Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney: 0417 459 673
Illawarra: 0419 481 599
1. What needs to be done before my timber floor is installed.?
The house needs to be up to lock up stage and weather proof, any sub floor needs to have the right ventilation installed power to the site needs to be on.
2. What needs to be done before my timber floor is sanded ?
All furniture needs to be removed rom the timber floor including fridges and any soft furnishings like drapes and curtains.
3. Are we able to repair scratches on my timber floor ?
In certain circumstances with certain products e are able to repair scratches but prevention is the best solution. We do not recommend wearing any shoes across the floors Having matts at all entries to the house means you are able to dust grit of your feet.regularly Using static mops for removing dust and grit from floors. purchase hardwood specific vacuum heads.
4. What should I use to clean my timber floors ?
Moisture as mentioned else where on this site is the biggest problem to a timber floor hence steam mops and wet mopping floors are not recomended, if you over wet mop your floor you will contribute to its break down. There are brand specific cleaners suited to each coating and finish we will advise specifically which cleaner to use and what mops are
5. What can I do to prolong the wear of my floors ?
The property must be at lock up stage and weather proof wet trades should also be completed.
6. When should I schedule sanding ?
Ideally After all works including painting but before carpet installation
7. Does the timber flooring need to be acclimatised before installation ?
A lot of people say that this is needed. To truly acclimatise, the packs need to be opened and it needs to be stripped stacked so that the timber can have a constant air flow. This never will happen because of the time that this would take.
So the alternative is that we make sure that the timber is at the correct moisture content when it is sent out and then are checked
8. Can we live in our house while the installation/sanding and finishing is done?
The short answer is no you can not stay in the house, the biggest hurdles are discomfort smell and fumes depending on the product and Protecting the finishing coast while drying from draughts and airborne dust.
There may be exceptional circumstances that will allow residents to stay while the work is being carried which can be discussed on site during consultation.
9. When can we move furniture back in ?
Coating companies recomend waiting 7 to 14 days to allow the coating to cure completely.
10. Do we fill gaps between boards ?
Gaps between the floorboards should not be filled. Gaps between the boards are not filled because shrinkage.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOUR FLOORS ARE PROFESSIONALLY COATED
Sanding and finishing a beautiful timber floor is a skill acquired over many years. Bear in mind that, as all the work is done by hand controlled machines and applicators, there will be evidence of this in the floor. Further as you live on the floor it will gain a character and feel that is unique to your home. This is all part of the beauty of owning a timber floor.
A thorough explanation of the work to be carried out at the time of quote. A comprehensive quote detailing all work to be carried out. Expert sanding and coating. Nails punched. Nail holes, knot holes and gaps at the end of boards to be filled with the appropriate filler. A coating that will provide many years of beauty providing it is properly maintained. (Refer to maintenance web page).
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
A completely dust free environment. Modern sanding machinery is fitted with dust collecting equipment and sanders will endeavour to clean dust away by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. It is virtually impossible however to totally eliminate dust from the job which has a couple of consequences:
a. there will always be some dust particles that settle on the newly finished surface.
b. there will be an amount of dust throughout the rest of the house.
Removal of deep cuts such as those from carpet trimming knives or deep gouges in the boards.Removal of stains from within the boards and around nail holes such as animal urine and water marks.Filling gaps between the boards. These gaps are not filled because subsequent shrinkage and expansion in the timber will cause cracking in the filler.Do not expect boards damaged by borer to have the same gloss level as those in good condition.Do not expect any areas filled with putty to have the same feel as the timber after application of coatings.