Can You Sand Engineered Wood Flooring
image Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Can You Sand Engineered Wood Flooring?

Understanding Engineered Wood Flooring

Before diving into the intricacies of sanding engineered wood flooring, it’s crucial to understand what sets it apart from traditional hardwood. Engineered wood floors comprise multiple layers, with a veneer of real wood on the top. This construction enhances stability and resistance to environmental changes, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

 

 

The Possibility of Sanding Engineered Wood Floors

Evaluating the Thickness of the Top Layer

The key factor in determining whether you can sand engineered wood flooring is the thickness of the top hardwood layer. Floors with a thicker veneer can often be sanded and refinished multiple times, much like solid hardwood. However, if the veneer is too thin, sanding is not advisable as it could damage the flooring beyond repair.

The Role of Professional Assessment

Given the complexity of this task, seeking professional advice is paramount. Experts at Silver Lining Floor Care can assess your engineered flooring to determine if sanding is a viable option. Our team has the expertise to evaluate the condition of your floor and recommend the best course of action.

The Sanding Process: What to Expect

If your engineered wood flooring is deemed suitable for sanding, here’s what the process entails:

Preparation and Sanding

Our team begins with a thorough assessment, ensuring the floor is clean and free of any fixtures that might impede the sanding process. Using specialized equipment, we carefully sand the top layer of the wood, removing scratches, dents, and old finish.

Refinishing for a New Look

After sanding, you have the opportunity to refinish your floor. This step not only enhances the floor’s appearance but also provides an added layer of protection. From natural looks to darker stains, refinishing can transform your space entirely.

The Benefits of Sanding Engineered Wood Flooring

Sanding engineered wood floors can revive your space, making floors look brand new. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to complete floor replacement, reducing waste and extending the life of your flooring. Additionally, it’s a cost-effective solution to improve your home’s aesthetics and value. Above all we recommend maintaining your floors so they can last much longer.

Final Thoughts: Is Sanding Right for Your Engineered Wood Flooring?

“Sanding engineered wood flooring” is a question with a nuanced answer. It depends on several factors, including the thickness of the veneer and the floor’s overall condition. At Silver Lining Floor Care, we’re committed to providing you with the information and services needed to make informed decisions about your flooring.

For more insights and professional flooring solutions, visit our home page. Our experts are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your engineered wood flooring remains a lasting and beautiful component of your home.

contat uș

Advise for floor cleaning, Blog, wood floors
, , , ,
0
Floor Sanding and Polishing. Knowing the Right Time
image Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Floor Sanding and Polishing: Knowing the Right Time

Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the essential process of floor sanding and polishing, and importantly, when it’s time to undertake this task for your wooden floors. At Silver Lining Floor Care, we understand the importance of maintaining the beauty and durability of your wooden floors, which is why we’re here to guide you through understanding when and why floor sanding and polishing are necessary.

 

 

Understanding Floor Sanding and Polishing

Floor sanding is the process of removing the old finish and any imperfections from your wooden floor using specialized machinery, such as belt sanders. This process is crucial for preparing the wood for a new finish, ensuring it’s perfectly smooth and ready to be treated.

Polishing, or buffing, often follows sanding. It involves using higher grades of sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. However, polishing can also refer to a maintenance cleaning process for floors that don’t necessarily need full sanding. This approach, known as ‘buff and coat,’ can enhance the appearance of your floor, although it won’t remove deep scratches.

The Importance of Timely Maintenance

One common misconception is that polishing is only a deep cleaning process. While it’s true that floors can appear dull after deep cleaning and might require an extra coat of lacquer or oil, timely maintenance is critical. Just like dental hygiene, where you wouldn’t wait for your teeth to show signs of neglect before cleaning them, your wooden floors shouldn’t be left until they’re visibly worn or damaged. Postponing maintenance can lead to irreversible damage, making more intensive and costly procedures like full sanding inevitable.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Floor Care

The protective layer on your wooden floors is there to prevent moisture absorption. Without it, wood can darken and deteriorate quickly. Moreover, with the prevalence of engineered wood planks, there’s a limit to how many times your floor can be sanded before needing replacement. Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your floors and keeping them looking their best.

Silver Lining Floor Care: Your Partner in Floor Maintenance

Choosing us for your floor care needs means you’ll never have to worry about remembering to maintain your floors. Once we’ve completed a job, we’ll add you to our 6-month reminder list for DIY maintenance, ensuring your floors remain in top condition year-round.

In conclusion, understanding the importance of timely floor sanding and polishing is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your wooden floors. Whether it’s full sand and polish or a simple buff and coat, these procedures protect your floors from damage and keep them looking their best. Remember, regular maintenance is far less costly than delaying care until problems become apparent. Trust Silver Lining Floor Care to keep your floors shining bright, and feel free to reach out for any advice or services you might need to keep your wooden floors in pristine condition.

contat uș

Advise for floor cleaning, Blog, wood floors
, , , ,
0
how much floor renovation cost
image Post
Written by Marta Nowak

How much wood floor renovation cost?

