FAQ
Q: I’M READY TO SCHEDULE. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
a: Contact us and we’ll get you set up with an estimate and get you on the calendar. (Keep in mind we are super busy so try to give us 2 weeks notice when scheduling. If you are calling about a last minute or rushed project we will do our best to fit you in!)
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
a: 0-400 sq ft should take 1-3 days depending on finish type, layout and stain. 400-1000 should take 4-7 days depending on finish type, layout and stain. 1000+ should take 5 days and beyond. Remember, these are simple approximations based on square footage and do not take into account many variables. Our project coordinator will give you a good idea of duration and keep you in the loop during the entire project.
Q: IS THERE DUST?
a: Thanks to our revolutionary Bona DCS (Dust Containment System), there is a very low amount of dust. See how below!
Q: ARE THERE HARSH FUMES?
a: Not typically. Almost all of our projects are completed using very low VOC, water based products that are very healthy for everyone to be around and breathe. There is no strong odor associated with these products either! However, if it is requested that we use an Oil Based product, there can be a very strong odor that is not pleasant and because of the higher VOC content, it is not recommended to be around prior to drying.
Q: DO I NEED TO BE THERE WHILE THE WORK GOES ON?
a: No. You don’t need to skip work or take time off to be there. We will gather a key from you and place it into a secure lockbox on your door. Our crew will let themselves in and lock up when they are done for the day.
Q: DO YOU NEED TO SEE THE FLOOR BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORK?
a: Yes. There are many details that cannot be covered over the phone or with pictures in an email. We want to iron out every detail in our in home estimate so you are getting exactly what you are paying for!
Q: CAN I WALK ON THE FLOOR AND USE MY HOUSE DURING THE PROCESS?
Absolutely. We just ask you wear socks if the floor is close to being done sanded and we are not returning until the next day. The only time you can’t be on the floor is when the floor has been water treated, stained or finish is drying. Our project coordinator will be sure to make you aware of these times. Generally you can walk on stain and finish 2-4 hours after applied. In most cases if we applied stain or finish at the end of the afternoon, you could walk on it with socks by 7-9pm that night if we are using water based finish.
Q: WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL OUR FURNITURE?
a: Most people move furniture into adjacent rooms, or floors. If those aren’t possibilities, some people hire movers to ship their belongings off site, and some order PODS to sit right in their driveway!
Q: I HAVE STAINS IN MY FLOOR, WILL THEY COME OUT?
a: Maybe, maybe not. It depends on how long they have been there & what kind of stain it is. Wood is a living organism so the longer a stain or imperfection has sat there, the deeper it goes. No amount of sanding can get a bad stain out. In most cases we will sand the floor and give you a personal look at what is left prior to moving forward. We recommend that if the stain is still undesirable after sanding, to consider board replacement or stain the floor dark enough to blend the imperfections in. Dark floors can look very beautiful!
Q: I ONLY WANT TO SAND PART OF MY HOUSE. CAN WE BLEND THE REFINISHED FLOOR TO MATCH OTHER FLOORS IN THE HOUSE?
a: Yes we can, but it can be tricky and it’s not a method used often. It has to be a blend where we are going with the grain of the wood. It can’t be across grain and it cannot be a match to a pre-finished floor. If you had a floor purchased and installed with a coating already on it, that is an aluminum oxide coating and an on site urethane finish will not look the same. Also note, even if we used the exact same stain, matching dried aged finish is impossible. In most cases the new finish will look clearer than the old. One way is to refinish the section you want done, and then when doing the final coat apply a new coat over everything so there is one uniform coating. We recommend doing everything so you have 100% uniformity.
Q: IS THE FINISH DURABLE? WILL IT HOLD UP TO PETS/KIDS?
a: Yes, our finishes are top of the line and very durable. We use them in residences and businesses alike. This being said, highly trafficked hardwood floors can wear and scratch. They are not impenetrable. We recommend that your floor is maintained with a buff and coat every 2 years to clean and maintain the build of the original sand and finish.
Q: DO YOU REFINISH STAIR CASES?
a: Yes. Some banisters, railings and spindles need to be removed prior to work being done.
Q: CAN I CHOOSE THE GLOSS OF THE FINISH?
a: Yes you can choose satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Q: MY FLOOR SQUEAKS IS THERE ANY WAY TO REMOVE THAT?
a: Unfortunately, without ripping out your floor and installing a new one, probably not. Squeeks are caused by the floor separating from the subfloor over time and in some cases, the subfloor separating from the joists of the home.
Q: THERES GAPS BETWEEN BOARDS WHAT DO WE DO WITH THOSE?
a: Honestly, if there’s a couple bad gaps we can fill them with wood filler. But know that wood expands and contracts throughout the seasons so filling gaps can look good for a short period but at some point will crumble beneath the finish and then look worse than a gap. We suggest, leave em. Floors have character and part of that is gaps.
Q: WE HAVE SOME DAMAGED BOARDS/TERMITE BOARDS?
a: We’ll need to look at it and see how bad it is. Sometimes the damage has spread beyond just the wood and will take more than a patch to fix. Send us a pic or have us come look at it and we’ll see what we can do to help!
Q: WE HAVE SHOE MOLDING/ 1/4” round trim, DOES IT NEED TO COME OFF?
a: It is highly recommended. To have a perfect sand and properly sealed floor it’s best to have it off. If you choose not to and do not want us to remove it, plan on needing to retouch spots with paint. Shoe removal is an additional fee.
Q: WE’LL BE ON VACATION, DO YOU DO WORK WHILE WE ARE NOT HOME?
a: All the time. Sometimes that’s the nicest for you because there’s no scheduling and hopping around a floor in progress. And it’s a funner transformation because you’re not seeing every step of the process. Go have fun and we will take care of the floor while your away!
~ Any other questions, please send us a message and we’ll add it to this section for future customers. Thanks!!