Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions
About Hardwood Floors

Q: How long will the job take?

A: Refinishing takes an average of three to four days, depending on the total square footage and condition of the floors. Due to the quick drying time of waterbase finishes, it is possible to do up to three rooms in two days, with the floors sanded and coated the first day, and the final two coats applied the second day. Installing generally takes five days. For example, installation of the floor will begin on Monday, ending as late as Tuesday. Wednesday the floor will be sanded and coated. Thursday and Friday your wood floors will be buffed, vacuumed and tack clothed with the second and third coats applied. This leaves Saturday open in case there are any loose ends to tie up.

Q: What is the difference between oil polyurethane and waterbase? Or stain?

A: Oil polyurethane has been around longer than its counter part, waterbase. Oil poly will give the floor a golden, amber color and is a thicker smoother, shinier finish. The drawback to oil poly is the dry time, which can be 8 hours. Dry time increases in humid conditions, especially in an unventilated room. Also, oil poly may have a strong odor that will linger for several days after the job is done. Most people choose oil poly on their hardwood floors when they want a little golden color or when they want to closely match existing floors. Waterbase is the newer version of finish. Although it is thinner it is a stronger product with more hardeners. Waterbase will not give any color or tint to your floors and contains a ultra violet protectant so your hardwood floors do not yellow with age and sun exposure. This product only takes one hour to dry, allowing two coats to be applied in one day. The drawback to a waterbase finish is there is no coloring. It is often used in commercial applications with an added tread resistant component, which makes it less slippery, and therefore less smooth. Our choice of finish is Mega, a brand name commercial product that we use on all the Timberlodge Steakhouses in the five state area. Stain can be used as a first coat as stain sealer when you desire a certain color or shade on your hardwood floors. Stain will typically add to the cost of your job as staining requires one extra grit of sandpaper which is hand rubbed into your hardwood floor. We can custom mix a stain for you in whatever shade you desire. The general rule of thumb is apply a stain color two shades lighter than trim and cupboards. Stain can be walked on two hours after application and requires eight hours to cure before a coat of polyurethane or waterbase can be applied. It is often best when staining to use a waterbase finish as it will not darken your floor further as oil poly will.

Q: Can I live in the home during installation or sanding?

A: Yes, you certainly may. Most people stay at home during this remodeling process. You will be able to walk on your floors with stocking feet during the whole process except when the floor has been applied with a coat of stain or finish. Homeowners often find that, when sanding an entire level of their home, it is helpful to have the bedrooms and hall done first and sand the remaining floors a day to one week later. Some clients have also chosen to have their floors done while on vacation. Becuase we are insured with State Farm for business liability and workman's comp you are able to feel safe and secure while away from your home.

Q: How should I take care of my floor?

A: Please read the care sheet provided on our web page for daily cleaning and maintenance. When your floor has light to medium scratches, to save on the life of your floor and to bring back the shine, your hardwood floor can be buffed and coated. Depending upon the traffic and upkeep of your floors, buffing and coating should be done every three to ten years. The top layer of your floor will be lightly sanded, eliminating scratches and teething the floor. This allows the new layer of finish to grip tightly to your floors. Your hardwood floors will then be vacuumed and tack clothed and a new coat of finish applied. This gives your hardwood floors added protection and a new shine, without sanding down to the wood. Please note that this cannot be done if the floors have been waxed. Your hardwood floors should last the lifetime of your house, possibly even longer. Europeans are still sanding their hardwood floors that are over two hundred years old.

Please feel free to call Ideal Hardwood Floors with all your hardwood floor questions. This is just a list of the most commonly asked questions. We would be happy to answer any further questions or concerns in a prompt and courteous fashion.

Call us now for a fast, convenient, and credible bid on hardwood floor installations and/or refinishing. Or get an online estimate using our QuickBid™ system. It's fast, it's easy, and it's FREE!

34559 Hastings St NE	Cambridge, MN 55008
(763) 691-1000 Voice	(763) 691-1110 Fax
info@idealfloors.com	www.IdealFloors.com