Installation: We are extremely experienced in installing hardwood floors for both homeowners and contractors. We primarily install solid wood floors including Oak, Pine, Maple, Ash, Bamboo and Exotic woods but we also install pre-finished flooring as well. We follow the proper installation procedures to ensure the flooring materials are the correct grade, moisture content, and are fastened correctly for long lasting performance.
Finishing: There are primarily two types of floor finish used today: Water and Oil based. We use both types and will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each in context of the specific job so that the owner can make an informed decision. Generally Water based finishes dry much faster than oil with less fumes. They are equal, or superior, in durability to oil based finishes and remain clear over the life of the floor. Oil based finishes also provide a durable finish and protect the wood; they also tend to add an “amber” tone which deepens over time. Both can be applied over oil based stains.
Buff and Coat: One of the most important steps to keeping a wood floor looking beautiful over the life of the home is to recoat the floor BEFORE the finish wears through to bare wood. This may be necessary in one year or in 15-20 years depending upon the use of the floor but when the floor begins to show signs of wear you should apply a new coat of finish. The new coat will add protection and will restore the original luster, depth and beauty. Moreover, a new top coat is significantly easier and less expensive than sanding and refinishing the floor. As part of their ongoing maintenance, many homeowners have this done on a regular basis.
Maintenance: After spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to get a beautiful floor, it stands to reason that you will want to keep it looking beautiful for many years to come. The most common mistake people make is not maintaining the floor properly. Cleaning on a regular schedule and using the right cleaners is critical to ensuring the longevity of your floor. (Click for “Floor Care”)
Staining: When it comes to stain colors the options are almost unlimited. There are a large variety of pre-mixed colors from numerous manufacturers. We can also custom mix stains to create a new color to get the perfect result or to match an existing floor. We will help you sort through your options and then show you what the stain looks like on floor samples. Once we start the project and your floor is sanded, we will then show you what your final choice looks like on a section of your actual floor before we stain the entire job! We pay attention to every detail and want you to love the final result the first time!
Sanding: The sanding process is critical to ensure a smooth finish result. We use new sanding equipment which produces a very smooth floor. Regardless of what type of “dustless” systems contractors use, the fact remains that sanding a floor creates dust. Our goal is to minimize the amount that gets out from our containment systems and contain what does. By controlling dust at the source, keeping it within the work area and cleaning up after the sanding is done our goal is to have the homeowner never know we sanded in the first place. We’ve had people say we left the job site cleaner than when we got there.
Repairs: Repairing a hardwood floor may be the single biggest challenge that a flooring contractor can face. Depending upon the situation, the time and effort to patch an existing floor can be considerable but given the quality of a lot of the old hardwood floors and the character that they provide to a home, the work is worth it. Patching and repairing floors is a skilled subset of the flooring industry and Scott is a true craftsman in this regard. It is yet another area that sets us apart.