What to Expect With Elite Hardwood Flooring Installation and Refinishing
At Elite Hardwood Flooring, it is important that customers understand the installation and refinishing process. To set your home up for success, we have put together a breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after. We are also here if you have any questions. So keep reading to learn more to make your hardwood flooring installation and refinishing easier.
Before Installation or Refinishing
Before work begins, you are responsible for removing all furniture, draperies, paintings, and other items where the crew will be working. Depending on the species, the wood for new installations will need to acclimate, varying from two days to two weeks or even longer. In addition, there will be significant noise from the equipment necessary to do your project. Weather permitting, all cutting will be done outside to keep your home clean. If any demo of old flooring (including carpet, tile, etc.) is required, this will create dust that is difficult to contain. Therefore, please cover areas that you’d like to avoid getting debris on during the project.
During Installation or Refinishing
While sanding, finishing, or refinishing your floors, be prepared for some noise and disruption. Elite Hardwood Flooring is a Bona Certified Craftsman and uses Bona Dust Containment Systems, which can minimize dust. However, no system is 100% effective, so cover any items you want to keep dust-free. After applying the finish, please do not walk on the floors until they are completely dry. The time required will vary depending on the type of finish used (i.e., poly or water base). The floor may be dry; however, there will be fumes, depending on the finish used. It is important to note that while we take great concern for protecting molding and trim, touch-ups are not uncommon.
After Installation or Refinishing
After your floor has dried, Elite will provide felt pads for the bottoms of any furniture to minimize scratches and dents. It will take 10 days to 2 weeks for the finish to cure properly. Once this is complete, you can put down rugs. Place rugs at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor your floor. Also, avoid walking on your floors with high heel shoes.
Keep in mind that no two floorboards will be identical. Variations in appearance are entirely normal. As your floor ages, some color changes can occur. This is completely normal. However, limit exposure to direct sunlight and periodically move furniture and rugs to minimize this. Seasonal humidity change may cause the wood to expand and contract. Cracks are normal and will appear and disappear between floorboards during high and low humidity seasons. Flooring inspectors recommend inspecting the floor from a standing position in normal lighting to identify irregularities.
On-Going Maintenance with Elite Hardwood Flooring
Finally, keep your wood floors looking their best by properly maintaining them. Maintain fluctuations in home relative humidity to 30 to 50 percent. Use a cleaning product recommended for your floor type and use them regularly to keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Elite Hardwood Flooring also provides a deep cleaning service we recommend for future maintenance.
