Preparation

• If building or renovating, the start date for sanding and coating floors is critical particularly in relation to other trades.
• Once floor is laid, it is recommended that 1 coat of Feast Watson Maxiprime is applied to avoid the floor being contaminated.
• Carpentry, electrical, plastering, plumbing and glazing must be completed before work on the floor can continue
• It is recommended that all painting except the final coat on skirting boards be completed before the floor is coated.
• Carpets should be laid after all floor coating is finished.
• Gas and electrical appliances are to be disconnected by qualified personnel. All pilot lights (including hot water system) are to be turned off.
• In many instances arrangements should be made for alternative accommodation, bearing in mind the wet floor areas which cannot be walked on and the likelihood of strong fumes
• Seal any access areas such as fireplaces and vents that could allow dust to enter the room – use masking tape and paper.
• Cover all non-moveable furnishings using paper, drop sheets or plastic (using masking tape to secure).
• Remove all pets from house.
• Remove all perishable food from house, including items stored in fridge/freezers and cupboards.  This is not required when using water based finishes.

What To Expect

Sanding and finishing a beautiful timber floor is a skill acquired over many years. Bear in mind that, as all the work is done by hand controlled machines and applicators, there will be evidence of this in the floor. Furthermore, as you live on the floor it will gain a character and feel that is unique to your home. This is all part of the beauty of owning a timber floor.  Your professional floor sander should give you:

• A thorough explanation of the work to be carried out at the time of quote.
• A comprehensive quote detailing all work to be carried out, including type of coating.
• Expert sanding and coating.
• Nail holes, knot holes and gaps at the end of boards to be filled with the appropriate filler.
• A coating that will provide many years of beauty, providing it is properly maintained.
• A maintenance program to care for your floor.

What Not To Expect

• A completely dust free environment. Modern sanding machinery is fitted with dust collecting equipment and sanders will endeavour to clean dust away by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. It is virtually impossible however to totally eliminate dust from the job which has a couple of consequences:
  
  • There will always be some dust particles that settle on the newly finished surface.
  • There will be an amount of dust throughout the rest of the house.
• Removal of deep cuts such as those from carpet trimming knives or deep gouges in the boards.
• Removal of all stains from within the boards and around nail holes such as water marks.
• Filling gaps between the boards. These gaps are not filled because subsequent shrinkage and expansion in the timber will cause cracking in the filler.
• Do not expect any areas filled with putty to have the same feel as the timber after application of coatings.