Have you noticed your wood floors looking a little dull lately? Do they have lots of scratches and stains that are an eyesore? Bringing new life to tired, old wood floors is easier than you think. With the right floor sanding service, you can refresh your floors and make them look brand new again.
But not all floor sanding services are created equal. Finding a company that will do high-quality work at a fair price takes some research. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing the best floor sanding service for your wood floors.
The Importance of Proper Floor Sanding
Sanding wood floors is a precise job that takes skill and experience. Improper sanding techniques can damage floors beyond repair. An unskilled company can quickly butcher beautiful flooring.
Here are some problems that can happen with amateur sanding work:
- Uneven sanding that leaves hills and valleys across the floor. This looks unappealing and can be a tripping hazard.
- Sanding too aggressively and removing too much wood. This can damage the tongue and groove connections between floorboards or make floors prone to future damage.
- Failing to sand out old stains, scratches, and discolorations. This leaves floors looking worn and dingy.
- Not applying the proper finish after sanding. The wrong finish will not adhere properly or provide enough protection.
Clearly, sanding wood floors requires expertise. Choosing the wrong floor sanding service can lead to wasted time and money. It can even permanently ruin expensive flooring.
That’s why it’s so important to do your due diligence when selecting a company. The rest of this article will discuss what to look for in the best floor sanding services. Follow these tips and you’ll have gorgeous floors that look fresh and new again.
Finding the Best Floor Sanding Services in UK
Here are the most important things to evaluate when comparing floor sanding services:
Experience and Training
Look for a floor sanding company with an extensive background refinishing different wood flooring types over many years. Their technicians should have comprehensive training on operating sanding equipment correctly to avoid damage. Ask about the specific on-the-job experience the crew has in techniques like removing old stains, smoothing warped boards, applying finishes, and achieving a consistent sanded surface. Seasoned professionals know the nuances of revitalizing worn wood floors to a like-new condition.
References and Reviews
Do the research to see what past customers have said about the company. A reputable floor-sanding service will have multiple glowing references and positive online reviews.
Contact references directly to ask questions about their experiences. Look for reviews that praise the quality of work and professionalism of technicians. Beware of companies with no references or bad reviews.
Strong Process From Start To Finish
An expert floor sanding service will have a rock-solid process they follow for every job. Here are some things to look for:
- Thorough evaluation of your floors to develop a custom sanding plan
- Protection of flooring and home furnishings from dust during sanding
- Careful sanding with specialized floor sanding equipment
- Smoothing floors completely flat and addressing any cracks or holes
- Applying professional-grade sealers and urethane finishes
- Efficient dust-free cleanup
The company should be able to explain this process in detail and guarantee they will follow it carefully.
Range of Services
Choose a floor sanding service that offers a full spectrum of hardwood floor services. Here are some to look for:
- Sanding and refinishing engineered, solid hardwood, and parquet floors
- Stain application and coloring
- Repairs of damaged boards or joints
- Installation of new hardwood flooring
- Buffing and recoating existing floors
- Dustless sanding systems
Companies that offer multiple services show they have experience addressing any flooring needs. Their expertise goes beyond just sanding floors.
Fair and Competitive Pricing
Avoid companies that charge rock-bottom prices for sanding services. Their lack of experience will likely show in poor work quality.
Expect to pay a fair rate reflective of the time and effort involved in professional sanding. Many companies charge per square foot of flooring. Get an itemized estimate upfront that outlines preparation, sanding, and finishing costs.
Compare rates from a few highly-rated companies. Go with the one that offers competitive pricing paired with stellar reviews. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true.
Strong Warranties
The best floor sanding services stand behind their work with warranties of at least two years. This shows they are confident their sanding and refinishing will hold up over time.
Make sure the warranty covers the cost of re-doing any faulty work that peels or delaminates prematurely. Get warranty terms in writing before work begins.
Attention to Dust Control
Sanding wood floors generates clouds of fine sawdust. A huge mess can spread throughout your home, covering everything in sight.
That’s why dust containment is a major concern when comparing companies. Professional floor sanding services use dust extraction systems to prevent mess. Look for the following:
- Plastic sheeting to seal doorways and vents
- Air scrubbers and negative air fans to remove dust
- Commercial-grade vacuum equipment built for fine dust
- Rotating crew members to keep dust exposure low
With dust control measures in place, your home will stay clean during the sanding process.
Exceptional Customer Service
From the initial estimate to the final cleanup, you should feel confident in the floor sanding service. They should answer all questions and address any concerns politely and professionally.
Look for technicians who are punctual, friendly, and take pride in their work. A little attention to customer service goes a long way.
Questions to Ask Potential Floor Sanding Companies
Once you’ve narrowed down options based on the criteria above, take time to interview each company thoroughly.
Here are crucial questions to ask on the call:
- How long have you been sanding and finishing wood floors? What types of flooring have you worked on?
- Do you have examples of past refinishing projects I can see? May I have references to call?
- Do you offer dustless sanding? What steps will you take to contain dust in my home?
- What types of sanding equipment do you use? Are your technicians trained in using it properly?
- What are your standard warranty terms on sanding and finishing?
- Do you handle any needed repairs like squeaky boards or damaged sections?
- Will you be applying the finish or do you subcontract that work out?
- Do you move appliances and furniture or do I need to clear the floors?
- What are the total estimated costs for sanding my square footage?
Listen closely to responses and take notes. Reputable companies will have detailed answers demonstrating their expertise. If a company seems vague or unsure, it may be best to keep looking.
Conduct a Thorough Evaluation of Your Floors
Before committing to a floor sanding service, ask candidates to come do an on-site evaluation. Quality companies will inspect your floors free of charge.
They should assess the current condition, note any problem areas, and explain what to expect from the sanding process. It’s a chance for them to outline their action plan while you get a feel for their knowledge and professionalism.
Pay attention to the following during the visit:
- Do they seem experienced in evaluating flooring?
- Do they take time inspecting and measuring rather than eyeballing?
- Do they ask questions about your goals and preferred outcomes?
- Do they explain sanding challenges and how they’ll address them?
- Do they provide a written estimate detailing costs?
- Do they have ideas for finishes and stain colors to consider?
A thorough evaluation indicates a reliable floor sanding service invested in doing an excellent job. Be wary of companies that gloss over details or don’t communicate effectively.
Trust Your Wood Floor Sanding to the Experts at The Floor Sanding Co.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, The Floor Sanding Co. is worth strong consideration. With years of experience offering a wide range of floor sanding and refinishing services, The team can skillfully restore worn floors to their former glory. We handle everything from simple sanding to extensive repairs and staining. Our expertise can give you the beautiful wood floors you desire while avoiding potential pitfalls from hiring the wrong company.
Feel free to contact us for a free survey and see if we may be a good fit for your project. We’re always happy to discuss your goals and outline a plan to make your floors look their best again.
Conclusion
Renewing worn wood floors requires a skilled floor sanding service you can trust. While the process takes some effort, gorgeous results are well worth it.
Now that you know what to look for in identifying top-notch companies, you can tackle your flooring refinishing project with confidence. Take time to research local options and evaluate them carefully.
Soon you’ll have stunning floors to adore for years to come. Just envision gathering with loved ones and enjoying the warmth and beauty of your refreshed wood floors. With a meticulous floor sanding service handling the hard work, it will soon be reality.
