FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to some of the most common questions we receive about hardwood flooring, refinishing, LVP, staircases, and what to expect during your project.
HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING
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Most hardwood refinishing projects take about 3–5 days, depending on the size of the project, the condition of the floors, repairs needed, stain selection, and the finish being used. We'll discuss the expected timeline with you before work begins.
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We use a professional dust-containment sanding system designed to capture the vast majority of airborne dust during the refinishing process. While no sanding process is completely dust-free, our equipment helps keep your home significantly cleaner than traditional sanding methods.
As with any flooring or remodeling project, some dust and debris should still be expected, particularly when removing existing flooring, making repairs, or installing new materials. We take care to keep the work area as clean as possible throughout the project and minimize the impact on the rest of your home.
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Absolutely. Refinishing can dramatically transform the look of existing hardwood floors and make even older floors look fresh and new again. However, older floors can sometimes have more limitations when it comes to color and finish options. Age, sun exposure, pet stains, areas previously covered by carpet or rugs, past repairs, and the species and condition of the wood can all affect the final result.
With the right sanding, stain, and finish options, though, we can usually give older hardwood floors a beautiful new look while working with the natural character of the existing wood.
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We follow the finish manufacturer’s recommended guidelines to ensure the best results and protect the product warranty. We offer several finish options depending on the needs of the project, but Loba water-based finishes and PoloPlaz Primero for oil-based applications are among the primary finishes we use.
Water-based finishes: Floors can generally handle light foot traffic once the final coat has dried, although we recommend limiting unnecessary traffic at first. The finish reaches approximately 90% of its cure within the first 24 hours and is typically fully cured in about 5 days. Furniture can usually be carefully replaced after 24 hours with felt pads installed on all furniture legs.
Oil-based finishes: For oil-based applications, we commonly use PoloPlaz Primero. Depending on the specific Primero product used, the finish typically dries overnight, but we recommend keeping traffic off the floor for at least 24 hours. Light traffic may then be allowed while the finish continues to cure. Rugs should remain off the floor until the manufacturer’s recommended cure period has been reached.
Because finish products and jobsite conditions can vary, we’ll provide specific instructions at the completion of your project for foot traffic, furniture, pets, rugs, and cleaning. Following these recommendations helps protect your newly refinished floors and the finish warranty.
FLOORING INSTALLATION & OPTIONS
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We install a variety of flooring products, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). The right choice depends on the space, subfloor, budget, desired appearance, and how the area will be used.
During the estimate, we can discuss the advantages of each option and help determine which type of flooring makes the most sense for your home and project.
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DesSolid hardwood is made from a single piece of real wood and can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its life. It offers the traditional look, feel, and longevity many homeowners want from a hardwood floor.
Engineered hardwood has a real hardwood surface over a layered core, providing the appearance of hardwood with added dimensional stability. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, some engineered floors can also be refinished.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a durable, low-maintenance flooring option designed to replicate the appearance of wood. It is highly resistant to moisture and everyday wear, making it a popular choice for busy households and areas where traditional hardwood may not be the best fit.
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In many cases, yes. We can often match new hardwood to existing flooring by considering the wood species, board width, grade, age, stain color, and finish.
Because existing hardwood changes naturally over time from age, wear, and light exposure, a perfect match is not always possible immediately. However, careful material selection, sanding, staining, and finishing can often create a very close and natural-looking transition between new and existing floors.
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Yes. When needed, we can remove and dispose of existing flooring as part of the project. This may include carpet, hardwood, laminate, LVP, and other flooring materials depending on the job.
Once the existing flooring is removed, we can evaluate the exposed subfloor and address any necessary preparation before the new flooring is installed. Removal and disposal requirements vary by project, so we'll include those details when discussing the scope of work and estimate.
STAIRCASES & HANDRAILS
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Yes. We can remodel existing staircases to update their appearance, coordinate them with new or existing flooring, or completely change the look of the space. Depending on the staircase, this may include new treads and risers, handrails, balusters, newel posts, trim, and other components.
Every staircase is a little different, so we'll evaluate the existing structure and discuss the available options during your estimate.
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Absolutely. Removing carpet and converting a staircase to hardwood is one of the most dramatic ways to update the look of a home. Depending on the existing staircase, we can install new hardwood treads and risers or determine the best approach for the existing structure.
We can also help select the wood, stain, and finish to coordinate the staircase with your existing floors or the new flooring being installed.
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Yes. We install and replace handrails, balusters, newel posts, and other staircase components as part of our staircase remodeling services. Whether you're looking for a traditional wood railing or a more updated design, we can help create a look that complements the staircase and the rest of your home.
Because every staircase is constructed differently, we'll review the existing setup and discuss the options that will work best for your project.
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In many cases, yes. We can coordinate the wood species, stain color, and finish of a staircase with existing hardwood flooring to create a natural transition between the two.
Existing floors can change over time due to age, wear, and light exposure, so an exact match isn't always possible. However, with careful preparation, stain selection, and finishing, we can usually achieve a very close and cohesive look.