Process
What To Expect
Having hardwoods installed or refinished increases the value of your home and brings lasting beauty for a lifetime. In an effort to help you understand what is involved, we have compiled this overview. It is our commitment that your floors—not the process—leave the lasting impression.
This is construction. It will be messy! You will need to remain flexible during your scheduled days. It is imperative that we have clear access to your home. A key left in a designated area or with a neighbor is preferable, because we can not guarantee an exact time we will be on the site. Not even our crews know when they will be back on site until each morning when completion of prior days work has been accessed, jobs have been dispersed and we determine what crews are on. A call to our office in the mornings between 8:45 am and 9:00 am can give you an idea as to whether we will be arriving before or after lunch. We strive very hard to complete everyone's job within the time frame requested. Due to the many variables involved in construction, please understand our crews do not run 9 to 5. This may mean our working in your home into the evenings. Also, each step of “the process” warrants its own crew.
During Installation + Sanding
- Guard against dust and damage
- Seal off doorways or stairs
- Turn off central heat or air when workers are sanding
- Stock extra filters and change them often
- Cover anything that might get damaged by dust
- Take down anything that might fall due to installing/sanding vibrations
Approximate Time Frames
TEAR OUT:
Allow approximately 1 scheduled day to complete.
BUFF + COAT:
Allow approximately 1 day to complete and 24 hours drying time, depending on humidity factors.
INSTALLING:
Allow approximately 1-2 days to complete depending on square footage (on average 800 square feet requires approximately 12 hours to install).
SANDING:
Allow approximately 1-2 days to complete depending on square footage (on average 800 square feet requires approximately 9 hours to sand). Requires access to either a stove or dryer outlet (220 volts) to power sanders.
STAINING (ALL):
Usually done same day as sanding if schedule permits. If not, it will be scheduled for the next day.
NATURAL STAINS:
Usually sealed same day as sanded if schedule permits, if not, next day.
LIGHT STAINS:
Depending on stain (see dark stain) and if schedule permits, may be stained same day as sanded, if not, next day.
DARK STAINS:
Usually sealed next day. Curing day needed due to some light and darker stains having more pigments. If pigments are not allowed to thoroughly absorb into wood, solvents in poly can cause stain to streak.
POLYURETHANE:
After staining, a seal coat, which is the first coat, is applied. Then, a second coat followed by a final coat. Prior to each coating, a light buffing is required. This process may be overwhelming to those with an acute sense of smell or suffer from allergies. Some customers opt for hotels during this stage.
SEAL COAT:
Approximately 2 hours to complete. Allow 8 hours drying time. May be walked on that day, in stocking feet, when dry to touch.
SECOND COAT:
(ALL STAINS)
Applied 12 hours after seal coat. Approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Allow 12 hours drying time. May be walked on that day, in stocking feet, when dry to touch.
FINAL COAT:
(ALL STAINS)
Applied 24-36 hours after second coat. Approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Allow 24-48 hours drying time. Final coat may be walked on after 24 hours, with utmost care, furniture may be lifted and replaced. Floors should remain rug free for at least 5 days. Please make note that polyurethane requires 10 days to fully cure.
SHOEMOLD +
TRANSITIONS:
Usually scheduled between your second and final coat, if possible. Allow 4-8 hours, depending on square footage, to complete.
After your floors are complete, you will receive a call to schedule a walk-through and final collection. At this time, we encourage you to point out any areas that require touch-ups, address any concerns you might have or offer any suggestions on how we might better service you in the future. Again, we hope this information helps you anticipate what is involved in “the process” of having hardwoods installed or refinished.