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Hardwood Floor Advice Blog

Helpful advice and tips

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc, is owned and operated by Joe Palumbo, 3rd generation hardwood floor craftsman,  The Palumbo family has been installing, refinishing, repairing and restoring hardwood flooring in New York for over 60 years.

Hardwood-floor-refinisher-Long-Island-Joe-Palumbo
Joe Palumbo, owner-operator of Advanced Hardwood Flooring, NY

Hardwood Flooring Tips by Professionals

Call Joe if you need help with your hardwood floors – (516) 322-8630

Advanced Hardwood Flooring company, Inc., Westbury, Long Island, NY

(516) 322-8630

Refinishing hardwood floors on Long Island for over 60 years.

Posted on May 14, 2024

Exploring Different Types of Plank Flooring: Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank

Are you considering plank flooring for your home or business but unsure which type is right for you? In this guide, we'll compare hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring to help you make an informed decision.

Hardwood flooring baby, Advanced Hardwood Flooring Inc. Bellmore, Long Island NY

1. Hardwood Flooring:

  • Material: Made from solid wood, hardwood flooring offers a timeless and natural aesthetic.
  • Durability: With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades and can be refinished multiple times.
  • Maintenance: Regular sweeping and refinishing are recommended.
  • Cost: While more expensive upfront, hardwood adds long-term value to a property.

2. Laminate Flooring:

  • Material: Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers, including a high-density fiberboard core and a photographic layer that mimics wood.
  • Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.
  • Maintenance: Easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep.
  • Cost: More budget-friendly compared to hardwood.

3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring:

  • Material: Made of synthetic materials, LVP replicates the look of hardwood with added durability.
  • Durability: Resistant to water, scratches, and dents, ideal for moisture-prone areas.
  • Maintenance: Easy to maintain with regular cleaning.
  • Cost: Affordable option with a wide range of design choices.

In conclusion, each type of plank flooring offers unique benefits. Hardwood provides a classic look and long-term durability, while laminate offers affordability and easy maintenance. LVP combines the aesthetics of hardwood with exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness. Consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance needs when choosing the right plank flooring for your space.

Advanced Hardwood Flooring will refinish your hardwood floors, or can replace your old wood plank flooring and install new laminate planks or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Call JOE now at (516) 322-8630

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Posted in Flooring Installer, Hardwood Flooring Tips, Plank FlooringTagged different types of plank flooring, floor installer, hardwood floor refinisher, Hardwood floor sanding, Install flooring, Long Island hardwood floor refinishers, Long Island Wood Floor Contractors, plank flooring, Refinish old hardwood floors

Posted on May 13, 2024
refinish your wood floors

When to Refinish Your Wood Floors: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you wondering when it's time to refinish your wood floors? As a homeowner or business owner, it's essential to know when your hardwood floors need some TLC to maintain their beauty and durability. In this article, we'll dive into the signs that indicate it's time for refinishing and why regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your wood floors.

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Long Island NY has a 4.9 rating with 146 verified reviews.
Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Long Island NY has a 4.9 rating with 146 verified reviews.

1. Visible Wear and Tear: One of the most obvious signs that your wood floors need refinishing is visible wear and tear. This includes scratches, dents, or gouges on the surface of the wood. These imperfections not only detract from the aesthetics of your floors but also indicate that the protective finish has worn down, leaving the wood vulnerable to further damag

2. Fading or Discoloration: Over time, exposure to sunlight and foot traffic can cause the finish on wood floors to fade or become discolored. If you notice that your floors have lost their luster and the color appears dull or uneven, it's a clear indication that refinishing is needed to restore their original beauty.

3. Uneven Finish: Another sign that it's time for refinishing is an uneven finish on your wood floors. This can manifest as areas where the finish has worn off more quickly than others, creating a patchy or blotchy appearance. Refinishing will not only even out the finish but also provide a protective layer that enhances the durability of the wood.

4. Difficulty Cleaning: Are you finding it increasingly challenging to clean your wood floors? If dirt, grime, and stains seem to be embedded in the wood, it's a sign that the protective finish has worn down, making the floors more susceptible to damage. Refinishing will make cleaning easier and help maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your floors.

