Universal Floors Inc.

Universal Floors refinished floors in our attic, including some patch repairs to floors that had been badly maintained under old carpet. They also refinished our kitchen floor, and polished other areas. I find them to be knowledgeable and attentive, and when I had questions or concerns, they were responsive on follow up as well.
Prices seemed reasonable.

Posted 03/10/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Good looking floors re-finished by Universal helped move this house in this down market. I would recommend them to every one call me for more information

Posted 03/03/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

When asked by Universal Floors to report on my experience with them I was only too happy to do so. Starting with the very first visit from my sales person Tim, to the day he called after the job was finished, I was overwhelmed by the professionalism and care that went in to our project. From saving us money by correcting our squeaky floor to the perfectly matched stain and finish, our floors have never looked better! Tim was patient with me and my husband in choosing the color and took the time to make sure we were happy. These folks are wonderful! I have already told several of my neighbors about Universal Floors. SW Bethesda, MD

Posted 12/03/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

My family has been using Universal Floors for Decades! I have personally used their services in two previous homes... as well as tile work at the office. They do incredable work!!!!
I recomend them to everyone!

Posted 11/12/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I turned to Universal Floors to refinish my engineered wood floor after having contacted two other companies. The representative was available immediately and provided valuable advice on my options. The bid was very reasonable and lower than the others I had received.
Since I live in an apartment the job involved moving furniture and completing the job in two phases.
The delay between agreeing on the job and starting was minimal. The crew assigned was very pleasant and did a great job. Dust was much less than I had expected and all furniture was nicely put back in place.
The floor looks like new. I would highly recommend this company.

Posted 11/07/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

We have been using Universal Floors at all our restaurants (we have six) for the past eight years. There service is unparralled, response time is excellent, craftsmenship even better, Believe me -we are busy restaurants and the floors need constant work to keep that professional and clean look - Universal does the job for us like no other!

Posted 11/06/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I just finished another job using Universal Floors as my flooring contractor. They installed Santos Mahogany engineered flooring over concrete slab. As usual, the floors look magnificent. The home-owner was so pleased with the flooring she is forgoing the carpet.

Posted 11/04/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I highly recommend Universal Floors to anyone who asks for a reliable, quality company to install or refinish hardwood floors. They are professional and friendly and know what they are doing!

Posted 11/04/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I am a single female in a 4000 sq-ft house who has not been able to trust anyone in the building industry until meeting Sprigg at Universal Floors.Sprigg is extremely knowledgeable and informative regarding all aspects of hardwood flooring.He has educated me and provided me with a wealth of information that insures customer satisfaction no matter what.Most importantly I trust him and wish he could have built my house from the ground up.

Donna Long

Posted 11/04/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

Of all the contractors we've worked with, Universal is one of the best. The owner is straightforward and honest and wants his customers to be happy with their work. If you're dissatisfied at all, or have any questions about the job, he'll cheerfully come back and check it out with you -- and then make it right. The only reason I didn't give them a perfect score is, well ...nobody's perfect.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Universal Floors refinished the floors in my 100 year old Potomac farmhouse. They were the most knowledgeable company of the three from which I received estimates. Although not the least expensive, I went with them after meeting with my salesman, Sprigg. It is apparent he truly loves his profession. I was impressed that they worked on Saturday and finished the work on a Sunday. Unheard of with most companies these days! The floors turned out great and I even recommended them to my mother in Leesburg, VA. She was also extremely satisfied with the work she had performed. The workers were courteous and timely. I would highly recommend Universal Floors, Inc. to any and all looking to have floors installed or refinished.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Excellent workmanship!!! Excellent quality!! Excellent price!!! You cannot ask for more!!! Universal Floors..a family run business based on service and integrity!!

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I have used Universal Floors many times over the years for floor refinishing, repair and installation, for Pergo and hardwood floors.They do a fine job --and if there are problems, they are very attentive to take care of them and have always made things right.I recommend them highly.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Universal floors did all the floor work in my house and it was perfect. Everything was completed as promised, the pricing was within the budget we agreed upon, their workers were professional and if there was ever a question regarding anything the matter was handled with respect and in a timely manner! They are great!

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

They replaced my hundred year old floors in Georgetown with the same type of wood which looks the original. They were the only company who knew how to use a tung oil finish. Would highly recommend them for the hard to do jobs

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Universal floors has worked for my whole family on many occasions and always done great work, in a timely fashion at a super price. They are a longstanding family business and very responsive to your needs. I recommend them highly.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We recently repaired and refinished the 30-year-old white oak hardwood flooring throughout our house using Universal Floors. They were able to perfectly match our existing flooring and they kept dust to a minimum. We intend to use Universal Floors to install new hardwood flooring in our family and sun rooms.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I met with Bob Bittner and decided to go with Universal Floors for my 1890 row house. They did very nice work, and stayed on their quoted price. They conmpleted on time, the stain looks beautiful, everything is tight, and they even went the extra mile to put nice shoe molding around some built-in closet work. Looks great and I would definitely go with them again.

Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

World Class? I don't know but Very Good is a bit under rating Universal Floors. My world as an architectural designer is the greater Metro area and I have found none better. For over 25 years I have used and recommended Universal floors for laying and refinishing of hardwood floors and installation of pre-finished flooring. I am demanding for myself and for my clients and any minor problem was promptly taken care of. I have used them for inlays, strip flooring and parquet and each job was done in a timely and highly professional manner. They have always been cooperative and willing to work within the constraints of any particular job. If you are looking for a cheep price, Universal Floors is not your company but if you are looking for value - an excellent product at a fair price I can whole-heartedly recommend Universal Floors

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Universal Floors was chosen to replace and refurbish our 23 year old home after interviewing vendors from Check Book and recommendations of other homeowners. They were competitive, responsive and the final product was better than my wife and I ever believed!

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

South at Universal was hands on and made sure the job was done right. Recommend you have this team take care of all your floor needs-true professionals.

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Universal installed our kitchen wood flooring in an expert fashion. Beautiful results, exceeding our expectations, done in a timely manner - and under bugedet too!

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Beyond the hardwood, which is prefectly installed and perfectly finished, Universal has brought service to a whole new level! Thank you for always being there ontime everytime.

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

First class job, punctual, professional, affordable fair price. It's nice to see contractors still strive for perfection in supplying an excellent product.

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I felt as if I had hit the lottery.We had purchased a 1918 home with all the original flooring, unfortunately due to water damaged in certain rooms and areas, I became quite disillusioned.Although, we had worked with South and Universal Floor on various projects, we didn't know if he would have the resources for this 9,000 sq ft home, not only were they able to find the needed boards but they brought the floors back to their original finishes. I would recommend Universal Floors to any Embassy, Corporation and to all my friends.

Posted 11/02/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Over the past 10 years I have worked with the Lynns on more than 10 jobs and have been pleased with each. I will also continue to recommend Universal based on their promptness and professionalism.

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

In this buyers market we need the homes looking the best and Universal has helped us time and time again. We wouldn't recommend anyone else to our clients.

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

No reason to use anyone else. Experts in the field and has been around forever. Professional, expearienced, you get what you pay for. Al types of flooring. They did a wonderful job, quick, and easy. Thanks

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

After a disasterous flood required tearing up a 40 year floor in part of the house, Universal Floors' experts not only matched the old Tennesee red oak flooring, but refinished parts of the damaged floor that didn't need total replacement. Whether the replaced floor, refirbished floor or undamaged floor - you cannot tell which was which; a really great job.
We also asked Universal Floors to install over 1000sq ft of vintage walnut flooring of varing lengths and texture in a new addition. While we had an idea of what we wanted, Universal Floors exceeded our expectations and produced a wondefully warm and very unique floor. Universal Floors has provided us with great service and wonderful craftmanship.

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I recently had Universal Floors install hardwood floors in my kitchen and had them sanded and refinished. They work they did for me was very high quality and made the whole process easy and stress free. They had to do much work to remove old built up flooring and this was do beautifully with excellent results. The finish matched my existing floors to were you could not tell they were many years apart with age. I would highly recommend Universal Floors to anyone needing new floors. They are professional, and give you a first class job. H.Greene

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I just wanted to express my thoughts to those who want to have their floors sanded and re-finished. Universal Floors did such an outstanding job from start to finish that I am doing a review on line for the first time. From the sales person who came to my house to the floor workers who did the job, the experience was top notch and seamless. The sales person told me what to expect from the procedure and was there when we had questions about the stain I finally chose. The people doing the sanding work took great care to keep my house as clean as possible and treated my furniture as though it was their own. I will recommend Universal Floors to all of my friends and I hope that anyone reading this will try them out...they are very good at what they do.
BJW
Bethesda, MD

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I love Universal Floors! I've know ' the guys' at UF for many years now- and can attest that they are competent, reliable and very dedicated to the craft of wood floors.

From my more modern home in Arlington to our schools meeting house in DC- and my tiny historic cottage on Maryland's Eastern Shore- no one is more competent and reliable than Univeral Floors.

While you may find someone less expensive- just as hamburgers come in all price ranges- Universal is a team of super knowedgeable professionals who are craftsman at what they do. No doubt- the best in DC !
Quality at a price that makes sense.

