Install

• What species/width?  We can provide samples to help.

• Which flooring product? (i.e. - unfinished, pre-finished, etc.)

• Special design? (i.e.- borders, medallions, herringbone, etc.)

• Will any of the new floors be installed "below grade?" (below the level of the ground outside the house).

• What type of sub-floor will the floor be installed over?

• Will the floor be installed over radiant heat?

• Will the floor be installed over concrete?

• Are there fixtures that need to be removed?  This could include cast iron heaters, toilets, pedestal sinks, etc.

• Are there door casings or trim that need to be undercut, raised, or removed to allow the flooring to be installed under them?

• What type of flooring do you have?  Is it a hardwood (i.e - maple, oak) or softwood (i.e. - pine, fir)?

• Are there face nails (visible nails) that need to be "set" (sunk below the surface of the wood)?

• Are there gaps or nail holes that need to be filled?
  

• Are the floors painted?

• Have the floors ever been waxed?

• Any water damage or flooding to the floors?

• Are the board edges cupped (raised) or crowned (sunken)?  

• Any large black stains due to water or pet stains?

• Do you want the floors stained a certain color?

• Do the floors or any repaired patches need to be stained to match an existing floor?

• Do you want the floor artificially aged (distressed)?

• Are there stairs that need to be sanded?  These are priced per tread.  How many treads?

• If there are stairs, are they enclosed or open?  Open staircases have balusters running down one or both sides. These require more work due to hand scraping.

• If there are balusters, how many per tread?

• Are there raised wooden thresholds that need to be refinished?  How many?
  

• What type of finish would you like?  Oil based finish has an amber color and darkens with age.  Water based is more clear and will result in a lighter floor.  Both are equally durable.  We also can apply Tung Oil if that is your preference.

• What type of sheen would you like?  Most customers (99%+) prefer a satin sheen.  We also can apply semi-gloss and high gloss sheens as well.

• Do you have pets, children, and/or high traffic?  You may want an extra coat to provide additional build and protection.

• Will you be living in the house while it is being worked on?

• Do any items need to be masked off, such as adjoining rooms, bookshelves, or baseboard trim?  There are some items that are a requirement to mask off, while others are optional.

• Doors and heater covers need to be removed in many cases.  Would you like us to remove and label them?

• When would you like the work completed?

In addition to price estimates, customers often ask us "how long will it take?"  A reasonable question since your home or business is being put out of sorts for multiple days.  We will certainly always give as accurate a time estimate as possible and we take great pride in being a very timely company.  

However, this answer depends on many questions and we like to jokingly respond "well, that depends...do you want it done well or quick?"  There is only one correct answer.  Quality requires time and effort.  There are some who may try to do it faster, but with what quality?  Although we work very efficiently at Classical Wood Floors, we might be able to do the work slightly faster, but we would have to trade quality, which we will not do, because it is our reputation at stake.  We want our customer's family and friends to see and hear what a great job we did, not that we were fast and cheap.  In addition to quality, the type of finish used and other factors can define how long it will take as well.

Please be specific about what you want and ask plenty of questions.  We are here to help!

 Classical Wood Floors company van

Camden - Rockland, Maine coastline