Best of Boston

1997 Best Wood-Floor Finisher

The Whittemore Wood Floor Company

Your apartment may not be a palace, but at least it has gorgeous wood floors—or did, in 1920. Now it squeaks with every step and looks all too natural, with splinters lying in wait as your bare feet shuffle to the coffee pot at dawn. Wood floors are a luxury, but they are worth the expense of refinishing, especially if you get Whittemore to patch, sand, stain, and finish those tired planks back to their former glory.

122 Jason St., Arlington, 617-354-7438,