Arriving at the right answer to this question is far from simple. Over the years, we’ve dedicated considerable effort to fine-tuning our pricing structure, aiming to make it as transparent and understandable for our clients as possible. At the core of our business, like many others, is the fundamental practice of charging a specific amount of money for the time we invest in our work. Yet, the true value of our service extends beyond mere time spent; it lies in the expertise and skill involved in using the tools of our trade, such as the proverbial hammer. Opting for the cheapest option rarely translates to the best value. In fact, underinvesting can lead to substantial losses, jeopardizing the entire investment. On the other hand, investing a bit more than the bare minimum can safeguard against significant loss, typically resulting in only a minor, more manageable loss if expectations aren’t met. This nuanced approach to understanding value and investment is at the heart of our pricing philosophy, designed to align closely with the real benefits and quality we deliver to our clients.

The Value of Investing in Quality: A Personal Yoga Mat Story

The Decision to Invest

Reflecting on my own experiences, let me share a story from when I began practising yoga several years ago. Initially, I attended yoga sessions 6-7 times weekly without owning a mat, uncertain of what I truly needed. Eventually, I decided to purchase a yoga mat that resonated with me, despite it being among the priciest options available, complete with a lifetime warranty.

A Lesson in Value

During a class discussion about yoga mats, a fellow student advocated for buying the cheapest available mat and simply replacing it as it wore out. In contrast, the mat I chose was 25 times more expensive than the budget-friendly one. This student practised yoga 2-3 times a week and found herself needing a new mat approximately every six months. While the initial performance of these inexpensive mats was adequate, their quality and effectiveness dwindled over time, necessitating frequent replacements. Given my more intensive yoga regimen, I would have needed to replace a cheaper mat every three months. Now, five years later, I still use the high-quality mat I initially invested in. Had I followed her approach, I would likely have spent an equivalent amount of money by now, yet without the lasting quality and benefits.

Flooring as an Investment

This tale underscores the importance of viewing expenditures on items like flooring not just as costs but as significant investments. Flooring is arguably the largest piece of “furniture” in your home, integral to its overall decor and ambience. In the long run, investing in high-quality flooring or flooring restoration is akin to making the third most substantial investment in your life, following your home and car.

Understanding Floor Sanding: More Than Just Equipment

The Misconception of Simplicity

Floor sanding might appear straightforward with modern, sophisticated equipment seemingly doing all the hard work. However, the truth extends beyond merely possessing the tools. The art lies in knowing which tool to use in a given situation and mastering its application.

Assessing Your Wood Floor

Identifying the Type of Wood

Before beginning any sanding project, it’s crucial to understand the type of wood you’re dealing with. Is it a well-maintained oak parquet floor with stable humidity levels, or are you facing wet pine floorboards concealed under layers of paint or tar? The condition and type of your wood floor significantly influence the approach and techniques used in the sanding process, often revealing surprises once the surface coating is removed.

Tailoring Pricing to the Project: Beyond Square Meterage

The Limitations of Per Square Meter Pricing

At our core, we strive for fairness and transparency in our pricing model. Charging by the square meter can often lead to inconsistencies and unfair pricing—for example, completing 30 square meters in one day compared to spending three days on a 10 square meter room. This variability makes a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy impractical and not reflective of the actual work involved.

Developing a Comprehensive Pricing Model

To address these challenges, we’ve developed a detailed pricing spreadsheet that takes a wide range of variables into account. This includes the type of wood, the total size of the area, the specific layout of the floor, the current condition of the wood, any necessary repairs that are immediately visible, the humidity levels of the environment, and the location of the project. Furthermore, we consider the timing of the job, including whether it needs to be done after hours, over weekends, or during normal business hours, and estimate how long the project will take and the number of people required to complete it efficiently.

A Holistic View of Project Costs

This meticulous approach allows us to form a more accurate picture of the project’s cost, ensuring that we can transform any wood floor into a stunning part of a client’s home. It’s essential that both we and our clients are satisfied with the end result, and this satisfaction begins with transparent and fair pricing. By keeping the desired outcome in focus throughout the entire process, from the initial assessment to the final touches, we ensure that every aspect of the job is done with precision and care. This model not only reflects the true value of our work but also builds trust with our clients, demonstrating our commitment to fairness and quality in every project we undertake.

Setting Clear Business Goals: The Foundation of Success

The Challenge of Undefined Objectives

Many businesses navigate the market without clear goals or a deep understanding of their financial metrics. This lack of clarity extends to essential aspects such as gross profit, break-even points, and the cost of acquiring new clients. Relying on intuition rather than concrete data, these businesses may experience sporadic success, with profitable ventures on one hand and losses on the other. The randomness of such outcomes underlines the importance of a strategic approach grounded in real numbers.

