Below are answers to many common questions about the process of refinishing, coatings, procedures etc.
How Much Dust Should I Expect?
We estimate our system is approximately 85% dust free. To contain the remaining dust we will often hang plastic.
Do You Fill The Cracks?
Depending on the floor, we can sometimes use a trowel filler to reduce the appearance of cracks. Problems may arise however during times of different humidity as the wood expands and contracts, it may expose larger cracks or push the filler out. We're happy to discuss if filler is right for your floor.
How to you sand the corners?
We hand scrape the corners, near the end of the job before buffing.
What Types Of Polyurethanes Do You Use?
We can use water based finish or oil based finishes depending on what's best for you and your floor. Generally we'll use Bona brand products.
What Types Of Stains Do You Use?
We use a variety of stains from different manufacturers. While we generally use Bona brand polyurethanes, we offer a variety of stain brands such as Duraseal, Minwax, and Bona to name a few.
How Much Time Will It Take To Refinish My Floors?
Every job is unique. Many factors contribute to the time it takes to refinish a floor including the square footage, the type of stain (if any), the type coating, repairs required, and so forth. Generally though, in residential homes, it takes between three and five days.
Do I Need To Remove The Base Or Shoe?
Not necessarily. We can sand up to the shoe or base. Although the process doesn't damage the base, the guard on our machines may scuff it which could require touch up. If the base or shoe are sensitive and can not be touched up, let us know and at that point we're happy to include remove and replacement of trim in the quote.
Can My Floor Be Sanded?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the answer to this question including the type, age, and condition of your floor. Laminate floors cannot be sanded because they're a synthetic product. Engineered and solid lumber can be sanded provided there's enough lumber to sand before becoming too thin. At the time of the estimate, we're happy to assess weather your floor is suitable for sanding.
What Will Happen To My Bevels?
This question requires a lengthy explanation which may be found here
Can These Black Spots Be Fixed?
Often times black spots can be removed or improved through the process of sanding. If the stain has penetrated too deep however, boards can usually be replaced. Depending on the type of wood, "toothing in" types of repairs will blend fairly well. After the first cut of sanding, we can assess the appearance of the spot and decide if repairs are necessary.
Can You Sand My Stairs?
If they're solid lumber yes we can. Depending on the condition of the risers, we can often sand those as well.
Can You Sand The Sideboards (Stringer) Of My Stairs?
We do not sand stringers, hand rails, or cove moldings.
Do You Sand Railings And Spindles?
We do not sand railings or spindles either.
Do You Sand Porches?
We do not sand porches
How Do You Deal With Lead Paint?
Madison Hardwood Floors is a certified lead renovator which means we are authorized, by the state of Wisconsin, and the EPA, to test paint for lead. If your floor has lead paint we cannot sand it.
How Do You Deal With Asbestos?
We do not test for or remove asbestos. This can come up if your floor is covered with older vinyl tiles. An expert on asbestos remediation should be hired to test for, and deal with, suspected asbestos.
I've Heard You Can't Stain Maple, Is This True?
Maple is notoriously difficult to stain because it's a very dense wood. Madison Hardwood Floors will stain maple using a variety of techniques to help the wood take the stain. Stained maple may still have a blotchy look or be less uniform in color than other lumbers in it's appearance. We're happy to show you a test spot on your floor to help you with the decision. Here's an example of a dark stained maple floor.
More information on stains.
How Do I Clean My Floor?
Here are some tips to care for your floor. Caring for your wood floor
How Can I Best Care For My Floor?
If you avoid dragging heavy objects, mop up spills immediately, and use throw rugs in heavy traffic areas you will increase the life of you floor. Water, Christmas trees, plants, dogs, high heels, and chairs keep us in business.
How Long Until My Floor Is Dry?
If your floor has been coated with a water based finish it could take about four hours. If it's an oil based finish it could take about eight hours. Also of importance though are cure times.
Can I Walk On It Right Away?
The floor must feel dry to the touch before it can be walked on. If it's tacky, you'll leave foot prints.
When Can I Move My Furniture Back?
It's best to wait at least 24 hours before moving any furniture back. Avoid dragging it back.
Are You Bonded And Insured?
Madison Hardwood Floors is bonded and insured. We're happy to provide proof of coverage prior to starting work. Just ask and we'll have it emailed or faxed.
What Type Of Equipment Do You Use?
We use a Hummel drum sander and Clark edges. All our equipment is well maintained to provide the best floor possible.
My Floors Still Look Pretty Good, But They’re Dull Do They Need To Be Sanded Or What?
You may be ready for a re-coat. Depending on the history of the floor and it's condition, we can do a light sand and add another coat of polyurethane to improve the longevity of your floor. This process does not transform the appearance of the floor in the way a full refinish does.
How Much Can You Repair And Will It Show?
Repairs are best made when the entire floor is being refinished. Success of spot repairs depends heavily on the the type of floor, the type of damage, the type of coating and so forth. We can advise you at your home of the best approach to repairing scratches and spots.
Do you have a minimum price for refinishing?
Our minimum cost to refinish is $1595 which includes up to 375 sf with an oil based finish. The reason for this is because much of our time for a job is spent getting to your home, setting up our gear, and protective site maintenance. Due to dry times, we also have additional trips the following day.