Testimonials

by SG

05/25/2011

Besides being a talented flooring contractor (I’ve seen his work), Charlie Peterson impressed me by answering a lot of questions I had regarding an upcoming floor installation, with a level of confidence that was quite impressive. Mr. Peterson’s professionalism and in-depth knowledge convinced me that he’s the best flooring contractor around.

 User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by Amanda Lester

04/12/2011

We recently had Charles Peterson refinish a wood floor that had been severly abused over its 90 year life – it was painted several different times and had paint/stain droplets all over it. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the refinished floor – it looks brand new!

Not only was the quality of his work top notch, but he was professional, arrived on time, finished early and was extremely affordable. I highly recommend Charles Peterson.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by JW

03/25/2011

My wife and I could not believe our eyes.
Our floors were transformed beyond our wildest expectations.
Highly recommend Mr. Peterson.

 User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by CNC

04/07/2011

I can not believe one of the premier craftsmen in the world is local.
I highly recommend Mr. Peterson

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by tomx1138

03/24/2011

Charles’ work is incredible.
I had him refinish my floors that were pet stained.
They look brand new.
The three other contractors said the stains would not come out.
Charles’ price was lower than one contractor and the same as the other.
Incredible value, incredible quality.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by Rob

03/15/2011

Charles is considered one of the world’s leading experts on wood flooring. I hired him after having severe problems with another company. I wish I had hired him first. In our state contractors only have to pay a fee, no testing at all to go into business. There is a huge difference in quality. Internet search your contractor’s name, I found at least ten pages on Charles. Just because your contractor says his business for twenty or fifty years does not mean anything anymore. Do your homework. I wish I did first. Charles’ quality cannot be matched.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by JudyG

03/15/2011

Charles came very highly recommended. His workmanship is outstanding.
He has a high work ethic. Plus, he has a great personality which counts for a lot with somebody working with you side by side in your home.

by Barbara

01/17/2011

Charles Peterson replaced flood damaged boards and refinished the entire first floor of my home. He worked with my insurance company to come to an agreement on the price. His estimate was lower than the other two contractors that gave me bids. The quality of the finished job was fabulous. They look better than when I moved into the house. He is very dependable and easy to work with. I would highly recommend this contractor.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by Irene Crites

01/16/2011

I hired Charles Peterson and his work was incredible. His quality and value cannot be beat.

 User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by Bryan

01/16/2011

I could not believe I could hire one on the best craftsmen in the world for a silly low price. The man wrote the number one book in the world on wood flooring. He is on the cover of too many magazines to count. He teaches the highest wood floor classes in the world. He isNew England’s only degreed Advanced Master Craftsman. He has written the nation technical manuals and the national graphic standard for wood floors. He is the only nationally certified wood flooring contractor in the area. He has won countless international craftsmen contests. He is the National Wood Flooring inspector. His work and knowledge is incredible.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

by BW

01/16/2011

I was told that Charles is one of the best craftsmen in the world and he is. The quality and value of his work can not be matched. Search on the internet and you will see for yourself. This Old House featured him as one of our nation’s best.

GOOGLE REVIEWS 

NFS ‎ – Dec 11, 2011

When we first found Charlie’s website we assumed that he was going to be too expensive for our budget, but that turned out not to be the case. While not “cheap” his quote was reasonable and affordable. We replaced 300+ sq ft of flooring at a price I felt was actually a bargain for the time and effort put into the job by his two skilled workmen. They put the time and care into doing it right, but did the job quickly and efficiently. The finished floor is beautiful and a huge improvement over what we previously had. If you are looking for a reliable person to do your floors Charles Peterson does top first quality work at very reasonable prices.

