Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors
Works only with real hardwood floors if you have flooring that is beautiful, durable, it really adds to the value of your home when they are in good condition. According to the National Wood Flooring Association and residential real estate agents, homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices.
If your flooring is worn, stained, or just old, refinishing your floors could be the key to gorgeous rooms, increased value, and easy maintenance.
Sanding
Removes all the old finish & scratches, making the floor clean and new. We use what is called a dustless process, which means our machines vacuums as they are sanding.
Stairs Sanding
Our equipment is designed to sand floors and flat areas only. We can not refinish anything vertical, thus the stringers (sides) and risers (back) are not included. Prices for stair treads & nosings only. The best way to understand this is: "If your foot physically steps on it, then we can do it!" Otherwise, we are limited and cannot guarantee professional results. Thank you for your understanding.
Back to Page MenusFinishing
We offer two types of floor finishes. Oil base and water base are both products that are similar in durability and protection. The biggest difference in these both is their final appearance. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. You need to decide which of these product characteristics fit your needs.
Oil-Based Polyurethane
It gives the floors an amber glow and honey-look color. It brings out the natural wood grain patterns. It has a medium-strong odor which goes away in 3 days and each coat takes over night to dry, in which means you can not walk on the floors. We offer you three coats of LAST & LAST oil base. LAST & LAST high solid content will beautify and protect your wood floors, providing years of enjoyment. It comes in satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Water-Based Polyurethane
It gives the floors a clear color and it will only emit a mild odor. Each coat dries in 1 hour, but it needs more coats. It is also more expensive. You may walk on the floors 4 hours after last coat is applied. We offer 4 coats of Bona Mega water-based. It also comes in satin, semi-gloss and gloss. We will also offer you Bona traffic water-based, which is formulated specifically for heavy-traffic commercial and residential hardwood floors.
Stains
We can enhance the grain-patterns of the wood. We use Minwax stains that come in a variety of colors and shades. They are designed to penetrate and seal the hardwood while adding luxurious color. We offer our customers a small stain sample on their existing floor the day we start sanding just to make sure of the color you want.
Back to topOur Job Is Guaranteed For 10 Years!
Under normal household conditions, we will re-coat your floor for free!
To insure the highest quality of sanding on your hardwood floors, we use only the finest sanding abrasives available; companies like 3M, and Mercer Abrasives. Make no mistake about it, the products used determine the results achieved. The stains and finishes used are constantly monitored, in order to give our customers only the best. Whether we're applying oil-based or latex, our staff meticulously prepares the surface of your floor, strains the finish twice, and then applies it in strict accordance to the manufactures instructions. We use only leading names in the industry like Minwax, and Last and Last. Please consider us for your wood flooring needs, just pick up the phone or click the contact us button and fill out the prepared form, we will get back to you promptly.
CALL NOW! (973)710-7803.
Warning! "Hiring a professional will save you time & money"
There are projects that you can tackle yourself; but when it comes to your wood floors consider hiring us. Regardless of how handy you are, most do-it yourselfers can't do the right job sanding and finishing wood flooring. One reason is that you can't rent the same equipment that a professional has. Rental equipment always consists of 110-volt machines that plug directly into your electrical outlets; and are usually only ¾ horsepower. Even the most experienced wood flooring mechanics have trouble doing the right job with these machines. Professional floor sanding machines are 4 to 5 horsepower and are at 220 volts. These machines are much more powerful and when employed, and they draw high amperage. For this reason, they need to be connected directly to your circuit breaker panel with special clips. For the rental industry this becomes a liability issue, thus making it impossible for them to offer the right machine.
Aside of the equipment issue, sanding and finishing wood floors is an art. It takes years to develop the skill needed to perfect the perfectly sanded floor. When staining and finishing, it helps to know which products are reliable & compatible; otherwise, the finish will pre-maturely wear-out or worse... peel from the surface. As professionals, we offer a range of products to suit any budget, but prefer to use only the best finishes on our customers floors.
Before you spend time and money on the advise of your local rental store clerk, think about hiring us for your professional wood flooring needs. Our results are guaranteed!
Back to topSanding and Refinishing Questions.
Q: What is the procedure for refinishing floors?
A: Floors are sanded with course - medium and fine grit sand paper and finished with at least 3 coats of polyurethane acrylics. From start to finish a 1,000 sq. ft. job can be done in 2 days.
Q: We're remodeling...Which should be finished first...The Painting or the Floors?
A: The floors should be sanded and finished before painting; however some painters are going to tell you the opposite. Some of my customers tell me the painter is worried about getting paint on the new floor. I wonder what that painter does when they have to work on wall to wall carpet? And is the question you should ask him next. Once a painter knows you're going to be re-finishing the floors, he's got the green light to go as fast as he can to maximize profit. He knows it doesn't matter if paint splatter gets on the floor because it's going to be sanded off.
Q: Will I need paint touch up after the floors are refinished?
A: Probably yes, but not always. When we sand the edges (perimeter of the room) the machine rubs up against the base molding. It's the only way we can get right up to it. The machine is stainless steel and leaves a mark on the paint. Also, when we are staining, we first use a brush and very carefully cut in. But when the excess stain is removed with rags, they become soiled and also rub up against the painted molding leaving a residue of stain behind. It can't be avoided and is why we recommend doing the floors prior to painting. In situations where the moldings are stained and finished there is no problem. We are not responsible for paint touch ups.