5. Water Damage: Water damage is a serious concern for wood floors and can lead to warping, staining, and deterioration of the wood. If you notice any signs of water damage, such as warped or discolored areas, it's crucial to address the issue promptly with refinishing. Refinishing will repair the damage and provide a protective barrier against future water-related issues.

Free Estimate Hardwood Floor cost Long Island NY

In conclusion, regular maintenance and timely refinishing are essential for preserving the beauty, durability, and longevity of your wood floors. If you're unsure whether your floors need refinishing, it's always best to consult with a professional flooring specialist. They can assess the condition of your floors and provide expert recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

For professional refinishing services in Westbury, NY, and surrounding areas of Long Island NY, contact Joe at (516) 322-8630 for fast, free estimates. Don't wait until it's too late—give your wood floors the care they deserve and enjoy their beauty for years to come!

BBB-A+-rating-Advanced-Hardwood-Floor-Long-Island-NY

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Long Island NY is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ Rating.

Posted in Hardwood Flooring Tips, Refinish wood floorsTagged hardwood floor refinisher, Hardwood floor sanding, Long Island hardwood floor refinishers, Refinish old hardwood floors

Posted on May 11, 2024
Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Long Island NY

Is refinishing hardwood floors worth it?

Refinishing hardwood floors is a common dilemma many homeowners face when considering home renovations. Is the investment in refinishing truly worth it? Let's delve into the factors that make refinishing hardwood floors a valuable choice for your home.

Refinishing Hardwood floors long island NY

1. Cost-Effective Renewal

Refinishing hardwood floors is often a more cost-effective option compared to replacing them entirely. This process involves sanding down the existing finish, repairing any imperfections, and applying a new finish. The result? Floors that look brand new without the hefty price tag of new flooring materials and installation.

2. Enhances Aesthetic Appeal

Over time, hardwood floors can lose their luster due to scratches, stains, or worn finishes. Refinishing allows you to restore the beauty of your floors, making them look fresh and inviting. Whether you prefer a glossy finish or a matte look, refinishing offers customization options to suit your style.

3. Increases Home Value

Well-maintained hardwood floors are a valuable asset that can boost your home's resale value. Refinishing not only improves the appearance of your floors but also enhances the overall appeal of your home. Potential buyers are often impressed by beautifully refinished hardwood floors, making it a worthwhile investment.

4. Sustainable Choice

In today's environmentally conscious world, sustainability is a key consideration. Refinishing hardwood floors is a sustainable choice as it extends the lifespan of your existing flooring, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. It's a win-win for your home and the planet.

5. Preserves Quality

If your hardwood floors are structurally sound but show signs of wear and tear, refinishing can breathe new life into them. It removes surface imperfections, such as scratches and stains, while preserving the quality and integrity of the wood. You get floors that not only look great but also stand the test of time.

In conclusion, the answer to whether refinishing hardwood floors is worth it is a resounding yes. It's a cost-effective way to renew the beauty of your floors, increase your home's value, and make an environmentally responsible choice. Consult with a professional to assess your floors and embark on a refinishing journey that revitalizes your space.

If you have a home or business on Long Island, NY and are debating whether or not to refinish your hardwood floors or to install new flooring, call JOE from Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc. Westbury NY - (516) 322-8630

BBB-A+-rating-Advanced-Hardwood-Floor-Long-Island-NY

Posted in Hardwood Flooring Tips, Refinish old hardwood floorsTagged Long Island hardwood floor refinishers, Long Island Wood Floor Contractors, Refinish old hardwood floors, refinishing hardwood floors, wood floor refinishers

Posted on May 10, 2024
sand and refinish hardwood floors

Is it cheaper to sand and refinish hardwood floors or replace?

When it comes to restoring hardwood floors, homeowners often face the dilemma of whether to sand and refinish or replace them entirely. The decision hinges on multiple factors like the current condition of the floors, the wood type and quality, local labor costs, and the level of refinishing or replacement needed.