 Jeff ‎ – Nov 12, 2011

Simply AMAZING craftsmanship, professionalism, and guidance. My fiance and I are first time home buyers and we are going through the trials and tribulations of being so. When we originally purchased the home, our entire 2nd level was covered in carpeting that was old and outdated. We pulled back the corners in a few of the rooms and discovered what appeared to be beautiful hardwoods. Well, once we actually pulled up the rest of the carpets, we found out that wasn’t the case. There were all sorts of different stains and scratches all over the place that we didn’t know what to do. On top of it, all of our furniture was being moved in a mere week. We found Charles Peterson and called him right away. He quickly rearranged his schedule and came out that same night to check it out. He ensured us the he had the capability to get our floors done in time for our furniture. He even had his highly trained staff come out on a Sunday to make good on his promise. Not only was the job completed in time for our furniture, but the floors look absolutely stunning. He was able to revitalize our old, stained, damaged floors and make them look brand new. His entire team treated us with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and compassion. We truly were lucky to have found him and to anyone who is reading this as a reference, DO NOT THINK TWICE!!!!! Charles and his team are hands down the best thing you could do for your floors, home, and money. Thanks Charles, we love our floors!!!!!!!!  and guidance. My fiance and I are first time home buyers and we are going through the trials and tribulations of being so. When we originally purchased the home, our entire 2nd level was covered in carpeting that was old and outdated. We pulled back the corners in a few of the rooms and discovered what appeared to be beautiful hardwoods. Well, once we actually pulled up the rest of the carpets, we found out that wasn’t the case. There were all sorts of different stains and scratches all over the place that we didn’t know what to do. On top of it, all of our furniture was being moved in a mere week. We found Charles Peterson and called him right away. He quickly rearranged his schedule and came out that same night to check it out. He ensured us the he had the capability to get our floors done in time for our furniture. He even had his highly trained staff come out on a Sunday to make good on his promise. Not only was the job completed in time for our furniture, but the floors look absolutely stunning. He was able to revitalize our old, stained, damaged floors and make them look brand new. His entire team treated us with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and compassion. We truly were lucky to have found him and to anyone who is reading this as a reference, DO NOT THINK TWICE!!!!! Charles and his team are hands down the best thing you could do for your floors, home, and money. Thanks Charles, we love our floors!!!!!!!!

 SG ‎ – May 25, 2011

Best flooring contractor! Charlie Peterson takes the time necessary to deliver quality results every time, making him the best flooring contractor around in my opinion. He definitely lives up to his reputation as a master craftsman.

 Adrian ‎ – Apr 24, 2011

 Great workmanship, great quality, very good creative designs, unique artistry, He is giving good deals, …Very satisfied client….

 Amanda Lester ‎ – Apr 12, 2011

We recently had Charles Peterson refinish a wood floor that had been severely abused over its 90 year life – it was painted several different times and had paint/stain droplets all over it. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the refinished floor – it looks brand new! Not only was the quality of his work top notch, but he was professional, arrived on time, finished early and was extremely affordable. I highly recommend Charles Peterson.

 Private Island ‎ – Apr 7, 2011

 Charles is an artist that uses different species of wood as his paint colors and your floor as his canvas. Charles crafted a portrait of my beloved Matchem. The portrait is a life size 17 hands, breathtaking.

 CNC ‎ – Apr 7, 2011

It hard to believe one of the best craftsmen in the world is local. I highly recommend Mr. Peterson. Incredible quality and value.

 Mike ‎ – Apr 2, 2011

 I have been a builder for thirty years. I have hired every possible contractor. Charles is by far the best I have seen. My reputation is safe with him.

 Jurate ‎ – Mar 28, 2011

Mr. Peterson’s knowledge and workmanship can not be matched.

 Charles is considered one of the world’ s leading experts on wood flooring. I hired him after having severe problems with another company. I wish I had hired him first. In our state contractors only have to pay a fee, no testing at all to go into business. There is a huge difference in quality. Google your contractor’s name, I found at least ten pages on Charles. Just because your contractor says he has been in business for twenty or fifty years does not mean anything anymore. Do your homework. I wish I did first. Charles’ quality cannot be matched.

 Megan ‎ – Mar 6, 2011

We decided to refinish the all the wood floors in our Gales Ferry colonial and called Charles after he was recommended by 2 seperate co-workers. He came over that night to look at the job and my husband and I were immediately impressed by his professionalism, references, and passion for his work. We were a little worried that he would be too pricey for us, but when we got his quote it was in the same ballpark as the two other quotes that we had gotten. We hired him and couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did Charles work around our hectic schedule, but he even agreed to apply the finish over the Christmas break when we were out of town. Our floors look great! I didn’t even realize how badly they needed to be refinished until I saw the results. I would highly recommend Charles Peterson.

 bryan ‎ – Feb 5, 2011

I looked up Charles after This Old House called him one ofAmerica’s greatest craftsmen because he was local. A quick Google of his name provided me an endless list of credentials and accomplishments. His price was incredible reasonable and his quality was unmatched.

