Frequently Asked Questions

There is a simple answer

 
 

Do I need to remove all of my furniture?

 

Furniture should all be removed before we can start. Need us to arrange your furniture removals? Not a problem! We have trusted affiliates that we can book for you, who we also trust to take care of the floor once they put your furniture back. If it’s only one or two items that simply need to be moved to another room, our team can help on the day, just let us know.

 

What about the fridge, dish washer and piano?

 

Most of the time the dishwasher can stay in place. Large plumbed fridges we also recommend not moving, as they can easy scratch the new floor when they are moved back in place. In saying that, sanding and finishing can be compromised depending on the direction of the floorboards and condition of the floor. Therefore it is always best to discuss with us before making plans. Pianos are very heavy and hard to move out of the house. We therefore recommend hiring a professional piano removalist to move the piano out, and especially back in after the floor is dry. They use proper piano removal systems which will be safer for the new floor.

 

Do I need to clean my floor before the sanding starts?

 

We like to have the floor area reasonably cleaned to prevent damage to our sanding machines and to make sure we start right away early in the morning. This will help us to keep the work on schedule.

Should I paint my house before or after the floors are done?

 

It’s a better idea to get the house painted first and do final touch-ups after the floor is done, to avoid getting any paint on the floor.

 

How long until I can walk on floors?

 

This will depend on what type of finish you have chosen. Minimum 24hrs after the top coat is applied for very light traffic wearing socks only is recommended. Please see further information based on the type of finish you have chosen under Care & Maintenance.

 

How long until I can move furniture back in?

 

This will depending on what type of finish you have chosen. Minimum 72hrs after the top coat depending on the finish. Allow an extra day for oil finishes. Please see further information based on the type of finish you have chosen under Care & Maintenance.

Can I stay in the house while the work is in progress?

 

We do not recommend remaining in the house as we will make a lot of noise, very fine dust and hazardous fumes in some cases. All of theses can be high risk for you health. We are professionals equipped with the all safety gear and cannot guarantee your safety in remaining on the premises.

 

How long will the work take?

 

This depends on the condition of the floor. For example, a brand new home with 100m2 well-laid floorboards, secret nailed, normally takes 1-2 days to be totally completed. Older floors, with nails to punch and gaps to fill will take longer.

 

How can I care for and maintain my floors?

 

  • General Rule of Thumb for walkability after completion:

    • Walk on the floor: after 24hrs (oiled floors allow extra depending on weather).

    • Replace furniture on the floor: after 2-3 days (oiled floors allow extra time depending on weather).

    • Coverings/rugs on the floor: after 1 to 2 weeks depending on the product (oiled floors after 4 weeks).

    • Washing floor: 4 to 6 weeks (oiled floors usually 6 weeks).

  • Make sure any moveable furniture has soft pads fitted where they contact the floor, to prevent scratching and scuffing.

  • Make sure to lift heavy furniture to move, rather than sliding, as this can cause major scratching and scuffing.

  • Avoid wearing hard heels and stilettos on the floor, again to prevent scratching and indentation. Ideally, wear soft soles or socks. Did you know? A 60kg woman wearing a sharp stiletto can exert up to 3,500kg per cm2.

  • Sweep regularly with a good quality dust mop, as walking on a dusty or gritty floor is the fastest way to wear out your timber floor, shortening the life of your finish.

  • Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a soft bristle head, suitable for timber flooring. Most vacuum cleaners either come with a special head or are made available to order. Be aware of stones etc getting caught in the bristles.

  • Every time you vacuum the floor, ensure you remove any floor coverings and vacuum thoroughly.

  • Place mats at house entrances, to avoid bringing in excess dirt and grit. Always ensure they are cleaned underneath regularly, to avoid grit wearing into the finish under the mat.

  • Use the correct cleaning product when mopping, avoid using excess water, and be careful not to use excess product. Less is best in most cases. Chemicals and wax are NOT recommended unless specified by the manufacturer of the finish.

  • Ensure you wipe up any water or liquid spills immediately, to prevent water damage, especially in the initial curing period.

  • Rejuvenation after a certain amount of years may be beneficial, depending on the finish.