Back to topQ: My garbage hauler doesn't take the debris left behind from my job, does Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors cart it away?
A: No. Garbage is rarely a problem, but does sometimes exist. Unless prior arrangements are made with us all debris is left at the curb or wherever you designate. If the situation does exist we have found it to be less expensive for you to TIP your garbage man, than to pay us to cart it to a dump.
Q: What is the difference between oil-based and water-based finish?
A: Oil based is the dinosaur and has a proven track record. However, the finish ambers with time, requires a lot more drying time and emits a strong vapor that is not only unhealthy but contributes to the depletion of the earths ozone. Rumor has it that soon; all solvent based finishes will be non-compliant with the states V.O.C. Laws making them illegal to use. Water based or commonly called latex has evolved into an excellent alternative. They are non-yellowing, non-toxic, environmentally safe and dry very quickly. Water-based floor finishes once had a bad reputation in the early stages of its development. However, today's high-end water-based finishes are excellent and is even on par with the best of oil-based. In my home, I used BonaKemi's "Traffic".
Q: How many days will it take to sand and refinish my floors?
A: It really depends on the size of the job; however the average size job (800-1000 sq ft) usually takes us 2 days to complete.
Back to topQ: How long does it take for the finish to dry so that I may walk on the floor?
A: Water-based/latex finishes take about 4 hours before the floor can be walked on, while oil based finishes take overnight.
Q: Why do some flooring contractors I've spoken to tell me that they will need a week to finish my job?
A: I really don't know, I assume it's because they work by themselves, or they only have 1 man to do the job. When we are on it, however, you can expect a very professional crew!
Q: Can my floors be refinished over the weekend?
A: We only work Monday to Saturday.
Back to topQ: Should I stain my floor or finish it natural?
A: Ultimately, the decision is yours. We believe all wood should be stained because it seals better & enhances its beauty. Stain is an upgrade and does cost more. If your decor supports a natural finish, we will be happy to accommodate you.
Q: Will Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors show me stain color samples?
A: Experience has taught us to stay away from samples because they are deceiving. A stain color may look different on your floor than it does on the sample; and is because wood is unique unto itself. We prefer that you CLICK HERE to view a Minwax color chart; pick 3 colors you want us to bring to your home the day of the job, and we will show you your stain choices directly on your floor. By this - What you see is what you get! And there is no mistake.
Q: Can my stairs be finished to match my floors?
A: Yes, there are certain applications depending on your stairs.
Back to topQ: I ripped up my carpet and found black spots - what are they?
A: They are probably pet stains, but can also be water. The fact is that nobody can tell you if sanding will remove them until you physically try with a professional machine.
Q: Will bleach remove pet stains from my floor?
A: Absolutely not! If stains cannot be sanded out - the affected boards must be replaced.
Q: I have to be able to walk on my floors to get to my bathroom/bedroom. What do I do?
A: Latex (water-based) floor finish dries in approximately 4 hours and is the perfect solution.
Back to topQ: Does Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors remove carpets?
A: Yes, on a room basis charge.
Q: Does Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors move furniture?
A: No, we are insured as wood floor contractors only, but we will asset you with heavy items.
Installation Questions
Q: Are Pre-finished floors better than unfinished ones?
A: NO - Pre-finished floors are more convenient because there is no sanding & on-site finishing. They have excellent manufacturer's warranties. Unfinished floors are typically used in new construction.
Q: How long should the flooring be allowed to acclimate to the house before installation?
A: Freshly milled flooring usually has a moisture content between 6% - 9%, and requires 3 days in the area of installation to acclimate.
Q: Is 3/4" flooring always better than thinner engineered flooring?
A: NO - 3/4" thickness flooring was made to be installed directly over floor joists as a structural element. Today's cross laminated engineered floors provide a more stable floor, keeping expansion & contraction to 3%. Today's engineered floors can be refinished just like solid 3/4" floors.
Q: How is wood floor graded?
A: Depending on the type of flooring, it is usually graded from clear being the best - to #2 common, know as a rustic grade.
Q: Do hardwood floors need allot of maintenance?
A: No, if maintained properly wood floors will perform excellent for years. Never use cleaning solutions that may leave a residual film behind. Cleaning oils, soaps, one step mop & shines, etc. will ruin your finish! At Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors we recommend All Bona® maintenance products shown here may be ordered direct from BonaKemi. Or, you may visit your maintenance products dealers.
Back to topNew Installations
Whether it is the natural beauty, easy maintenance, or a lifetime of durability, hardwood flooring is the right choice. With over 10 years of experience installing wood floors, you can be assured the staff at Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors are not only experts, but "we will treat you like family." With many different species of wood flooring available, it's important that you install one that will perform and be esthetically correct for your home. Some of the more popular choices include Red Oak, With Oak, Ash, Cherry and Walnut. We also offer exotics like Brazilian Cherry. Either way, you can be assured that your new floor will be right for you and your budget. Our custom work is second to none. From herringbone patterns, to bordered inlays, our experts do it all! Simply Elegant Hardwood Floors is committed to providing our customers with only the highest quality wood flooring
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