Hardwood-floor-refinisher-Long-Island-Joe-Palumbo
Hardwood Joe

Opting for sanding and refinishing can be a budget-friendly choice in many cases, especially when the hardwood is in decent shape but needs a makeover. This process involves stripping off the old finish, smoothing out imperfections, applying a fresh finish, and potentially staining the wood to breathe new life into worn-out floors without breaking the bank.

Conversely, replacing hardwood floors incurs higher upfront costs as it involves removing the existing flooring, purchasing new materials, and paying for installation. However, it may be the optimal solution for severely damaged or outdated floors, providing a long-term investment in your home's aesthetics and value.

To determine the most cost-effective route, it's wise to gather quotes from reputable contractors for both sanding and refinishing and floor replacement. They can assess your floors' condition and offer tailored cost estimates, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and renovation goals.

If you are a homeowner on Long Island in need of a wood floor restoration, our hardwood floor refinishing company Advanced Hardwood Flooring in Westbury NY offers fast, FREE ESTIMATES or call Joe at: (516) 322-8630

Advanced Hardwood Floor company, Long Island NY is a family owned and operated hardwood floor company operating since 1945. Call us now for a fast, free estimate: (516) 322-8630

BBB-A+-rating-Advanced-Hardwood-Floor-Long-Island-NY

Posted in Hardwood Flooring Tips, Refinish old hardwood floorsTagged hardwood floor refinisher, Hardwood floor sanding, Long Island, Long Island hardwood floor refinishers, Long Island Wood Floor Contractors, Refinish old hardwood floors, replace wood floor

Posted on May 15, 2023

Wood Floor Refinishing

We specialize in wood floor refinishing in homes, businesses and schools located on Long Island NY. With over 60+ years of experience, Advanced Hardwood Flooring Inc. is a family owned and operated hardwood floor company has the skills to restore your wood floor to look like new again.

  • Hardwood-floor-refinish-long-island-GLADSTONE-Merrick-BEFORE
    BEFORE - Hardwood floors refinished, GLADSTONE home, Merrick, Long Island
  • Hardwood-floor-refinish-long-island-GLADSTONE-Merrick-AFTER
    AFTER hardwood floors refinished, GLADSTONE home, Merrick, Long Island
  • Hallway wood floors BEFORE refinishing.
  • Hallway wood floors AFTER refinishing
  • Bedroom wood floors BEFORE refinishing.
  • Bedroom wood floors AFTER refinishing.
  • Living room wood floor BEFORE refinishing.
  • Living room wood floor AFTER refinishing.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Process

Refinishing your hardwood floor requires a few steps. First, we sand off the top layer of old finish, wax, dirt using a heavy grit sandpaper until all the wear marks and scratches are gone and we see fresh wood again. The sanding process is done with a heavy duty professional grade drum sander. This machine requires an experienced operator or else you risk damage to your floor. Different grades of sandpaper are used, gradually getting to a fine grit. A 2nd machine is also used for screening hardwood floors. This machine looks like a floor buffer you may have seen used in your local supermarket. A fine grit screen is used old wood floor is smooth as silk.

  • wood floor refinishing

After your wood floor is sanded to perfection, we will then apply the stain / sealer of your choice. There are dozens of wood stain colors to choose from. We can even refinish your wood floor to have a bleached, white-washed look.

Once your floor is bleached or stained, we then apply at least 3 coats of a high quality polyurethane finish. The finish can either be water-based with low to no VOC (won't smell while drying) or some prefer an old school oil-based finish. But with today's technology, the water-based polyurethane products are just as hard and tough as the old oil-based floor finishes, so that is what we recommend.

It takes only a day or two to refinish wood floors. However the effort is worth is as your old wood floors will look like new again and stay that way for many years to come. What will it cost to refinish your wood floor? Click here to schedule a FREE ESTIMATE or call: (516) 322-8630

Long Island NY hardwood floor contractor, Joe Palumbo
Joe Palumbo, owner-operator (516) 322-8630

Posted in Hardwood Flooring Tips

Posted on June 7, 2019

Install Prefinished Wood Floors

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc, Westbury Long Island NY installs prefinished wood floors. While it might be tempting to install prefinished wood floors yourself, it's not the easiest job for a DIY-er. Each individual wood plank has to lock into the other planks around it with the right tolerance. Too tight and the floors could buckle high humidity causes the planks to swell. Too loose and you have gaps, even more pronounced when dry spells cause the floor planks to shrink. We're not saying any of this is rocket science. You can DIY prefinished wood floors. But it is also a back-breaking job, leaning over and being on your knees all day.

