Raleigh, Cary & Clayton NC
Hardwood Flooring Reviews in Raleigh, Cary & Clayton NC
49 verified Google reviews. 5.0 rating. Every one earned on a real project in Raleigh, Clayton, Cary, Wake Forest, and the Triangle.
Since 2002
What Triangle Homeowners Say About Their Floors
Homeowners throughout Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, North Hills, and Clayton have trusted 12th & Oak for hardwood floor refinishing, installation, staircase remodeling, and custom finish work since 2002.
Every project begins with a consultation. Izral walks through stain color options on white oak and red oak, explains how stain colors behave differently between species, and demonstrates finish systems side by side, from Bona Traffic HD to penetrating hardwax oils like Rubio Monocoat and Natura OneCoat.
The result is a homeowner who understands what they are getting before sanding begins. That process is the most common theme across our reviews.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Red oak and white oak, full sand and refinish
Hardwood Floor Installation
Wide-plank white oak, engineered, and 3.25" strip
Staircase Remodeling
Carpet-to-hardwood conversions, stair refinishing
Stain Color Consultation
In-home and showroom color selection
Hardwax Oil Finishes
Rubio Monocoat, Natura OneCoat, Pallmann Magic Oil
Bona Finish Systems
Bona Traffic HD, Mega One, Certified Craftsman application
What Customers Say
What Homeowners Consistently Say About 12th & Oak
Across 49 reviews from Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Clayton, and the Triangle, the same themes come up repeatedly.
Communication and Transparency
Homeowners say Izral explains the full process upfront, provides daily updates during jobs, and never leaves questions unanswered. Clients who have not yet moved in receive progress reports every day.
Stain and Finish Guidance
Customers across Raleigh and the Triangle describe how the stain consultation changed their confidence in the project. Izral brings samples, blends colors on-site, and explains how white oak and red oak respond differently to the same stain.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
Multiple homeowners describe Izral as a "master of his craft." Reviews frequently mention how closely grain and stain color were matched when installing new floors alongside existing ones.
Dustless Process
Kelli Linkous described sanding an entire living space and finding "barely any dust." 12th & Oak uses the Bona PowerDrive with HEPA containment for a virtually dustless process on every refinishing job.
Professionalism and Reliability
Homeowners consistently note that the team shows up when scheduled, keeps the job site clean throughout, and completes projects on the timeline given during the estimate.
Premium Finish Systems
Customers who chose hardwax oil finishes describe results that did not look like any floor they had seen before. Bona Traffic HD customers mention how well the floor held up in high-traffic areas over multiple years.
Thorough Initial Consultation
Jennifer Franz said she spoke with four other contractors and none were as helpful or patient as Izral. Initial consultations routinely run 45 to 60 minutes because homeowners are given real information, not a quick quote.
Realistic Expectations
Homeowners say Izral tells them what to expect before work begins, including how long floors need to cure, what dark stains will show over time, and how different finish systems require different maintenance.
Cleanliness Throughout the Job
Daily cleanup of dust and debris is standard. Bill Gentry specifically mentioned it as a differentiator. The team treats every home the way they would treat their own.
In Their Own Words
“After one consultation with Izral, I knew immediately he was the right person for the job.”
Ashley Jenkins
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Raleigh, NC
“He answered all my questions -- even the ones I didn't know to ask.”
Jennifer Franz
White Oak Floor Installation
Raleigh/Clayton Area, NC
“Somehow they managed to sand my entire living spaces and leave behind barely any dust.”
Kelli Linkous
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Triangle Area, NC
“Izral is a master at his craft and took time to explain in detail all of the options.”
Bill Gentry
Installation + Refinishing
Triangle Area, NC
“They seamlessly matched the new stairs to my existing hardwood floors, transforming my entryway.”
Tiffany Arthur
Hardwood Stair Installation
Triangle Area, NC
“None of the other vendors were as thorough as him. It was worth every penny.”
Olivia Vandeveer
Refinishing + Installation + Stairs
Clayton, NC
Project Reviews
Reviews With Project Photos
Before
After“Izral and his crew did an amazing job with the floors in our new to us house! We had our entire downstairs redone -- existing hardwood refinished, new unfinished hardwood put down, and everything stained to match. They also installed hardwood on our stairs and upstairs hallway. From the get go Izral was up front and communicative about the full process. We met with other floor vendors before deciding and none were as thorough as him. Because we hadn't moved in yet, he kept us updated every day on progress and the timeline. It was worth every penny and we highly recommend!”
Olivia Vandeveer
Refinishing + Installation + Stairs
Clayton, NC · March 2020
Before
After“My husband and I recently decided to redo our 23 year old wood floors. I was hesitant to redo them as they seemed far beyond repair. Izral was quick to respond to my inquiries and set up an initial consult to come out and get a quote. He stayed close to an hour so that he could answer ALL of my questions. The first night we went to look at the floors we were blown away that the areas that seemed beyond repair looked incredible and brand new. Somehow they managed to sand my entire living spaces and leave behind barely any dust which was awesome. He has a vast amount of knowledge!”
