How to choose the right floor sanding company?
If you’re planning to refinish your hardwood floors, choosing the right floor sanding company is crucial to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting result. However, with so many companies out there offering similar services, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the right flooring company by highlighting some key factors to consider. From experience and credentials to pricing and customer service, we’ll help you make an informed decision so that you can enjoy your newly refinished flooring for years to come.
Experience and credentials
How to choose a floor sanding company? The best place to start is with experience and credentials. We recommend trusting a company with many years in the business and the required qualifications. This would unease any doubts you might have about the floor restoration process.
Company experience
Top-notch results can be achieved with the right expertise. It requires the use of heavy machinery and can be quite intricate, involving a variety of steps and methods. A flooring company with expertise and proficiency will be able to handle any issues that may arise, resulting in a beautiful, smooth, and even finish.
Inexperienced companies may lack the expertise to properly sand floors, leading to uneven results or even damage to the flooring. This can be costly to fix, as it may require additional sanding or refinishing. In addition, inexperienced companies may not know how to properly prepare the flooring or apply finishes, leading to an inferior end result.
By selecting a flooring company with an established history of expertise, you can rest assured that your flooring will be sanded properly, utilizing the correct methods and tools. Accomplished companies will also be able to give guidance on the most suitable finishes to use based on the kind of flooring and desired look.
In short, choosing an experienced flooring company is essential to achieve a high-quality, long-lasting result. Don’t be afraid to ask potential contractors about their experience and qualifications, and always check references and reviews to ensure you’re making the best choice for your wood floor.
Certifications and licences
When choosing the right flooring company, it’s important to look for certifications and licences that demonstrate their expertise and qualifications. These credentials can indicate that the company has undergone training, follows the best practices, and meets the industry standards for quality and safety.
To verify a company’s credentials, you can ask to see their certifications and licences and check with the issuing organizations to ensure they are valid. You can also look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to see how the company’s work measures up to the standards.
Before and after pictures show plenty
Before and after pictures of the finished projects is the greatest advertisement that anyone can have on the company website. Most trades have such sections on their websites as it allows you to check what they have done in the past and set your expectations right. Of course we advise to take this with a pinch of salt as the very best of the very best is often chosen to appear.
Ideally this are the pictures you are looking for:
Reviews are important
Checking references and reviews is an important step when choosing a floor sanding company. Reading reviews online from past clients can also provide valuable information. Look for reviews on third-party platforms such as Google, Trustpilot or Checkatrade, as these tend to be more reliable than reviews on the company’s own website. Pay attention to comments about the quality of the work, customer service, and communication, and take note of any recurring themes or issues.
It is essential to take into consideration both positive and negative reviews, but be cautious of companies with a lot of bad reviews or a pattern of complaints. If an organisation has persistently received unsatisfactory feedback or has unresolved issues, it may be wise to search for other options.
Pricing, quotes and included services
Reasonable pricing
One of the things we tell a lot is to be wary of the price and what’s reasonable on the market. There is a reason why an offer is the lowest and can be attributed to factors such as quality, cost of finishing product and time to complete. You don’t want to spend a fortune, but you want the best to restore your wood floor.
Get a written quote
In order to have the peace of mind that everything will be ok and you will be delivered with the smooth-running wood flooring service you are paying for, a reliable flooring professional contractor should be able to provide you with a detailed written price quote that includes all services and resources needed for your wooden floor to look amazing once again. Just make sure that all things are included, as previously discussed with the contractor. However, along the service, sometimes unexpected treatments and fixes are needed, so allow freedom for these to be included, but only after being discussed with you – whether these are needed, why and how much will these cost. A written quote will work as a contract between you and the wood flooring contractor that will regulate and monitor the whole process. Good and reliable floor sanding contractors have nothing to hide from you and will be more than happy to provide you with a written quote.
Additional services
It’s important to look into the services they provide beyond just sanding services. Certain contractors may offer extra services that can improve the quality of the work or make it more convenient for you.
One service to think about is dustless sanding. Regular sanding can generate a lot of dust, which could be dangerous for your well-being and hard to clean up. Dustless sanding uses specialized tools that collects the dust as it’s created, resulting in a cleaner and safer environment for you and your family.
Another service to look for is eco-friendly options. Many floor sanding companies now offer low-VOC finishes, which are better for the environment and your health. These finishes emit fewer volatile organic compounds, which can cause respiratory problems and contribute to air pollution.
Other services to consider may include repairs to your flooring, installation of new baseboards, or customization options such as staining or distressing.
When evaluating what is offered by a floor sanding company, be sure to consider how they can enhance the quality of the work and make the process more convenient for you. Ask about the different options available, their benefits and costs, and how they may impact the overall result.
What equipment and materials do they use?
The finish is the key
When searching for a contractor, it is important to inquire about the floor restoration they can provide and how they can preserve the top layer. The appropriate finish can improve the attractiveness of your floors, safeguard them from damage and tear, and make them easy to keep up in the long run.
We can recommend one popular type of finish for your floor – polyurethane, which is a durable and long-lasting coating that comes in a variety of sheens, from matte to high gloss. Polyurethane finishes are resistant to scratches and moisture, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Another option is oil-based finishes, which provide a warm and natural look to your wood floor. These finishes penetrate the wood and provide a protective barrier that enhances the wood’s natural grain and colour. Oil-based finishes may require more maintenance than polyurethane finishes, but they can be easier to repair if damaged.
Water-based finishes are a newer option that is more eco-friendly and low-VOC. These finishes dry quickly and have a clear, natural appearance that won’t yellow over time. They also provide good protection against scratches and wear.
In addition to these different types of finishes, some floor sanding companies may offer specialised coatings such as stains, dyes, or custom finishes. These options can give your wood floor a unique look and add a personal touch to your home.
Machines and equipment
High-quality equipment can help ensure a better result and a smoother process, while worn or outdated equipment can lead to a blunder and further damage to the flooring.
The type of equipment used can vary depending on the company and the specific project. Some companies may use drum sanders, which are powerful machines that can remove a lot of material quickly, while others may use orbital sanders, which are better suited for finer sanding and finishing work.
One thing to pay a close attention to is if they are using well-known brands . One of the well-known brands is Bona, and you can also research what contractors recommend for floor restoration.
Pro tip:
In order to guarantee the best possible result, make sure to prepare your home for a floor sanding service.
Conclusion
Choosing the best floor sanding company is an important decision that can impact the appearance and longevity of your hardwood flooring. By considering the factors outlined in this article, such as experience, certifications, references and reviews, services offered, types of finishes, and equipment quality, you can make an informed decision that ensures the best possible outcome for your project.
It’s important to take the time to research and evaluate different companies to find one that meets your needs and expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get detailed information about their work, equipment, and expertise.
Remember, the quality of the sanding work can have a big impact on the final result, so it’s important to hire a company that has the experience, certifications, and equipment needed to achieve high-quality results. By taking these factors into account, you can feel confident that you’re making the best possible decision for your house.