I had one customer tell me recently he chose our company to install his floors because he knew when it was worth doing it himself and when it was smarter to hire a contractor. This client was a former carpenter who flipped a few houses. He knew there was more to installing a prefinished wood floor than most people realized. So he hired us and said at the end of the job that what we did in one day would have taken him three days and he probably wouldn't have done as neat a job. Anyway, here are some photos of a prefinished wood floor we installed recently at a house in Old Westbury, Long Island NY.

  • prefinished-wood-floor-install-Long-Island

If you need to install prefinished wood floors in a home or business on Long Island, please call Joe for a fast, friendly estimate: (516) 322-8630 

We work extremely hard to please each and every one of our customers. Currently, we have 73 reviews on Google that are all 5-star ratings. We promise to give you the same meticulous service.

We install prefinished wood floors

Call Joe: 516-322-8630

Posted in Hardwood Floor Installation, Install prefinished wood floorsTagged install, installation, installer, prefinished, wood floor

Posted on June 5, 2018

Refinish old hardwood floors

Did you know you can refinish old hardwood floors back to looking like new?  Before you think your wood floors are too beat up and old to be repaired, please call me, Joe - 516-322-8630 - so I can inspect them to see if they can be restored. Below are Before & After photos of a job we did last week in Nassau County.

  • hardwood-floor-refinishers-LI-Long-Island-NY-1a
    Old hardwood floor
  • hardwood-floor-refinishers-LI-Long-Island-NY-2a
    Old hardwood floor
  • hardwood-floor-refinishers-LI-Long-Island-NY-3a
    Old hardwood floor
  • hardwood-floor-refinishers-LI-Long-Island-NY-4a
    Restored hardwood floor
  • hardwood-floor-refinishers-LI-Long-Island-NY-5a
    Restored hardwood floor
  • Restored hardwood floor

(516) 322-8630

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc. Long Island, NY
We specialize in bringing old hardwood floors back to life.

Now that you see how beautiful a new finish can look on old hardwood floors, compare the costs to remove and replace an old wood floor with new hardwood boards.  Use the list below to itemize your price quotes.

  1. HARDWOOD FLOOR COST - New wood floors price per square foot.  Add 10% for waste (cut ends).
  2. HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION - Labor cost to install new wood floors.
  3. HARDWOOD FLOOR MATERIALS - Underlayment, fasteners/nails, sealer, surface coats.
  4. HARDWOOD FLOOR EQUIPMENT -- USE - Pneumatic nail gun, Belt Sander, Edge Sander, Buffer.
  5. OLD HARDWOOD FLOOR REMOVAL - Typically a day's labor - two men, cost per hour.
  6. OLD WOOD & DEBRIS DISPOSAL - Time and cost to transport and dump waste material in landfill.

Once you get your price quotes on the above line-items, compare it to the cost of refinishing your old hardwood floors.  If your floors can be sanded again, this might be a good option for your wallet and also good for the environment.  Why throw away good hardwood floors in a landfill and cut down more trees when we might be able to restore your home's original hardwood floors?

Free Estimate Hardwood Floor cost Long Island NY

Of course we would have to inspect your wood floors to see how many times they have been sanded down and refinished.  Call us at 516-322-8630 for a fast, free estimate.  Or if you prefer, use our online FREE ESTIMATE form by clicking over to this page.

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc. hardwood flooring company, Long Island NY
Joe Palumbo, owner / operator, Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc. Long Island, NY

Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc. is located in Westbury, New York and services hardwood floors in Nassau County and western Suffolk County. We have refinished wood floors in Garden City, Old Westbury, New Hyde Park, Williston Park, Carle Place, Roslyn, Flower Hill, Manhasset, Port Washington, Sands Point, Manorhaven, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Great Neck, Kings Point, Lake Success, Saddle Rock, Locust Valley, Lattingtown, Bayville, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay, Centre Island, Cove Neck, Matinecock, Brookville, Muttontown, Syosset, Jericho, Laurel Hollow, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Huntington, West Hills, Melville, Bethpage, Plainview, Farmingdale, Wheatley Heights, Dix Hills, Greenlawn, Centerport, Northport, Asharoken, Commack and many more town on Long Island.

