Frequently asked questions concerning Sanding and Refinishing or addition of new solid hardwood flooring:

Q. What are the pros and cons of my selected brand and type of flooring?

A.When purchasing new wood, look at difficulties with the added thickness of solid oak over 5/8 plywood (1 1/2") vs. 1/2" pre-finished glue down such as Bruce or Robbins. Pay special attention to appliances that could be "boxed in" with the installation. Other considerations are warranty, matching surrounding decor, and finding a particular design/color that fits your ideas.

Q. What is the recommended Wood floor care and maintenance?

A. We recommend felt tips on all furniture. NEVER apply any type of cleaner that contains wax or silicone on a polyurethane coating. Be cautious of manufactures recommended cleaners, as they sometime disguise waterborne polyurethanes as cleaners. We recommend either "Bona" or "Dura Seal" wood floor cleaners. These cleaners don't leave a residue and are compatible with future recoats. In the absence of these cleaners, a damp mop with a mild soap solution may be used. Be sure that the mop is damp and not dripping with water. Puddles of water should not be applied to the wood flooring surface as this could cause damage.

Q. What furniture will need to be moved?

A. Everything will need to be removed from the room. In some cases it is best to remove low hanging pictures from the adjacent walls. If flooring is added to or reconditioned in the closet, then clothes and boxes must also be removed.

Q. Who will move the furniture?

A. It is recommended that you either hire a moving company or move the furniture yourself. Masters Flooring employees are cautioned not to move the customer's furniture without the customer present, and even then only minimal amounts. If there are no other options, we can assist with the removal and reinstallation of the furniture for an additional fee. In this situation, the salesperson is required be present to assist with the moving.

Q. Will appliances need to be moved?

A. Be sure to notice if the appliances will be "locked in" with the addition of the flooring. If the appliances do need to be removed, remember that Masters Flooring Company, Inc. will remove appliances but WILL NOT re-connect water lines. This must be done by a licensed plumber!

Q. What are the installation procedures?

A. Your salesperson should explain step by step procedures of the installation and the sanding/finishing process. Each job is a little different and details can vary slightly. In general, an install crew will remove the existing floor covering and prep the sub-floor. They will then proceed with the installation of the moisture barrier, plywood, and then the wood flooring. The sanding crew is then scheduled to progressively sand the floor using an 8" commercial drum sander. We typically use 36, 60, 80, and 100 grit papers on each floor. During the sanding process, the floor mechanic will show several stain choices for your selection. Once the flooring has been sanded level and smooth, the stain is applied. A finishing crew will complete the final steps of applying three coats of polyurethane.

Q. What is the Dust Containment System and is it 100% dust free?

A. The dust containment system replaces the bag on the sanding machine with a vacuum hose. The vacuum is located in the trailer and can be positioned within 150' from the sand and finish site. The operation of the dust containment system is quiet and extremely efficient. However it is not 100% dust free. The amount of dust remaining in the home after the dust containment sand and finish process will resemble that of normal living conditions. In other words, we do not create any additional dust other that what you are already accustomed to. There is no need to cover return air vents nor eliminate the use of the heater/air conditioner. There is no concern of damage to the customer's HVAC system"s coils with the use of the dust containment system. If you do not want the Dust-less system, there will be dust and debris from the sand and finish process, even with hanging plastic. We strongly encourage the use of the dust containment sand and finish procedure for occupied homes!

Q. What special molding requirements will be required for my floor?

A. Pay special attention to transition areas. In some cases reducers, t- molds, baby thresholds or thresholds will be required. Also consider the removal and replacement of existing shoe-mold. Remember to look at the possibility of removal and replacement of baseboards if you plan on installing new wood to match existing.

Q. What preparations will be needed for my sub-floor?

A. Sub-floor preparations can't be an exact bid unless the floor is uncovered, so be prepared for the potential of extra cost. Base bid floor repair consist of 2 bags of floor leveler. Additional materials are billed at $85.00 per unit. The salesperson should advise you prior to the installation if additional units are required.