 Barb ‎ – Jan 18, 2011

Charles Peterson replaced flood-damaged boards and refinished the entire first floor of my home. He worked with my insurance company to come to an agreement on the price. His estimate was lower than the other two contractors that gave me bids were. The quality of the finished job was fabulous. They look better than when I moved into the house. He is very dependable and easy to work with. I would highly recommend this contractor.

 Katdipalma ‎ – Jun 2, 2011

Charles Peterson is fantastic! Professional, courteous, talented, dependable….I could go on and on! My floors were in horrible shape and now they look completely new….they are gorgeous!

ROB ‎ – Mar 16, 2011

Charles is considered one of the world’s leading experts on wood flooring. I hired him after having severe problems with another company. I wish I had hired him first. In our state contractors only have to pay a fee, no testing at all to go into business. There is a huge difference in quality. Google your contractor’s name, I found at least ten pages on Charles. Just because your contractor says he has been in business for twenty or fifty years does not mean anything anymore. Do your homework. I wish I did first. Charles’ quality cannot be matched.

 John ‎ – Mar 26, 2011

Charles’ quality is the best. His value is unmatched. He can perform magic with wood floors.

AMAZON BOOK REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are contemplating a hardwood floor you need this book.,November 22, 2011

By 

James M. Decker 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I am a certified hardwood inspector for the NWFA and the information in this book in many cases you will not find anywhere else combine this book with Understanding Wood by Bruce Hoadley and really study it don’t just read and discard it. I have read it 5 times and still find information that I did not catch the first times. This book is a must read for any installer and any company owner who employs subcontractors to do his installations. 
Anyone contemplating an installer would be well advised to buy this book study it and question your installer when he is not adhering to what you read here. 

I don’t care if you have been in the business 40 + years as I have been you will find invaluable information in this book. If you have questions regarding the installation you have already had done and think something is amiss you find out why after reading this book. Then if unhappy with their explanation hire a NWFA certified inspector.

It would be nice if installers would simply read the manufacturer’s instructions, warranty info and care information that, usually is in every box, should be included in every box and if this information is followed 99% of the time would result in a perfect installation and a floor you could be happy with for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, most sellers of hardwood have for the most part no inkling regarding the complexities of installing hardwood floors and few installers have the knowledge exhibited in this book.

Of course then there would no need for inspectors and wouldn’t that be a good thing. I have seen so many homeowners, builders, contractors take hard hits due to the caliber of installation particularly due to the acclimatization of hardwood. Setting it inside a home and then installing without determining that the subfloor and hardwood are within the 4%, or with floors wider than 3″, 2% difference is against ALL mfg guidelines and NWFA guidelines and is the principal reason for failure of most installations. So for the reviewer who thinks this is unnecessary they need to rethink that statement. 

 This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I’m your average woodworker with a handful of tools in my shop, I’m not a professional floor installer. In fact, I knew nothing about installing floors, but after looking at a handful of quotes to have somebody else install my floor, I figured I should try it myself. However, the books on installing wood flooring simply don’t provide the right type of information. Or at least I thought they didn’t until I read Peterson’s book. All I can say is wow, this is exactly what a flooring book should be. 

Now, to the individual who complained that Peterson showed you how to measure the moisture content with a fancy gauge, guess what? He also provided guidelines on not only why you wanted to do this, but what happens if your flooring falls outside this range. When you’re flooring investment is several thousand dollars, it’s best to listen to the experts and do it right, or you’ll be doing it again. Peterson, knows his stuff and explains the in’s and out’s of flooring, along with some nice tidbits and tricks when installing flooring. 