Posted in Hardwood Floor repair, Refinish old hardwood floorsTagged LI, Long Island hardwood floor refinishers, Long Island Wood Floor Contractors, Nassau County Hardwood Flooring Contractor, Refinish old hardwood floors

Posted on September 25, 2017

Screening vs. Sanding Hardwood Floors

A common question we get asked is about "screening" vs. "sanding hardwood floors.  Here is the basic difference:

SCREENING HARDWOOD FLOORS

If your hardwood floors are in good shape with no deep scratches, dings, dents or warped boards and they are just lacking the shine and luster you see in new wood floors then a "Screen & Shine" or "Buff & Coat" job might be what you need.  A hardwood floor screening machine is quite similar to what you may have seen being used in your supermarket to clean and buff linoleum or vinyl floors.

Hardwood-floor-screening-bufer-machine-Long-Island-NY
Hardwood Floor Screening / Buffing Machine.

The buffer machine uses a large, circular soft pad with sandpaper "screen" discs on it to lightly and gently take off and the top coat finish and buff the wood floors in preparation for a new finish coat(s). Having your wood floors screened instead of sanded is a quick, cost-effective way to get them to shine and look like new again.

If you think your wood floors are in fairly good shape and just need to be cleaned and shined, call JOE PALUMBO at: (516) 322-8630.  Located in Westbury, NY, Joe will come over and give you a fast, free estimate and let you know if your wood floors can be brought back to looking new with a "Screen & Shine" job. 

Long Island NY hardwood floor contractor, Joe Palumbo
Joe Palumbo, owner-operator (516) 322-8630

SANDING HARDWOOD FLOORS

Hardwood-floor-sanding-professional-contractor-Long-Island-NY
A hardwood floor belt sanding maching like this one costs about $5,000 and is not a machine for a Do It Yourselfer!

Sanding hardwood floors uses a heavy duty belt sanding machine also called a Drum Sander. This machine sands the top of your hardwood floors down far enough to remove all scratches and imperfections and makes them perfectly flat and smooth like newly milled wood again.  This is what most wood floors need if they have not been refinished in years and/or have been damaged, dinged and scratched from heavy traffic and wear.  If you have deep scratches on your hardwood floors, perhaps where someone moved heavy furniture across it, this is a situation where you want your wood floors sanded.

Professional Belt Sanding machines for hardwood floors can cost up to $5,000 and are not anything a novice or DIY homeowner wants to try. These machines require experience and skill to operate as the sanding belt is very aggressive and unless you have a "feather" touch you risk having the belt sander burrowing down into the wood and damaging the floors.

We use drum belt-sanders for most of the hardwood floor refinishing jobs we do on Long Island.  Sanding wood floors like this takes the top layer of wood off and brings them down to clean, untarnished wood and makes them look like new again.   The way the process works is the hardwood floor belt sander operator goes over the wood floors several times with this machine, using progressively finer sandpaper on the belt.  It is absolutely vital that an aggressive drum sanding machine such as this be kept moving! If you also the sanding belt to stay in the same spot it will burrow deep ridges into your wood floor.  The operator of a hardwood floor drum sander also needs to have the experience and skill to smoothly raise and lower and drum sanding belt each time he or she starts and finishes a "pass" or "run" across the floors. Failure to smoothly raise and lower the drum will result in uneven, bumpy floors that give a "washboard" effect.  Really bad mistakes while operating hardwood floor sanding machines are obvious when they happen but unfortunately the subtle mistakes of a novice only become obvious once a finish coat is put on the floors.  Not the time you want to find out you need to re-sand your floors to get them smoother!  Once you put the finish coat on is when you really see the difference between the skill of an experienced hardwood floor refinisher and an inexperienced DIY-er.

