Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about flooring services.

Site Finishing FAQs

Have a different question? Give us a call, we look forward to helping you.

What type of finish do you use?

We exclusively use Bona hardwood coating products. Bona's industry-leading waterborne concerns.

Do I need to move out of my home to have the floors refinished?

While it's not mandatory to vacate your home during floor renovations, we recommend aligning the project with periods you plan to be away to minimize disruptions. Floor renovation involves removing items from the floors, which can temporarily disrupt your living routine. Additionally, there may be some noise and allergens during the sanding process.

Will there be strong fumes when the stains and finishes are applied?

The Bona waterborne finishes we use have finishes and sealers are VOC-compliant, promoting a healthier environment compared to most other finishes. The cleanest finishing process available, Bona ensures the utmost durability and beauty for hardwood floors while prioritizing health and environmental limited odor and are GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality. If a stain is applied, some fumes similar to paint may be noticeable.

How long does it take to have my floors refinished?

The timeline varies based on factors such as size, layout, existing floor wear and tear, prep work needed, and whether it's a commercial or residential job. For a precise estimate, we need to assess the specific details of the job.

What kind of preparation do I need to do before having my floors refinished?

Remove all furniture, rugs, drapes, and knick-knacks from the rooms being refinished. Consider removing wall hangings to prevent possible damage from the sanding machine vibrations. If you're tearing out carpet over existing hardwood, remove all nails and staples. We recommend temporarily relocating pets due as they may have a sensitivity to the noise from the machines.

How long do I need to wait to move furniture back onto the newly finished floor?

Water-based finishes typically cure within 24 hours, allowing you to return your house to order. In more humid conditions, curing time may slightly increase.
We recommend waiting 1 - 3 weeks before placing area rugs.

Other FAQs

Have a different question? Give us a call, we look forward to helping you.

Should I have a humidifier installed if I am putting hardwood in my home?

Absolutely! Maintain humidity between 30 - 35% to prevent gaps between boards caused by wood expansion and shrinkage.

What kind of subfloor do I need?

A minimum thickness of 5/8″ plywood or 3/4″ OSB is required, which is a standard builder subfloor.

Will I need to get additional subfloor installed?

Additional subfloor installation may be necessary to align the hardwood floor with adjoining floor coverings' height.

Do my baseboards have to come off?

Yes, in most cases, baseboards need removal to ensure a clean, finished look.

Do my casings around my door frames need to come off?

No, East2West will undercut your casings and slide the flooring underneath for a clean, finished appearance.

Are the bevels on pre-finished hardwood hard to clean?

Deeper bevels may collect more dirt; it's recommended to sweep or vacuum before washing to maintain cleanliness.

Do I paint before or after my flooring install or refinishing?

It's advisable to paint before flooring work to minimize the risk of damaging newly installed or refinished floors.