If you only purchase one book on floor installation, make it this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hardwood flooring, March 1, 2011

By 

Bob the Builder - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I bought this book after buying flooring so I was looking for tips and techniques that I could apply NOW. I got them! It is also a very interesting book with all kinds of different flooring ideas. Many of which I will never do but, I just might raise to the level of a couple of the techniques they show. 

This book was typical Taunton Press work. Very well illustrated and full of usefull information. It had all the basic information one needs to do the job the first time and lots of information on why certain things are done. It was also inspirational with illusrations of very detailed fancy wood flooring. I’m glad to have it in my library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best!, February 26, 2011

By 

Czannella - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This book is perhaps one of the most thorough and complete books in existence when it comes to hardwood flooring. I think Peterson must have sawdust in his veins because his passion for wood flooring truly comes out as you read his book. 

As I was preparing to do a hardwood flooring install at my home, I purchased the book to educate myself on all the intricate details that are involved with doing a flawless install. Beyond that I wanted some design ideas that would make my floors stand out from the crowd. This book enabled me to do all of that and then some. 

If there is something you need to know about hardwood flooring and you can’t find it in this book; you are doing something wrong. 

5.0 out of 5 stars WOOD FLOORING, December 24, 2010

By 

qff - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This is a great book.. It has every important aspect of hardwood flooring and its up to date with the latest techniques. 
Very imformational.

Bonnie Bailey - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This book is perfect for people like me who do aLOTof research before commencing a new project. I like to know everything I can possibly know before I start something, and this book gives a lot of great information about things that other books on wood flooring wouldn’t, such as wood species and measuring moisture content. It also has lots of great pictures and detailed procedural steps. I don’t like anything to be left to the imagination…or just assumed that the reader already knows a certain detail. This book doesn’t do that. You could pick this book up as a complete beginner and be well-versed in wood and wood installation after reading it. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I was was looking for, October 23, 2010

By 

Sheridan 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This book was just what I was looking for. It contains a wealth of information on how to build the most beautiful wood floors. Very seldom do I say something is too cheap (inexpensive), but his item is a super bargain. Even if one does not intend to build parquet floors, the pictures are so beautiful that the book could qualify for the proverbial coffee table book.

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I pretty much summed up my review in the summary, but to also would like to add that this a book to keep, that will stay relevant as my skills grow and I take on more complex projects. 

The author is obviously a true master craftsman who takes a great deal of pride in a job well done and lasting, but what is really commendable is that he shares years of hard-won knowledge with the rest of us.

Rick E Stingle (Puget Sound, WA.) -

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This book is a “hardwood floor” masterpiece, covering ALL aspects of wood floor installation from surface prep and inspection to refinishing existing floors. The book FULLY illustrates the standard Harwood floor process as well as explaining the installation of contrasting inlays and complex wood medallions. 

The book fully reviews the details of installation between narrow and wide plank floor as well as the advantages of the various species of wood flooring. 

The author is a renowned expert in the wood floor industry, you could NOT do better than to read this book before undertaking a new hardwood project. 

I learned a great deal from this book, wish I had found it sooner! The price of this book is returned in “spades” by all the hard-won tips and installation tricks the author outlines in this book. Even if you are NOT new to hardwood flooring you will learn many new tricks and issues to look out for by reading this book. 

Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in hardwood flooring. I would hate to learn the “hard way” many of the issues the author exposes in this comprehensive book. 

Regards, 
Rick S.

5.0 out of 5 stars A complete guide for the consumer and the professional,August 26, 2010

By 

john hamilton (California, USA)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Although it is written for the professional installer or a do-it-yourselfer looking to do a top notch job, it is also very useful for someone who wishes to be informed when hiring a contractor and making flooring choices relating to type of wood, design, and quality installation. Charles Peterson lays out the information that you need to know to insure that you can make a well informed decision when hiring a flooring contractor. By detailing the proper installation techniques, and by thoroughly describing the pros and cons of different types of wood flooring, the reader is able to determine what issues need to be addressed with a contractor. A “can’t miss” read for those looking to gain crucial knowledge before making a sizable investment.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, July 29, 2010