Q. What happens during the removal and disposal of my old flooring?

A. Tile flooring demolition is the worst, so be prepared for a mess! Be sure to discuss protection from adjacent areas with your salesperson and the crew. Carpet and existing wood flooring are simply removed and discarded at our warehouse.

Q. What direction should the wood flooring flow, and how will that affect adjoining rooms?

A. Direction of the wood flooring is simply a matter of personal taste and opinion. Traditionally, the wood flows from front to back as you enter the home or the room. However, some unique and award winning floors have been created by simply letting the imagination run free.

Q. What is acclimation of wood flooring and how long does it take?

A. Acclimation is allowing the new wood floorings moisture content to adjust to the new surroundings where it is to be installed. It is important to know the current moisture content as well as the temperature and humidity of the area in which the wood flooring is to be installed. Most contractors will allow the wood flooring to sit in the area for a short length of time just to be safe. An experienced flooring installer will know the intended moisture content of the new wood flooring and will not install until that requirement is met.

Q. What is the warranty of the new flooring? Is labor covered under the warranty?

A. Masters Flooring Company prides itself on customer service. We warranty the installation for two years on most wood flooring. We honor all manufacturer's warranties. Moisture will void all warranties.

Q. What time can I expect the crews to arrive?

A. Our crews arrive at the warehouse at 7:00 a.m. and usually arrive at the job site around 8:00- 8:30 a.m. On coat days, the crew could arrive later than usual to allow for dry time. Also, on coat days, the crew will be on the job site for a short time.

Q. When will I be able to walk on floor?

A. It is advised not to enter the work site during installation or resurfacing processes. Light foot traffic on the flooring during the sanding process will not hinder the final product. However, customers are not allowed to walk on the flooring at all during the final sanding, staining, or finishing. The finish should be allowed to dry per the manufacturer's recommendations (usually 24 hours prior to mild traffic and 72 hours before furniture and heavy traffic). Do not replace rugs or plastic cover over the flooring until the floor has completely cured.

Q. What is cure time vs. dry time?

A. Oil bases polyurethane, which is the most common used by floor refinishers, will dry in about 8 hours. The finish will continue to harden for 72 hours. The finish is safe for traffic normally after 24 hours. This can vary due to weather, so be sure to check with the finisher before walking on the new surface.

Q. What is the stain and finish selection process?

A. The sanding crew will work with you to select a color at the jobsite. This is to allow you to see the color in the exact light located in your home as well as with your surroundings. You will be asked to sign a Stain Selection Sheet with the formula you selected. That sheet is placed in your file for reference to future work completed in your home.

Q. Can I use my own brand of stain?

A. It is our policy to use only Dura Seal stains. Dura Seal has a wide selection of colors and custom mixing is available to match specific decors. Other brands/manufacture's stains may not be compatible with our finishes and could cause flooring failures.

Q. Will the floor finish scratch?

A. YES! Any floor surface will scratch. Some finishes are more durable than others. Waterborne polyurethanes are typically more durable than oil based polyurethanes, but have a "plasticized"look to them. Tung oil finishes are very soft but easily managed and have a very warm appearance. Your salesman will describe the pros and cons of each to determine which best suites your needs.

Q. Will the floor need to be refinished or recoated?p

A. Yes, but this will depend on care and maintenance. Modern polyurethane finishes require little maintenance. Just simply keep them clean and free of moisture for years of trouble free maintenance. If polyurethanes are maintained properly, they can be buffed with an abrasive pad (commonly referred to as a screen) and recoated with a new layer of polyurethane. This is usually a one day process that will restore the luster and appearance of your flooring to like new condition. However, contaminates such as wax, silicone, or some oils will cause the new coating not to adhere and become a huge mess. Once this happens, it will usually require sanding to correct the issues.

Q. How often will the floor need recoating?