost?
Most conversions cost $6,000 to $12,000. Here's what that covers, what pushes the price up or down, and how to read a quote.
Read article →How Much Does Tile Installation Cost?
Tile labor costs $15 to $25 per square foot, with the tile itself priced separately. Here's what changes the number.
Read article →Tile Installation Cost Per Square Foot
What the per-square-foot price actually covers, and why big tiles cost less to install than small ones.
Read article →Shower Tile Installation: What It Costs and What's Involved
Grout isn't waterproof. Here's what actually keeps water out of your walls, and what it costs to tile a shower.
Read article →How Much Does a Kitchen Backsplash Cost to Install?
Usually a one-day job. The pattern you pick and the number of outlets in the way matter more than the size.
Read article →