Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do we know if our floors are fit to sand?

A. A quick check under your house before removing your floor coverings will give you an indication as to the condition of your boards and sub-floor structure. This will save you and the tradesperson some nasty surprises once you have removed all your floor coverings - particularly if you are purchasing a new property and intend to polish the boards. Some things to look for may be evidence of termites, water damage, presence of dampness etc. Please note that this is only a suggestion and that in most instances this process may not be necessary... The tradesperson, who comes to estimate for you, will be the best judge.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. Cost will vary depending on:

• The size of your floor. You can estimate this by measuring the length and width of the room and multiplying the two together this will give you the square metreage.
• If your floor is old or new.
• What type of timber you have i.e. Pine, hardwood, parquetry etc.
• Type of floor finish to be used: polyurethane, Tung oil, waterborne etc.
• Type of finish: gloss, satin or matt.
• Sanding process involved.

There are many determining factors in obtaining an estimate, so be sure to be clear when ringing for estimates, exactly what you are being quoted for. Pricing can be an indicator of workmanship, so don't always assume the cheapest quote is the best. Word of mouth is definitely our best form of advertising.

Things you should be aware of

• Any silicone on a floor will cause rejection of subsequent coats of polyurethane. Silicone or silicone based products also include Fabulon, hair spray; fly spray silicone etc.
• 12 volt down lights produce a cobweb effect on the coatings.
• You may get slight markings on skirting boards and kitchen kick boards from contact with the Edger. That is why it is recommended to leave final paint coat on skirtings until after the floors are finished and it is recommended to remove kick boards in the kitchen to avoid this (whilst all care is taken sometimes marks on skirting a and kick boards can not be avoided and we accept no responsibility for damages to these) 
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• Kitchen kick boards should be removed in some instances especially if floor is uneven as edger machine can mark them especially if floor is uneven (Whilst all care is taken not to damage to skirting and kick boards, sometimes marks are unavoidable and we take no responsibility for damages to these)
  Newly installed kitchens should have kick boards installed after floors are completed to avoid damage. (We take no responsibility for damage if they are left on) please speak with you kitchen installer to arrange kick board installation after floors are completed
  Floors should be sanded before new kitchens are installed to avoid damage from machinery, and coatings applied after kitchen installation.
• Black Japan or stain around the perimeter of some older timber may produce a two tone effect.
• You are likely to get some variation in colour and grain between new and old boards.

Q. How long will sanding our floor take?

A. As most coating systems require overnight dry times the usual job will be a minimum of two/ three days. This timeframe may be extended depending on the size of the job. As an estimate, most sanders would be able to sand on average 40- 60m2 square meters / day. Remember to add the time for the coats to be applied and dry after that.

Q. Will there be much smell? And can I live at home while my floors are being sanded?

A. Yes it will smell. Waterborne finishes are the most environmentally friendly, therefore produce less odour, All other finishes will generally require you to be in a well ventilated separate area, if you are to stay in your home whilst the floor is drying. However, as every job is different, please consult JD?s Floor sanding on their advice concerning your house layout or coatings used to ensure they meet your requirements.

Q. What type of gloss level should we use?

A. The sheen (shine) level on a floor is entirely a personal choice. Factors which could affect your decision include: I) whether the areas have down lights - a lot of light on a high gloss floor will cause glare. ii) Whether you clean the floor regularly - gloss floors show a lot of dust, due to their reflective nature. iii) If you have pets inside - pet?s nails can easily scratch the harder finishes, causing them to look worn more quickly. Currently satin is the sheen level in highest demand.

Q. What will I have to do to prepare the floor?

A. You can save money by removing all existing floor coverings including tacks, staples and any smooth edge carpet strips from the floor. Remove all furniture and other items on walls, or alternatively, hang a cotton sheet over pictures.

Q. Once the job is complete, when can I move my furniture back?

A. Most coating will dry overnight assuming mild weather conditions (15 to 25 degrees C) however 2 to 14 days for curing in the case of polyurethane is suggested by most manufacturers. Any normal traffic should be avoided during this period of time. Small items residing in fixed positions may be put in place carefully provided they have protective tips underneath them within 2 to 5 days check with JD?s Floorsanding or coating manufacturer to make sure there is no misunderstanding on this matter as many floors are damaged in this crucial period.

For any other questions or advise please contact JD?s Floorsanding 0425 325 441