Hardwood floor refinishing - FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

**How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors from start to finish?

This depends on what type of polyurethane you are using -oil based or water based. Oil based tends to take longer - often 3-4 days plus drying time (longer if for larger jobs) and water based tends to dry faster, so it's often 2 days (longer for larger jobs).

**What if my hardwood floors are currently covered with carpet, vinyl, tile or laminate?

We will remove and haul away flooring materials that are currently on top your hardwood as well as prep and/or repair the exposed hardwood floor for refinishing. Some of our Calgary customers prefer to do this work themselves; others prefer that we do this work.

**What if we have pet stains on the floor?

We come across this often. If you have some areas that have pet stains or water damage (i.e. they have turned black), then the best thing to do is replace those hardwood boards and weave in. If you have oak flooring, this is usually fairly simple to do (assuming you have a professional do the work - it's important to match the species of oak as well as grade and important to have someone with the skills to properly weave it in). From there, after you sand and refinish, the floors should integrate well and look seamless. This does cost a bit extra for labor and materials, but it is usually the better way to go (unless you hardwood is very old and/or very difficult to match). Alternatively, you could choose a darker stain to cover up the darker portions of the hardwood.

**Will I need to move my furniture?

Some of our customers prefer to move the furniture themselves; others prefer that we do the moving. It is up to you. We are happy to help either way.

** Where do I store my furniture?

Most of our customers use other parts of their home - areas that may have tile or carpet. Sometimes, we can move it to the basement or garage. Sometimes, we can do the job in 2 phases to accommodate space for the furniture.

** When can we put our area rugs back down on the floor?

We recommend that you wait 4 weeks after the job is complete before putting area rugs back in place. This allows adequate time for the floors to cure.

** How long will the finish last?

The lifestyle of the home determines how long the finish will last. With regular maintenance cleaning, a floor finish can last many years., often 7-10 yrs. When the finish becomes dull there are several professional service maintenance methods, such as a screen and recoat (see below) which can available to restore the luster without sanding.

**Do I have to move all my furniture out for a screen and recoat?

Yes.

** How can I tell if my floors need a screen and recoat rather than a complete refinishing?

A screen and recoat is a cosmetic method that adds a clear coat of poly. Not all floor conditions are candidates for this process. Floors should be in a decent condition with the existing color in good shape. It will take care of minor scratches and dullness; it will not solve deep gauges nor scratches in the color.

** Is there a lot of dust with the a screen and recoat?

A screen and recoat is pretty clean process. The floors are NOT sanded; rather they are just lightly buffed to abrade the existing finish allowing additional coats of finish to adhere. This gives your floor added protection and sheen.

** How long does a Screen and recoat take?

Most jobs only take one day to complete, but it ultimately depends on the size and scope of the job.

** What advice do you have to prolong the finish on hardwood floors?

The best piece of advice we can give is to take your shoes off while inside. It is amazing what a big impact this can have. Also, it's important to use felt pads underneath furniture (especially chairs) and entry mats at the doorways.

For more info regarding refinishing your hardwood floor in Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Nanton and area

please give a call to Advantage Flooring 403 995 9779. Thank you!