Hello, What questions should I ask the contractor regarding refinishing oak floors? The house is about 50-60 yrs old. The oak floors have been covered with carpet for @ 40 yrs. Thank you! Zizi
Posts: 2 | Location: Sacramento County, California | Registered: Oct 02, 2008
As to refinishing the hardwood floors, you might wish to check if the hardwood floors have been refinished in the past. To do this find a floor heat register and remove it. You may need to remove a couple of nails that hold the metal heating duct in place and gently lower so it exposes the floor boards. You will be able to see all boards that cover your floor. Examine the hardwood floor particularly where the tongue goes into and other piece. If the amount of hardwood above the tongue matches that below the tongue the floor has never been sanded. If it doesn't match you need to realize that only a small amount of hardwood can be removed before the tongue will show elsewhere in the floor. You will need to be cautious about sanding too heavily.
Most contractors who recondition floors know what they are doing, though there may be problems. However, you might wish to know what type of stain he will be applying. How does he deal with floor imperfections such as dents cracks in the hardwood etc.? In addition inquire as to the type of finish he uses and the number of coats he plans to apply. Once you know the type and manufacturer of the stain and finish, Google them and check their sites as to recommendations they make on the site. What steps does he plan to take between coats of applying the finish? How long after the final coat must I wait before moving furniture back into the room? What steps should you take to clean the floors? Does he recommend any particular type of cleaner, polish etc? Should you apply wax to the floor? Are there any precautions and recommendations you should know about caring for your floor especially in cases of spilling liquids on it? What if you find imperfections in the finish after he has completed the job, what will he do to see that they are fixed to your satisfaction?
A good contractor should be able to answer most of your concerns. Below are a couple of links to web sites which explain the process of refinishing hardwood floors. They may be of some help.
Thank you for taking the time to explain some of the process. I will check out the links you provided. The floors have never been touched except to cover with carpet. Thank you so much! Zizi
Posts: 2 | Location: Sacramento County, California | Registered: Oct 02, 2008
We just had our 50 year old floors refinished; our contractor used clear polyurethane with a satin finish and no stain. He applied three coats; allowing 24 hours to dry between coats. One thing he didn't do and I failed to ask; the nail holes where the tack strips where from the carpet need to be filled. They're not real noticeable; but are there if you look close.
Posts: 54 | Location: St. Albans, WV | Registered: Feb 06, 2006