By 

Joshua Hughes 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Charles did an excellent job on this book. He covers everything from the basics to advanced material in an easy to read format. Being the first time for me to lay a plank floor, I thought this would be a daunting task. After reading this book and watching the DVD (Wood Flooring with Charles Peterson), I easily found the confidence to lay 500 square feet. As I encountered obstacles in laying the floor (Bull nose step, transitions,…) I would find the answers I needed in this reference. Thanks Charles for laying out your insights into this book. Joshua

5.0 out of 5 stars A ‘must’ for any homeowner’s library, July 20, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation, and Finishing provides homeowners with a quick, easy method of installing and maintaining a hardwood floor. From preparing the job site and estimating costs to installing strip and plank floors, sanding, finishing and maintaining a floor, this is packed with step-by-step DIY instructions and is color photos, making it one of the best flooring books in print and a ‘must’ for any homeowner’s library. 

5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn’t get any better., July 18, 2010

By 

I. Valdes “ivaldes” (Houston, Tx USA)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Doesn’t get any better than this. Superbly written and illustrated, very thorough with excellent information on every page. I’ve ready dozens of construction books and this one is easily the best written, executed and illustrated of them all. The book is as beautiful a work of art as the floors done by the author.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wood Flooring Bible!, April 27, 2010

By 

Jennifer B (Knoxville, TN)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

After doing much research, I found this book to be the most comprehensive guide on wood flooring available. With many great photos and easy to read text, this book would be indispensable for anyone from the novice to the professional. Simply put, this book leaves no stone unturned when it comes to wood flooring. Thank you, Charles Peterson!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on hardwood floors, March 31, 2010

By 

MC (Connecticut)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I am currently choosing among contractors who will refinish and install hardwood flooring in my home. Since this won’t be cheap, I wanted to get a better understanding of the whole process. I tried searching on the internet, but the information wasn’t that great. 

This book covered everything I wanted to know about the process. Even though I am not a DIY’er or a professional, it was very easy to follow since it was so detailed and had great pictures. I feel like I am probably more knowledgeable than some of the less experienced and cheaper contractors. 

It is obvious that the author is very passionate about his work. I would highly recommend this book to others that have interest in hardwood floors!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had known about this book sooner!, March 14, 2010

By 

Joseph W. Webb “Joe Webb” (Rhode Island)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I wish I had heard about this book BEFORE I had my wood floor installed (that now has to be partially reinstalled!) It would have given me enough knowledge to have better evaluated an installer. It would have helped me select the type of floor, and the right preparation, that should have been used. It is a beautifully produced book, with excellent images, and obviously done by someone who has a great love for working with wood but who also can communicate that in a way that educates without getting bogged down in jargon. Even if you are not going to install the floor yourself, this is an excellent way to become a more informed buyer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Most comprehensive I have seen on flooring., March 7, 2010

By 

Robert H. Thomas “Bob T.” (N. Franklin, CT) -    

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

What’s not to say about this book. One of the most detailed on the subject of wood flooring. Anyone interested in doing the job right, not just doing the job, of installing flooring from start to finish should get this book. Very detailed in all aspects from getting the wood to finishing to problem solving. Five stars all the way. P.S. – The photographs are some of the best I have seen when putting a book like this together. Thank You….

5.0 out of 5 stars Charles Peterson Wood Flooring Book, March 4, 2010

By 

John F. Yuskaitis (Cape Cod Mass)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Charles Peterson has done an incredible job at making a tough job look easy. 

I am a second generation flooring contractor who has seen it all. I must say that I learned a few new tricks from the book that I have already put to use. For example, the use of a plunge router to make bungs is great, no more lugging around that small drill press. 

This is a must have for any Flooring professional or anyone interested in the trade. 

Nice job Charlie!

5.0 out of 5 stars “The Best Hardwood Flooring Technical Book Out There”,February 26, 2010

By 

Tracy L. Benvenuti “Mike” (Auburn, MA United States)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I work for a hardwood flooring distributor and I must say this book should become the official technical resource book of hardwood flooring. This book is kept in my office and I refer to it on a daily basis. All those who swing a flooring mallet to those who own a hardwood floor will benefit from reading this book. The chapter on Flooring Problems and Solutions (chapter 12) is a must read. So much is misunderstood on how moisture effects hardwood flooring and Charles Peterson’s book simplifies it beautifully.

