Frequently Asked Questions:

How much dust does the sanding/refinishing process produce?

Our machines are equipped with dust collection vacuum system, thus reducing dust by 90% less than traditional dust collection methods. Note: Dustless system means less dust. No system can be truly dust free.

How soon can I walk on the floors after they have been coated?

Water-Base: With socks only, 2-3 hours. With shoes, 24 hours. Finish is 75% cured after 24 hours, and 100% cured after 7 days.

Oil-Base: With socks 8-10 hours, with shoes 24 hours. Curing takes 10-14 days. During the curing for both the water and oil finishes you should not use any cleaners or water on the floor. (See our Floor Care page for more extensive instructions on how to care for your new floor.)

Why does Haven Hardwoods try to use water-based polyurethanes?

Oil-based finishes are hazardous to your health because of their high VOC content. As seen above, oil-based finishes usually take 8-10 hours to dry. Water-based polyurethanes are safe to use, VOC complaint, nonflammable, fast drying and virtually odorless.

Does the floor molding have to be removed before sanding or installing a floor?

It does not if the floor is only going to be sanded. It does have to be removed before installing a new floor.

In what phase of renovating a house should my floors be sanded?

Refinishing a floor is usually is one of the last jobs a homeowner wants to do when remodeling. If you are painting the same room that is going to be sanded we recommend priming and applying the first coat before the sanding. After the floors are done the second coat of paint can be done.

Note: Other projects occurring while the polyurethane is drying can create fine dust and make the floors final finish coat rough and grainy. We highly recommend the homeowner make sure that the house is not undergoing any rough construction while the urethane is drying.

Can pet and water stains be sanded out?

95% of the time the answer is no. Usually these types of stains permeate and actually start to decay the wood fibers. Sometimes we can stain the floor darker to hide the pet or water stains. However, pet/water stains will still be visible through the floor stain, just less noticeable.

Will the new wood used to make repairs match my existing floor?

Not exactly. We take pride in the craftsmanship when installing a repair but factors such as the age, light and moisture exposure, and the cut of the wood affect the coloring. We will attempt to match the existing floor using stains. Very few repairs are recognizable after the finish ages a few years.

How long will the finish on my floors last?

Our polyurethane finishes should last a lifetime with very little upkeep. Proper maintenance includes keeping the floors free of dirt and periodical re-coatings. Once high traffic areas begin to show signs of wear, they should be screened and recoated to prevent sanding and refinishing.

What is the process for a recoat and why isn't there a guarantee?

A recoat is the slight scuffing of the floor to abrade the top layer of existing finish so that the new coat that we are applying will adequately adhere. A recoat cannot and will not replace sanding your floor!!! Scratches in the wood will not come out.

We do not guarantee the recoating because we have no way of knowing what was on the floor prior to us recoating it. If there are any chemicals on the existing floor when we coat it there is a chance that an orange peel effect will take place. The orange peel effect is when the finish easily peels and/or has splotches that did not take the applied urethane.

What is a laminated floor?

Laminated flooring is made with layers which are bonded together under extreme heat and pressure. The wear-resistant surface is made to provide great strength and durability. The decorative layer can simulate wood grains, marble or stone.

Laminated floors are specially designed to provide an extremely stable foundation with minimal expansion and contraction, making them ideal for below grade or concrete sub-floor installations. They are also popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they require very little maintenance.

What is an engineered floor?

Engineered wood floors are produced by gluing multiple thin ply layers that are glued together. The top thicker hardwood veneer wear layer is glued on top surface of the core and is available in most any hardwood species.

Engineered wood flooring should not be confused with laminate wood flooring. The main difference between engineered flooring and laminate flooring is that laminate contains no actual wood. Engineered floors are slightly more resistant to higher moisture levels than solid wood flooring, which adds to their appeal to use in damp basements. Engineered flooring can be installed on any grade level. One benefit of engineered flooring is that it can be re-sanded multiple times.

What is a bamboo floor?

It is not a tree, but a grass. Each spring, a grove of bamboo will grow to its full height. When bamboo is harvested, the root system is left intact, and a new shoot will grow from the same system. A new bamboo plant will reach maturity (about 80 feet) in just five to six years, making it a smart renewable resource. Bamboo represents the current and future shift into the Green movement. It is a durable and an environmentally intelligent alternative.

Are references available?

Sure. They are available upon request.

How do we reach Haven Hardwoods, Inc.?

Our phone number is 724-384-8212. The website address is www.havenhardwoods.com. Our business mailing address is 2512 Orchard Street Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Prefer email? We can be reached at questions@havenhardwoods.com.