Edge-sanding-maching-hardwood-floors-LI-NY

When we sand hardwood floors with a belt-sander, we also have to use an Edge Sanding Machine because a belt sanding machine can only get so close to the edges of the room.  An Edge Sanding machine allows us to sand right up to the walls and get in small tight places like corners and closets. It uses a disc of sandpaper rotating at high speeds.  Professional edge sanding machines for refinishing hardwood floors can cost up to $2,000 and also require a high level of skill to operate.  The edge sander must be held perfectly level and be kept moving as you edge sand the room or you can risk taking gouges and crescent moon shaped divots in the wood floors.

Let's be clear, we are not trying to scare anyone with this information.  Sometimes, due to limited budgets a capable homeowner will want to refinish hardwood floors themselves.  Just be aware of the issues we are discussing here.  Be careful while using heavy duty sanding machines on hardwood floors.  If you have a balanced, "feather" touch while running them you should be okay.  Just please do not underestimate how quickly they can sand divots into your wood floors!  Take these tips we are providing here, maybe watch some YouTube videos too, and by all means, refinish your hardwood floors yourself.  It's not brain surgery and can be done!

As we work Edge Sanders over wood floors we progressively use finer sandpaper until the surface is smooth and flawless.

Once all the hardwood floors have been gone over with the Drum Belt Sander and the Edge Sander and the whole floor is blended into a silky smooth surface, we introduce the Hardwood Floor SCREENER aka BUFFING MACHINE.  This is the final step in getting hardwood floors prepared for top finish coats of water or oil based polyurethane.  A buffing machine uses progressively finer sanding screens until it is sanded as well as fine furniture might be.

Hardwood-floor-screening-machine-sandpaper-LI-NY
Wood floor screens for a buffer machine.

Once your hardwood floor refinisher is satisfied that the wood floors are sanded properly, the finish coats start to go on.  The first coat is a WOOD SEALER. This will always bring up the grain of the wood and your floors will no longer look as smooth as they were.  Do not panic.  This is supposed to happen.

Refinishing Hardwood floors long island NY

It is necessary to SCREEN the floors again and CUT THE GRAIN off to prepare the wood for the finish coats of water or oil based Polyurethane.  If all the above steps were done properly, including careful and thoroughly vacuuming all dust before laying on finish coats of polyurethane, then your floor should be looking as beautiful as new in the end.

Posted in Clean Hardwood Floors, Hardwood Flooring TipsTagged Cheap hardwood floor refinishing, Discount wood floor refinishers, hardwood floor contractor, Hardwood floor sanding, hardwood floor screening, Long Island, NY, Screen & Shine

Posted on August 25, 2016

Cheap Bargain Hardwood Floor Refinishers

Searching for "cheap hardwood floor refinishers?

You get what you pay for, right?  With that being said, we will give you the best value and quality hardwood floor refinishing for your money.  Here is why:

Some people searching for cheap hardwood floor refinishers only focus on the cost per square foot or the overall cost of the hardwood flooring refinishing job.  At Advanced Hardwood Flooring Long Island NY we are honestly not trying to charge more than the fair and reasonable cost for hardwood floor refinishing jobs.  We have been refinishing wood floors for 70+ years (3rd generation family owned and operated).  So we know what it costs to do a wood floor job the RIGHT WAY.  We do every wood floor job as if it were in our own home or family or friends' home.

Unfortunately, we are called too many times to repair hardwood floors that another wood floor contractor messed up.  We are not trying to use scare tactics to sell you.  Look at the photos below.  We recently took them at a home we were called out to give an estimate to fix this botched job.  See all the dips and divots?  They are the darker lines you see in the photo...

hardwood floor refinishing cheap job

The dips and divots in the floor above were created by an un-experienced or careless wood floor contractor during the floor sanding process.  The sanding machines professional wood floor contractors use for hardwood floors are powerful and can do a great deal of damage in the wrong hands, sometimes even ruining the wood floors beyond repair.

