Installing & Finishing

Basic Installation and Finishing Procedures
The following is an informational thumbnail sketch of the installation and finishing processes that are required for most hardwood flooring work.

Installation and Sanding
If the project involves installation of new wood flooring, the estimator will give you an idea of the time frames required (this is a function of the room layout, amount of area to be laid, and the flooring system selected). Unless otherwise stated, the sanding and finishing of your floors will take three days in addition to the installation time. On the first day, the floor will be rough-sanded, filled, fine-sanded, and stained or sealed. While our machines incorporate vacuums and dust bags, please be aware that this is an inherently dusty procedure, and that cleaning is the responsibility of the homeowner. We will take reasonable steps to isolate any dust created in the immediate work area by taping off doorways to other areas of the house with plastic; however, we cannot tape off areas with vaulted ceilings, stairwells, etc. Also, taping of cabinets and bookcases is generally ineffective, so removal of contents is recommended. After application of stain or seal, no foot traffic is allowed on the floors for about 8 hours to facilitate drying. On each of the next two days, we will apply a coat of oil-base polyurethane finish (unless another type of finish is specified). These coats take 12 to 16 hours to dry (longer in humid or cool conditions); for this reason, we recommend no foot traffic on the floors until the following morning. Test the finish for dryness by touching it before walking on it; if it is the least bit tacky, do not walk on it or you will leave footprints. Try to minimize drafts or activity in the work area to avoid stirring up dust which could settle in the finish. We will apply satin (low-luster) polyurethane as the final finish coat unless otherwise specified.

Maintenance Coats
if you are having your floors maintenance-coated, the procedure is only a one day procedure as all that is required is the screening (abrading) of your floor and the application of a single coat of finish. Drying times for a maintenance coat are the same for the final finishes on a new floor. It is imperative that the floors have never been waxed or oiled since last finished, or the maintenance coat will not adhere properly. We assume no responsibility if this is the case.

Work Safety
You may observe our employees using respirators and dust masks during the course of their work. This is an occupational health precaution taken due to their regular exposure to the mineral spirits solvent, stains and finish on a daily basis. Since we try to provide adequate ventilation during the course of the work, the dust and vapors do not generally create a health hazard for the household, and such vapors dissipate rather quickly. However, as a precaution we advise that you keep small children, pregnant women, pets, and anyone with breathing disorders or chemical sensitivities out of the house during the sanding and finishing process. We will also furnish the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for materials to be used on your floor upon request.

Arrival Times
Since each crew may be working on several job sites each day, and since it is impossible to know precisely how long each job will take, we cannot tell you exactly what time our crews will arrive on each day. However, if you call around 8AM on the day in question, we should be able to give you a rough idea of the time you can expect our workmen to be on your job. If you desire, you can leave a key with us to let ourselves in each day, or we can put a lockbox with a key in it on your door. Please discuss arrangements to get into the house with our representative when you call to schedule the work.

Homeowner's Responsibilities
Unless otherwise stated, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to remove all furniture and appliances prior to commencement of work. Under no circumstances will Pryor Floor Company, Inc. employees reconnect any plumbing connections (such as refrigerator icemakers, washing machines, toilets, etc.). Both installation and sanding operations are considered heavy construction; accordingly, we suggest you remove any breakable objects (such as framed pictures and other wall hangings, audio or video eqpt., etc.) from the work area before we start. We also request that children be kept out of the work area for safety reasons.