FAQ
Questions we get asked
Everything from sub floors to scratch repairs. If your question is not here, just ask.
Installation
Solid or engineered boards?+
Engineered suits under floor heating, concrete screed and wide plank looks. Solid suits joisted floors upstairs and can be sanded more times over its life. We advise per room, not per house.
Do you need to lift my old floor?+
Usually yes. Carpet, vinyl and floating laminate come up and go away with us. Sound original boards can sometimes stay as a sub floor if they are level and dry.
Can you lay over under floor heating?+
Yes, with engineered board and a controlled warm up cycle. We check surface temperature before and after fitting and set a maximum for the finished floor.
How much movement should I expect?+
Wood breathes. Expect small seasonal gaps in winter and tight joints in summer. Keeping humidity between 40 and 60 percent keeps that movement invisible.
Refinishing and repairs
Can my old floor be saved?+
Nearly always. If there is 3mm of wear layer left it can be sanded and recoated. Send a photo and a close up of a board edge and we will tell you honestly.
How much dust is there?+
Our machines run on continuous extraction, so the room stays workable. We still seal doorways and cover fitted units as a matter of course.
Oil or lacquer?+
Hard wax oil is easier to spot repair and looks more natural. Lacquer is tougher underfoot in hallways and kitchens. Both options we use are low VOC.
Can you match a repair to existing boards?+
Yes. We source the same species and grade, then feather the finish across the join so a patched area does not read as a patch.
Timelines, pricing and warranty
How long does a typical room take?+
A single room installation is one to two days. A whole ground floor is three to five. Sanding and recoating one room is usually a single day plus curing time.
What does it cost?+
Installation starts at $9 per square foot and sanding and refinishing at $4 per square foot. Repairs and made to order patterns are quoted per job.
What deposit do you take?+
Thirty percent on booking, with the balance due within seven days of completion. Bespoke and made to order material is charged in full up front.
What does the warranty cover?+
Five years on our workmanship, covering lifting, cupping and finish failure caused by fitting. Manufacturer cover on materials sits alongside it.
Caring for your floor
How should I clean it?+
Sweep or vacuum on a hard floor setting, then damp mop with a wood floor cleaner. Never soak the boards and never use steam.
What about furniture and pets?+
Felt pads under every leg and a mat at each external door. Keep pet claws trimmed and lay a runner on the busiest route through the room.
When will it need recoating?+
Oiled floors like a maintenance coat every three to five years in living areas. Lacquer usually runs seven to ten years before it needs attention.
Can I fix a scratch myself?+
On an oiled floor, yes. Clean the area, rub in a little matching oil and buff it back. On lacquer, call us before trying anything abrasive.