sanding-wood-floors-NY-Long-Island

Take a look at a hardwood floor sander in this photo.  It has a powerful motor than spins a sandpaper belt at high speeds.  If you are not moving the sander across the floor at a steady, even pace you will get an uneven floor.  If the operator pauses in place for even a split-second, the floor will get divots worn into the wood.  If a wood floor contractor is doing a rush job to save time and money, your floor will not have that smooth, seamless shine that is expected on hardwood floors.  Each pass of the belt sander should move smoothly, at a steady and slow pace, across the entire length of the floor, and in the same direction as the floor boards and grain of the wood is.  You just can't rush this.  Well, you could, which is when you end up with wood floors that look like this unsightly, embarrassing mess in the photo below.  Not only is this nightmare of a floor riddled with divots (you can clearly see where the belt sander rested too long in spots), this floor also shows us that the operator was moving the sanding machine across the grain.  Yikes!  Look at all the lines diagonal to the wood planks.

hardwood floor refinishing cheapest contractor
This wood floor is laden with divots from a careless hardwood floor contractor.

Think all wood floor refinishers do the same quality job?  Think again.  Wood floor sanding requires a delicate and experienced touch.  And there are several stages to the process that need to be done right or your floors will never look good.  The proper way to sand down wood floors is to go over them several times, each pass with a finer grade sandpaper, until they are as smooth as a fine piece of furniture.  And it iss a multi-step process.  Once we are done with the Belt Sanding Machine, we switch to an Orbital Sanding Machine (shown in photo below).  This machine is for fine sanding and cutting the grain between coats of varnish.   What does that mean?  Well, when you lay the first coat of sealer on freshly sanded hardwood floors, the tiny wood fibers tend to rise and stick up.

If you don't "cut the grain" off hardwood floors after the first coat of sealer by sanding it with a fine mess screen sandpaper on an orbital sander, you will never get that smooth as glass look.  Your hardwood floors will be rough and look something like this in the photo below...

hardwood floor refinishing cheap company
This wood floor contractor skipped a step to save time and money. They failed to "cut the grain" between coats of floor finish.

Fortunately, we were able to restore the damaged wood floors in this home and repair them back to new.  But it cost this homeowner not only the extra cost for us to fix it but the TIME, TROUBLE and aggravation.

If you hire the right hardwood flooring contractor, guys who have experience and care, who take pride in their work like we do, when the coats of varnish are put down on your floor it should look something like this...

refinishing-hardwood-floors-NY-NassauCounty-LI

And between each and every step, painstaking efforts are done to keep dust particles from mixing in with the varnish.  This takes time.  This takes lots of careful cleaning with tact clothes and vacuums.  This also often requires to turn off the air conditioner and fans so dust particles do not float and land on the varnish before it dries.  This often requires us to work in hot, stuffy rooms with still air.  But, this is what you have to do to get a hardwood floor finished properly.   If everything is done carefully and correctly, your hardwood floors will end up like this...

Hardwood floor job done right

If done properly, your hardwood floors should last 10 years of more without ever a care or worry.  So, please, when you are searching for an estimate for hardwood floor refinishing, make sure you compare apples to apples.  Make sure they contractor's estimate tells you the following:

Hardwood floor estimate checklist

  • What kind of machines will they use to sand down your wood floors with?
  • How experienced is the operator?
  • How many coats of varnish will they use?
  • Will they do any sanding between coats to "cut the grain"?
  • Will they be carefully cleaning before and after all coats of varnish to minimize dust?
  • Will they be turning off Air Conditioner, heater, or fans to minimize dust during wet coat applications?

You should also ask to see photos of their work.  Good luck and well wishes to all of you who are searching for a discount hardwood floor contractor.  We believe our company offers the most QUALITY and VALUE for the cost because we know we care enough to do all our hardwood floor refinishing jobs as if they were our own floors.  Advanced Hardwood Flooring, Inc, located in Westbury Long Island NY proudly services Nassau County and Western Suffolk County, New York.

Posted in Clean Hardwood Floors, Hardwood Floor repair, Hardwood Flooring TipsTagged bargain hardwood floor job, Cheap hardwood floor refinishing, cheapest hardwood floor contractor, Discount wood floor refinishers

Posted on May 26, 2015

Lumber Liquidators CEO Quits!

Lumber Liquidators CEO Robert Lynch quit the company abruptly.  Shares of their stock dropped 16 more points after the news.  Lumber Liquidators said Lynch resigned "unexpectedly" but did not provide details.