5.0 out of 5 stars Make this your wood floor Bible, February 19, 2010

By 

Frank O. Griffin “Franko” (Houston) - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

The best word for this book is “fantastic”! I restored an old floor last year, based on scraps of information I got from the Internet, Home Depot, and the like. I just wish I’d had Peterson’s book back then. It answers all the questions I struggled with, plus taught me a lot of things I’d never thought of. Being recently retired, I decided to replace our worn-out carpet with something that would never need replacing again, and this book has convinced me that the average person can install a real wood floor. If you can read and follow instructions, you can save big bucks and end up with a beautiful floor.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Wood Flooring Book Ever! A++, February 16, 2010

By 

Sandra Gauvin (Pomfret Center, CT) - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I can’t tell you how impressed my husband and I were with this book. Most books that we’ve read in the past always left us with more questions than answers, until we read Charles Peterson’s book on wood flooring. It addressed all of our questions (and we had a lot of them), plus it included so many helpful safety and trade tips. But the real bonus was learning the `why’ behind each step of the wood flooring process: layout, installation, and finishing. If you’re a visual learner, there’s a lot of pictures that clearly demonstrate installation techniques that compliment the written explanation, not to mention beautiful floors that the author created….a sure sign of his passion and pride in the craft. We enjoyed the book so much that we plan to read it a second time to make sure we didn’t miss any valuable tips. This summer we’ll take on our first ever wood flooring project and feel confident that Charles Peterson’s book prepared us for the challenge!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have resource for architects, builders, DIYers, and homeowners!, February 13, 2010

By 

Morris Adjmi (NYC)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This book is incredibly informative in all aspects of wood flooring. It helped me correct a huge problem that I had with a wide board floor installation. I wish I had read it before I started the project. I recommend that anyone about to begin a wood flooring project buy and read this book first. Charles Peterson’s experience and knowledge about wood floors is amazing and his passion is apparent in this book. Enjoy!

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Interior Designer resource, February 9, 2010

By 

L. N. Driscoll (CT USA)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I have been a professional interior designer for over 20 years and find this book to be an invaluable resource and guide for specifying, designing and understanding all the options available in wood flooriing. Clients often ask about problems and concerns about their floors or the characteristics of various wood species as well as ways to create beautiful floors that will last a lifetime. I now have all the answers at my fingertips. In addition to how to calculate and install a marquetry or decorative inlay floor, there are tips and tricks for creating faux finishes and repairs to replicate complex marquetry patterns. I especially like the history of ornate wood flooring. A great resource for interior designers!

5.0 out of 5 stars Best wood flooring guide on the market today, February 9, 2010

By 

Shelley “Mom of 3″ (CT) -

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

My wife allowed me to use her account to write this review. 

I am one of the only National Certified flooring professions in my state. In order to obtain my certification I had to pass extensive written and hands on testing. The wood flooring industry is plagued by a lack on knowledge. Most information on wood flooring is TRULY difficult to obtain or very contradictory between publications. As being one of the only three professions in the entire state of Connecticut that was able to pass National Certification testing, I constantly have to compete against poor quality. I hope this professional level resource can help change that and make consumers, builders and architects aware of proper methods. 

The book also provides techniques that I had to pay thousands of dollars to attend expert classes. At the same time these expert techniques have been simplified to a new level. The information for moisture surveying, problems and cures section is beyond anything I have seen published to date. 

Tony C.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Guide on Wood Flooring, February 8, 2010

By 

J.W. (Mystic, CT) -

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I prefer being knowledgeable on any large expenditure I make. I bought this book after reading the other reviews. I must agree with everyone that it is the most comprehensive resource on wood flooring I have seen. I can see it becoming the standard reference manual for the industry. 