I am a Realtor- and always suggest Universal for quality and resposive service when suggesting hardwood contractors for sanding/stain or new installation in the Washington Metro area.

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

South, and his carefully chosen team, are the best professionals in the area. They are corteous and knowledgeable. They were recommended by my interior decorator and they refinished very delicate antique floors with great care. In addition, South gave me information that is important to understand the treatment of my floors. I highly recommend this company. Lisa Fuentes

Posted 11/01/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We had our floors sanded and refinished (2 stories) this summer. It was a big undertaking as we were living in the house and had to move all our things and stay elsewhere for a week. We had 3 companies bid for the job and Universal came in the highest, but we chose them because the rep/salesman exuded confidence and they had the reputation. Big mistake. They subcontract the job out to non-professionals who did not even recognize there were 2 different types of wood to match. When the floor was done it looked awful- the wood change happened in the middle of a room, and it looked like zebra stripes. We called the rep, who, as it turned out, had not even been to the house since he secured the job (we live a couple blocks from Universal's office). After an incredible meeting where he acknowledged the problem and the contract workers stormed out, he still tried to put the blame on us for agreeing to have a natural stain. I explained that I had asked the foreman of the contractors if the wood would all match and was assured that it would, so we went with natural. Had he been a professional, or even an employee of Universal, I imagine he would have been able to recognize the difference in wood types. Or at the very least, call someone in when the crazy looking zebra stripes became apparent from the mismatched wood. After several days of a tete a tete, they agreed to resand and restain the mismatched floors. This entailed us staying out of our house for an additional week (No small feat for a family of 6).
It is now 3 1/2 months later, and it is apparent that they did a very sub par job-- the wood floor in the bathroom is so rough it appears to not be fully sealed, there are water stains around the refrigerator and a radiator, there was bits of dirt, hair, and cat litter in the final finish, which I have had to pick out, it goes on and on.
I have called Universal 2 times to arrange for the rep to look at the concerns (namely the bathroom floor and the water stains). I have spoken with him 2 times, he has assured me he would call to schedule to see it the next day, and he has not called me either time. I have a call in now to the VP of the company. I would never ever recommend them- they were slick and secured the job, but subcontracted it out to a non professional who did a bad job, and then stormed off angry when I brought up my concerns. They have not stood behind their work at all. It has been a terrible experience all around, and one I thought we would have avoided since they (have the gall to )charge 20% more than the other companies, and seemingly had an excellent reputation.

Posted 10/28/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I hired them to refinish my floors and was specific about wanting very dark floors. I asked if I should come by the the shop to pick out the color beforehand and was told, no, their finishers would be bringing several stain samples with them and I could choose at that time.

Big mistake. After they sanded the whole thing down, they showed me my stain options - all very light - not even medium - despite my repeated request for very dark. They told me that one of the ones they brought was their darkest, but it was very light brown. I called the shop and they weren't helpful. I had to get the floors done that day because the moving van was scheduled for a particular day and I had it all timed. I was very unhappy with the color and service.

In addition, I was very clear I did not want any putty put on the floor and what did they do? Yes, used putty.

I would not recommend them. The finishers also spoke very poor English which made it difficult to communicate.

Posted 12/20/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

After two weeks theyinstalled floor installed and my nightmare with them had begun. They denied all the liability and responsiblity. The crew were unprofessional and the owners were very hostile through out the ordeal. I would never hire them again even if for free.

After this review, this company had been calling me at work and my cell phone saying that they will sue me for "ruining their reputation" and "slander". The president of the company was yelling at me whole time over the phone, also wanting to talk to my husband, as if to harrass the whole family. From the tone of the voice, I feel fear for the safety of my family, as he declared to me that "You are screwing with wrong people". I am completely dumbfounded by their business practice of going after past customer for a negative review rather than reflecting from experience and putting efforts into customer relations. If they have "hundreds thousands of satisfied customers", they should let the records speak for themselves instead of intimidating and coming after me becaused of my unsatisfactory opinion.

By the way, there was no flood. They know that. They can't prove that. (Sigh...)

Posted 10/14/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I used Universal Floors Incorporated when I was redoing the tile in my kitchen. My wife and I were having problems deciding upon a design until we consulted with experts at Hans. They provided us with flooring option we were not aware were available. The help they provided really helped speed up our process. The floor now looks wonderful.

Posted 03/07/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I never thought of having bamboo flooring in the recreation room, but the salesperson at Univeral Floors was so convincing. The staff at Universal Floors are professional and courteous. The store has a wide assortment of flooring materials and they even have exotic materials like bamboo. They also install and refinish floors besides selling flooring and carpets.

Posted 09/09/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?