Preparing for a Job
What is your policy regarding wood acclimation?
Ideally we would like to have your flooring delivered to your home two weeks ahead of time and placed in the room where it will be installed. Acclimating the flooring to the normal heat and humidity in your home minimizes the warping or cracking of the boards. Keeping your home’s heat and humidity as stable as is possible throughout the year will also minimize moisture related movement of the flooring.
Do I have to put money down ahead of time?
If it is a wood installation, a wood deposit is required. If the job is for refinishing or a buff-and-coat, no down payment is required.
How do I go about getting an estimate?
You can make an appointment for a complimentary estimate by calling or emailing our office. One of our representatives will come out and measure the rooms you are considering, and then discuss the different options available (types of wood, width of wood, stain color, etc.). Depending on the size of the job, this process can take 30 to 45 minutes. Afterwards, we will determine the cost and deliver our proposal by the next day through fax, email, or post.
Can I preview samples of a finished product before I purchase?
We have a showroom displaying a wide variety of wood samples using Swedish and water-based finish. The samples also vary by wood species, color, finish, and style (hand-scraped versus traditional machine finished). If there is a particular customization you are looking for that we do not have in our show room, we can create a sample for you. Our show room is available by appointment only; please call our main office at 425-481-5195.
What customization options do I have for my flooring?
We have extensive experience in unusual and custom designed floors. Our installers can create herringbone or chevron pattern floors, install contrasting inlays or medallions, or install a variety of parquet patterns. If you want to have your flooring stained, we will custom mix a stain for your home. We can also use aniline dyes, bleach, and other techniques to achieve your desired color. Your floor can be finished with Swedish finish, water-based finish, or a wax finish.
After a Job is Complete
When can I walk on my floor?
You can walk on your floor 24 hours after the last coat of finish, preferably in socks only. Pets, especially large dogs, should be kept off the floor for at least 48 hours.
When can I put my furniture back?
The longer you wait the better, with most customer moving their furniture back in 2 -3 days. Place furniture gently on the floor and do not drag anything across the floor. Area rugs should stay off the floor for at least 2 weeks. Your finish will continue to cure and become harder over a period of 3-4 weeks.
What are my payment options?
We only accept checks for payment.
What should I do to ventilate the room after it has been coated with finish?
During the coating process, there should be no air movement in the room—windows and doors should be closed. When you return to your home, open as many windows as possible to remove fumes and speed curing of the finish.
Floor Maintenance
What is the best way to maintain hardwood floors & protect my investment?
As your floor begins to dull or show wear, you may have another coat of finish applied without having to re-sand your floor. This will allow you to protect your floor and prolong the life of the finish. Generally floors need to be re-coated every 3 – 5 years depending on the amount of care the floor is given. For deep scratches, more severe wear, or to change the color of your floor, a complete sanding is required.
What should I use to clean my floor?
We recommend Woodwise floor cleaner (available at many grocery and hardware stores) and Glitsa Clean.
What type of finishes do you use?
We use Glitsa Swedish finish, Glitsa Max waterbased finish and wax finishes. Glitsa Swedish finish has been the gold standard in finishes for many years. Glitsa Max waterbased finish is a highly durable, less toxic alternative. Wax finishes generally require more maintenance but can achieve a more traditional look.
Other
Do you hire outside workers if you are over-booked?
No. We will only have our trained employees working a customer’s floor.
What steps is Advanced Floor Design taking to become more green?
We have always provided a variety of products that are eco-friendly, such as cork, bamboo, reclaimed, and FSC certified flooring. We have been using water-based finishes for many years. In, addition, wood flooring can last a lifetime and be refinished many times. Carpeting must be replaced frequently, using petrochemicals in production of the carpet while old carpeting is disposed of in landfills.
What if I would like to hire Advanced Floor Design for a job, but live in a different location than the Pacific Northwest?
We are willing to work out of state depending on the size of the job. Other than Washington State, we have done projects in Alaska, Hawaii & Montana. Travel expenses will be added to your estimate.