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece about wood flooring, January 29, 2010

By 

Curtis Richard “Curt” (Canada) - 

A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I had pre-ordered this book and just received it. “WOW”, what a masterpiece. The abundance and quality of information is astounding. Each chapter is pertinent and captivating.From the novice to the expert, everybody will learn from this book. Also the photos are very professional. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars This one you’ve gotta have!, January 28, 2010

By 

js (cape cod, ma)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

A Complete Guide to …Wood Flooring by Charles Peterson is an amazing book, a must-own for anyone who loves working with wood floors. While this book is precisely what it promises, an exhaustive self-help guide, with many pictures of every step needed, from basic floor prep to the installation of intricate floor patterns, its main joy for me was the extensive use of photos of the fabulous art Mr. Peterson creates in floors. Not since theAlhambraPalaceinGranada,Spainhave I seen such an array of designs and range of wood. He even discusses dying wood to make colored wood designs! On the more practical end, he covers the benefits of a wide range of woods, and ends the book with an extensive section on how to repair problems in existing wood floors. This book was not assembled by an academic, or even by an editor-in-chief, but by a master craftsman who shares his personal, often innovative, tips for being successful. And it is still amazingly readable. Incidentally, he (and his `Floor of the Year’) were featured on the back cover of Fine Woodworking, March 2010

david collins (old lyme, ct United States)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This is simply the best wood flooring book available on the market. List price is $45 and it is well (well!) worth the price. Check out the competition, one is $30 with just 67 (not very well composed) pages. Another is better deal at $20 and has 130 pretty well composed pages. Now look inside this book, 330 absolutely beautifully composed pages, excellent photos and write-ups, the book itself top shelf (paper, printing, binding) quality. Buy this book, take it in your hands, open it up, and you will smile and say to yourself: “yes, this is the book that I wanted”.

By 

M. Keith (CA)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I have been in the flooring coating industry for over twenty years. Wood Floors by Charles Peterson is the first professional level book on wood flooring I have seen. This book is by far the most thorough in the industry. The quality of the photo’s and illustrations are outstanding. The book is a combination of a college text book and a coffee table book. I recommend it anyone seeking knowledge on wood flooring. 

5.0 out of 5 stars Wood Flooring, January 25, 2010

By 

Pete - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

I’m a wood flooring contractor. I feel this book is the best resource available for anyone in the business – even the most experienced. I have a couple of DIY friends who are about to install a wood floor in their home. I loaned them my copy of “Wood Flooring” as everything they need to know is clearly spelled out in the book. Hopefully it will help keep them out of trouble, and me out of hot water, as they haven’t listened to my advice so far. 
Pete

5.0 out of 5 stars Wood flooring guide, January 24, 2010

By 

Stephanie L. (Mass.)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)
I have been given conflicting answers on my wood flooring problems from the local wood flooring contractor all the way to the manufacturer. This book saved my 
sanity and resolved my flooring issues. If you own a wood floor you must 
have this book. 

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing Hardwood Flooring Craftsmanship to Asia, January 22, 2010

By 

T. Corsetti (Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.) - 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

Many flooring products used inAsiaare traditional stone or imitation wood veneers. Charles Petersons’ book brings to Asia the much needed information, techniques and methods to permit flooring of equal durability and beauty to be installed as those inAmerica. Typically, installation ‘How To’ books reveal only enough to whet ones appetite for applying these techniques. Charles Petersons efforts to explain in great detail along with copious quantities of detail photographs make this a must have book for any craftsman, designer or architect. I believe this book is destined to reestablish the standards of hardwood flooring installation worldwide and will become the benchmark against which all others are judged.

5.0 out of 5 stars ALL IN ONE, January 21, 2010

By 

bf 

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

After reading “Wood Flooring” by Charles Peterson I have one word to describe it “WOW”. 
I am in the wood flooring industry in both sales and distribution and found this book to be extremly helpful and comprehensive. Very easy to understand and follow, even for those not too familiar with the industry. Lots of great pictures and diagrams to go with this easy read. A great tool for anyone interested in wood flooring. 

5.0 out of 5 stars For the professional floor guy, January 21, 2010

By 

E. Oakes (mont al)

This review is from: Wood Flooring: A Complete Guide to Layout, Installation & Finishing (Hardcover)

This is only hardwood flooring books out there directed at the professional installer/sander/finisher. the book is better than described and it is a must for anyone in the business. if your a do-it-yourseler, i would recommend hiring someone or buying a black and decker book on installing wood floors.