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Frequently Asked Questions
Q How long will it be before I can walk on the
floor ?
A Depending on size, a day or two for sanding, then 3 days for
coatings, then traffic only in socks for a further 3 days till the final
coat hardens.
Q What about those gaps between the boards, can
we do something with those?
A Those gaps are there because there has been natural movement
in the timber, which constantly responds to changes in humidity levels
in the air. The gaps can be filled during the sanding process, but you
should be warned that the filling material could be subsequently dislodged
during future expansion and/or contraction of the timbers in your floor.
Q I love polished timber floors and would like
to remove some old carpet from rooms in my house, how can I see whether
I already have timber floors underneath and check what condition it
is in if I do?
A By looking up from under the house at the underside of the
flooring you should be able to determine whether it is a timber floor
and how 'tight' the floor is (absence of gaps between boards). You may
also be able to identify the species of timber by comparison with those
shown on this site. Otherwise, using a pair of pliers you can pull back
some carpet in a discreet corner of a room. Do this by firmly gripping
the pile of the carpet near the corner and lightly jerking to dislodge
the carpet from the gripper.
Q Ok, I did that and I can see that I have timber
floor boards underneath. There are a lot of nails holding the boards down
- what happens with those?
A All the exposed nails in the floor have to be punched well down
below the surface, at least 3mm. This must be done thoroughly before sanding
can commence. It doesn't matter who does it (your floor finishing contractor
or yourself), but it does matter how. If not carried out in a careful
and thorough manner, a serious fire could result from sparks blown into
the dustbag of the floorsanding machine or destruction of the paper on
the machine. Most floorfinishers are happy for the client to arrange this
nail-punching operation but if you prefer he will undertake this work
at an agreed rate.
Q We thought we might leave the skirting board off
till the sanding was completed. Is this a good idea?
A Better not to. Your contractor is trained and has special equipment
to go right up to the skirting without damage. Fitting and finishing the
skirting after the final coat may result in damage to your floor.
Q Our electrician can't get here to finish off, could
you come and sand anyway?
A Don't do this. Serious damage can occur when the floor sanding
machines are operated using long extension leads. Because they draw a
large amount of current the power supply needs to be as close as possible
to the floor being sanded. Another reason is that your floor sanding contractor
will want as much light on the job as possible to allow him to give the
best possible finish and if your electricity is not connected the lights
will not be working. Lastly, you don't want other tradesman tramping across
your newly polished floor or carrying their equipment in and out as damage
may result.
Was your question not answered on this page? Contact us and let us know.