Frequently Ask Questions

How long will the job take?

Any job takes at least a day. Large areas or multiple rooms may take several days. You will need to ensure that the area to be sanded will be free of traffic and empty of any objects for this period. Drying time depends on the room environment and type of finish, but it is best not to use the room for 48 hours after job completion. We will advise the approximate timings with you when we carry out the survey.

Is it noisy?

The preparation (knocking in nails) and the sanding process are quite noisy. The sanding machines we use have powerful electric motors and are far louder than ordinary D.I.Y. power tools. The manufacturers recommend that the operators wear ear protectors.

Is it dusty?

Even though we use professional sanding machines that collect about 98% of the dust produced, there is still some dust discharge, but it is not more than 2 mg per cubic meter. Moreover, we will bring dust sheets and masking tape to seal up any spaces and openings that need to be kept dust-free. We will also vacuum the floor several times during the sanding process. It is recommended that furniture, equipment and personal belongings are removed from the room where the floors are sanded.

Do I need to move the furniture?

It is necessary to remove all furniture and personal belongings before we begin our work, as well as for 36 hours after the final varnish is applied (to allow the finish to reach full strength). If you need help with this we can move them for you.

Should I have my floors sanded before or after I decorate the rest of the room?

It is better to carry out any decorating, plumbing or electrical work prior to having your floor sanded. Sanding should be the last stage in the interior decoration process. It is much easier to remove a little sanding dust from a freshly painted, but dry wall than it is to remove paint from a freshly finished wooden floor.

How should I maintain my new/renovated wood flooring?

Your timber floor can be exposed to damages by a number of factors. Maintenance of wooden flooring is easy, but sometimes even the most careful homeowners are not able to completely protect their floors. Scratches and gouges on wooden floors could result from dragging or moving furniture. To minimize the risk of such problems just fit chairs, tables, coaches, and etc. with felt protectors. Areas with the highest traffic should to be covered with rugs. Place a good quality doormat to help protect the floor from grit, dirt and sand. When you clean a timber floor, don’t do it with wet cloth and detergents containing ammonia or abrasives; use only products that are produced specially for timber. Direct sunlight can also be harmful, as it may cause a change in the colour of the floor. Thus, you should employ rugs and curtains for protection. If you have pets regularly trim their nails.

How long will my wooden floor last before the finish is gone or damaged?

It can’t be said for sure because it depends on many factors such as pets, children, furniture, floor care, etc. but usually up to 10 years. The better care you take of the floor, the longer it will keep its good appearance. Generally, timber floor needs good cleaning each week and some principles to follow for its maintenance.

If I get timber floor will I be able to have under floor heating?

Yes you will. Wood floorings are often combined with under floor heating. The best type is engineered floor because it is stable and highly durable.

Can I have timber floor in the bathroom?

Yes you can, but it is not recommended. This area at you home needs floor surface that is moisture resistant, while timber floors are not, so they would not last long.

Is it possible to have a new floor over my old timber flooring?

Yes, it is possible. However, you should choose floating timber floors because they are the most suitable for this purpose.

How much will floor sanding cost?

The price you will have to pay depends on the condition of your floor, its size and some other factors. We can give you a free quote according to your personal needs; just contact us through our application form. We charge per square meter and/or number of stairs.

Can I stay at home while the process of sanding and polishing?

If you are going to have your floor sanded and polished in some rooms of your home, and have free areas where you can stay, then it is not necessary to leave the house. However, have in mind that you may feel uncomfortable from the strong smell of the polish. This can be especially unpleasant for asthma and allergies suffers or during pregnancy.

Why I should choose wood floor?

Most specialists suggest that timber floors create healthier environment and give you house more beautiful and natural look. They are easy to maintain and could last long. In addition, they don’t accumulate dust, toxins and bacteria, which can be very harmful for people.

How do you deal with gaps between the boards?

We can fill the gaps using clean fine sawdust from your floor, which we mix with special filler. If gaps are wider than 7mmm we may use re-claimed splinters of wood to wedge into the gaps, then sand down to level.

If there are scratches, is it possible to fix them on my own?

If you have oiled floor just take a 120-grit sandpaper and gently try to rub away the scratch with backwards and forwards motions. When the scratch disappears apply on the same place a bit of oil and wait a while to dry out. Then buff it and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area. However, scratches on a lacquered floor are very difficult to repair, because you are not able to fix only the affected area but the whole boards, so it will require a professional help.

Do you use any harmful chemicals/products?

Unless otherwise requested, we use water based varnishes that are odour free and non-toxic. If gap-filling is required, then we will use a solvent based resin which needs careful handling. Good ventilation is important at this stage, as the fumes can be fairly strong.

What about dust mites?

Dust mites are considered to be the most common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. They thrive in our houses because in nature they are killed by predators and by exposure to direct sun rays. They love carpets and underlay because they can find protection in the depths from sunlight, predators and vacuum cleaners. A sanded wooden floor is as hospitable to a dust mite as the surface of the moon is to humans!

What is the difference between Lacquer (Varnish) and Oil (Hard Wax Oil)?

A lacquered flooring will give a shiny reflective effect and makes it a harder wearing floor and a great way to make a room feel larger. An oiled flooring has an aged feel to it giving a room an authentic warm atmosphere and is ideal for areas that have high traffic volumes such as receptions. An oiled floor will require a maintenance coat to be applied every 16 - 24 months for residential or 4 - 6 month for floors with commercial use.

Why do you use a stain and a varnish, but not a coloured varnish?

Although the application of coloured varnish is quick and convenient, the colour changes and darkens with each coat you apply and you don’t exactly what the final appearance will be. Moreover, coloured varnish wears with traffic. With our staining process, the seal is protecting the wood and preserves its colour the same for many years.

Who pays for parking facilities?

If the parking in your area is free of charge, we kindly ask you to secure a parking space for our vehicle in front of your property and if necessary, provide us with a valid, temporary parking permit. If it is not possible or convenient for you to make the necessary parking arrangements, the relevant parking fee will be added to your bill.