Earlier this month, Lumber Liquidators stopped the sale of all laminate wood flooring from China after disclosing the US Justice Department is seeking criminal charges against it.

Robert Lynch was the CEO since January 2012.  Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc. said that its founder, Thomas Sullivan, will take over as acting CEO while the company searches for a replacement.

CBS new program "60 Minutes" reported in March 2015 that Lumber Liquidators was selling Chinese-made laminate wood flooring that contained high levels of the carcinogen formaldehyde.

If you believe you have hardwood laminate wood flooring in your home or business that may contain toxic levels of carcinogens, please get your floor tested.  Testing of laminate flooring is done by Advanced Hardwood Flooring on Long Island and the surrounding New York NYC metropolitan area.

Please call us for a test kit.

Call us NOW!

(516) 322-8630

formaldehyde-danger-toxic-wood-floors

Posted in Formaldehyde, Lumber Liquidators, Toxic Hardwood flooringTagged Formaldehyde, Lumber Liquidators

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Fast, Free Hardwood Flooring Cost Estimates - LI

We offer free estimates to install, repair and restore and refinishing hardwood flooring on Long Island, NY. (516) 322-8630

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Toxic Hardwood Floor Testing. If you think you may have flooring installed that contains unacceptable levels of Formaldehyde as discussed on CBS 60 Minutes expose, please contact us. We provide cost-effective testing of hardwood flooring.

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We refinish hardwood flooring on Long Island, New York. (516) 322-8630

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Hardwood Floor Installation - LI

We install all types of wood flooring, including unfinished hardwood flooring, prefinished, laminate wood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring on Long Island, New York. (516) 322-8630

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Long Island Hardwood Floor Specialists - Install, Repair, Restore, Refinish

Based in Westbury NY, Nassau County, Long Island, NY - (516) 322-8630 - Joe Palumbo, owner-operator, comes from the 3rd generation of the Palumbo Family who has been providing quality hardwood floor services for 70+ years. We install hardwood floors, repair hardwood floors, restore hardwood floors and refinish hard wood floors in residential homes, retail stores, restaurants, catering halls, gym and spas, dance floors and commercial buildings. Serving Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh, Massapequa, Baldwin, Oceanside, Rockville Center, East Meadow, Freeport, Woodmere, Hewlett, Lawrence, Westbury, Garden City, Mineola, Levittown, Hempstead, Hicksville, Albertson, Plainview, Malverne, Lake Success, Kings Point, Sands Point, Manhasset, Roslyn, Great Neck, Glen Cove, Plandome, Brookville, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay, Bayville, Centre Island, Port Washington, Huntington, Woodbury, Syosset, Farmingdale, Bethpage, and all areas of Nassau and western Suffolk County Long Island. (516) 322-8630

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Long Island's best hardwood flooring contractors serving Westbury, Garden City, Mineola, Glen Cove, Roslyn, Great Neck, Port Washington, Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, Baldwin, Oceanside, East Rockaway, Rockville Center, Woodmere, Cedarhurst,Hewlett and many more fine towns on Long Island New York NY, Call: (516) 322-8630

Long Island Hardwood Floor Specialists – Install, Repair, Restore, Refinish

Based in Westbury NY, Nassau County, Long Island, NY - (516) 322-8630 - Joe Palumbo, owner-operator, comes from the 3rd generation of the Palumbo Family who has been providing quality hardwood floor services for 70+ years.

We install hardwood floors, repair hardwood floors, restore hardwood floors and refinish hard wood floors in residential homes, retail stores, restaurants, catering halls, gym and spas, dance floors and commercial buildings.

Serving Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh, Massapequa, Baldwin, Oceanside, Rockville Center, East Meadow, Freeport, Woodmere, Hewlett, Lawrence, Westbury, Garden City, Mineola, Levittown, Hempstead, Hicksville, Albertson, Plainview, Malverne, Lake Success, Kings Point, Sands Point, Manhasset, Roslyn, Great Neck, Glen Cove, Plandome, Brookville, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay, Bayville, Centre Island, Port Washington, Huntington, Woodbury, Syosset, Farmingdale, Bethpage, and all areas of Nassau and western Suffolk County Long Island. (516) 322-8630

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