Kelli Linkous
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Triangle Area, NC · March 2020
“5 stars is not sufficient! Trust me, Izral is the absolute best! We recently renovated our home and had a horrible experience with another Raleigh company. The other company did our seal on our hardwood floors incorrectly 3 times! After one consultation with Izral, I knew immediately he was the right person for the job.”
Ashley Jenkins
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Raleigh, NC · Verified Google Review
Before
After“We are SO HAPPY with our floors!!! If you are in the Raleigh/Clayton area and wanting to put down/redo hardwood floors, I can't say enough about 12th & Oak! I don't know a ton about wood, but Izral answered all my questions -- even the ones I didn't know to ask -- and was excited about trying something new with us. I talked with 4 other contractors while looking into putting new floors down and no one was as helpful, patient, and passionate as Izral. Our floors turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined.”
Jennifer Franz
Hardwood Floor Installation
Raleigh/Clayton Area, NC · October 2018
“I recently had the pleasure of using Izral at 12th & Oak Floor Co. for my hardwood stair project, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. From the initial consultation to the final reveal, the team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They seamlessly matched the new stairs to my existing hardwood floors, transforming my entryway into a stunning focal point of my home. What stood out to me was their commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring everything was completed efficiently and cleanly.”
Tiffany Arthur
Hardwood Stair Installation
Triangle Area, NC · January 2024
Before
After“I can't say enough great things about Izral Daniels and 12th and Oak Flooring. We recently had new hardwoods installed in our kitchen and family room, along with getting the existing hardwoods sanded and all stained to match. Izral is a master at his craft, and took time to explain in detail all of the options to consider in blending them together, stains, and finishes. He and his team did a fantastic job with everything going exactly as planned, including daily cleanups of dust and debris. Their craftsmanship and attention to every detail was very much appreciated!”
Bill Gentry
Installation + Refinishing
Triangle Area, NC · 2024
Reputation
What Our Customers Say
“5 stars is not sufficient! Trust me, Izral is the absolute best. We recently renovated our home and had a horrible experience with another Raleigh company. After one consultation with Izral, I knew immediately he was the right person for the job.”
Ashley Jenkins
“Izral Daniels is a master of his craft. Superior product knowledge, attention to detail, and delivers what he promises. Excellent communicator, highly recommend. We could not be more pleased with our new hardwood floors.”
Ruthie Toler
“12th And Oak Floor Co did the most amazing job on both installation of new hardwood floors and refinishing existing hardwood floors. Izral provided us with a detailed estimate and a thorough explanation of exactly how the job would be done.”
Rick Chapman
Free Consultation
Not Sure Which Hardwood Flooring System Is Right for Your Home?
We help Raleigh-area homeowners compare stain colors, finish systems, sheen levels, and wood species before refinishing begins. Visit our Clayton showroom or schedule a free in-home assessment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners throughout Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Clayton, and the Triangle consistently highlight three things: thorough consultations before work begins, a clean and low-disruption process, and finished floors that look better than they expected. Izral Daniels holds a 5.0 Google rating across 49 verified reviews.
Multiple homeowners specifically mention how little dust was left behind. 12th & Oak uses the Bona PowerDrive planetary sander with HEPA containment for a virtually dustless process. Daily cleanup of dust and debris is standard on every job.
Homeowners consistently mention that Izral takes the time to walk through stain color options, finish systems, and species behavior before any commitment is made. He brings samples to the home, blends colors on-site, and explains why certain stains work differently on red oak versus white oak. Many say this process gave them confidence they could not find elsewhere.
Homeowners who choose hardwax oil finishes from Rubio Monocoat, Natura OneCoat, or Pallmann Magic Oil typically want a natural matte look that shows the wood rather than coating it. The spot-repair capability also appeals to homeowners with pets or kids. 12th & Oak applies hardwax oils on white oak wide plank projects and red oak refinishing jobs throughout the Triangle.
Customers mention Bona Traffic HD specifically for its durability in high-traffic homes. It goes on clear, stays clear over time, and is available in extra matte, satin, and semi-gloss. Izral is a Bona Certified Craftsman, which means he has completed Bona's professional application training.
Most refinishing projects in Raleigh and the Triangle take four to five days from start to finish: two days of sanding, a half day for stain if applicable, and two days for finish coats to cure. Izral keeps homeowners updated throughout the process, including daily progress reports for homeowners who are not yet moved in.
Homeowners who went through 12th & Oak's stain consultation process before choosing a dark stain rarely express regret, because they tested the color in their actual home before committing. Dark stains can show dust and pet hair more easily, which Izral addresses during the consultation so homeowners make an informed choice.
Homeowners who chose white oak installation projects through 12th & Oak frequently describe results that exceeded what they saw online or in showrooms. White oak's neutral undertone accepts a wide range of stains and hardwax oil finishes, and its tighter grain gives a cleaner, more contemporary look than red oak in most lighting conditions.
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Serving Clayton, Garner, Raleigh, Cary, and communities throughout Johnston, Wake, and Durham Counties. We respond within one business day.
After you request an assessment, we review your project details, confirm your location, and schedule an in-home visit. You will receive a written proposal with the scope, products, timeline, and warranty clearly explained.
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