The Importance of Understanding Financial Metrics

A solid grasp of the business’s financial health is crucial. The adage “You can’t beat the math” holds, emphasizing that an empirical understanding of the finances is key to consistent success. By setting goals based on profit margins, businesses can establish a more reliable and predictable pricing strategy for their services.

The Goal: Profit with a Purpose

While profit remains the primary aim, it serves a larger purpose than merely increasing revenue. The ultimate goal is to enhance client satisfaction by providing services that not only meet but exceed expectations, thereby offering clients long-term savings and, most importantly, peace of mind. This philosophy extends beyond the financial aspect, reflecting a commitment to adding value to clients’ lives.

Elevating Client Experience Through Expertise

In the context of our floor maintenance services, our aim is to relieve clients of the burden of upkeep. By taking on the responsibility of maintaining the condition of your floors, we enable you to allocate your time and energy to other important aspects of your life or business. This approach not only illustrates our dedication to excellence but also solidifies our role as a trusted partner in maintaining the aesthetic and functional quality of your space.

Conclusion: Beyond Numbers to Peace of Mind

Understanding our financial health is essential for our success. The saying “You can’t beat the math” rings true for us, highlighting the importance of a thorough and empirical understanding of our financial situation. By establishing goals anchored in our profit margins, we’ve been able to create a pricing strategy for our services that is both reliable and predictable.

Transform Your Floors: Start with a Detailed Estimate

Ready to see your floors transformed? Reach out to us with as much detail as you can provide about your flooring needs, whether it’s sanding, cleaning, or anything in between. The more information you share, the more precise our estimate will be, ensuring we tailor the best possible solution for you. In some cases, a visit may be necessary to fully understand the scope of your project. Let’s work together to bring out the best in your floors!

contat uș

Blog
0
cleaning terracotta tiles
image Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Cleaning Terracotta Tiles

Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Terracotta Tiles:

Maintain Their Natural Beauty

Terracotta tiles, with their distinctive warm and earthy tones, add a unique charm to any space they adorn. However, to ensure these tiles retain their appeal over the years, a dedicated cleaning and maintenance regime is essential. This guide dives into the best practices for cleaning terracotta tiles, emphasizing techniques that safeguard their porous nature while enhancing their inherent beauty.

 

Essential Steps for Cleaning Terracotta Tiles

The cornerstone of terracotta tile upkeep is a consistent cleaning routine coupled with proper sealing. When attended to regularly, cleaning terracotta floors may only require a minimal reapplication of sealer—often just one or two coats. This not only keeps the process straightforward but also crucially maintains the tiles’ resistance against moisture and grime.

Tackling the Challenges of Terracotta Tile Restoration

Delaying regular cleaning can lead to a more daunting task—complete restoration. This process can involve stripping the old sealer, a step that demands considerable effort and preparation. Once the old sealer is removed, and the tiles are deep cleaned, an extended period is necessary for the tiles to dry thoroughly. Afterwards, applying three to six coats of sealer ensures the tiles are adequately protected once again.

The Role of Dry Soil Removal and Coir Mats in Cleaning Terracotta Floors

A pivotal, yet often underestimated, aspect of maintaining terracotta tiles is effective dry soil removal. Since dry soil can act as an abrasive and degrade the sealer over time, removing it regularly through vacuuming or sweeping is crucial. Additionally, employing coir mats at entryways dramatically reduces the ingress of dirt and moisture, effectively preventing potential damage to the tiles. Implementing these strategies significantly contributes to the longevity and aesthetic of terracotta tiles by minimizing wear and tear.

Consistent Care for Terracotta Tiles’ Long-Lasting Beauty

Adopting a routine of diligent cleaning, strategic sealing, effective dry soil management, and the use of coir mats at entrances ensures the lasting beauty and durability of terracotta tiles. Such meticulous care not only preserves the visual appeal of your flooring but also safeguards your investment in your home’s aesthetics.

Silver Lining Floor Care specializes in the expert cleaning and maintenance of terracotta tiles, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to keeping your floors in pristine condition. Discover how our expertise in terracotta tile care can help maintain the natural allure and integrity of your flooring.

contat uș

Advise for floor cleaning, Blog, Stone
,
0
Oil or lacquer
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Oil or Lacquer – what is the best option for me?

Oil or Lacquer – Which Floor Finish Suits You Best?

In the world of floor finishes, the choice often boils down to oil-based versus water-based lacquer. Both options come with unique benefits, tailored to different preferences and needs. This blog explores these differences, guiding you to the ideal choice for your floor.

The Aesthetic Factor: A Personal Decision

The look of your floor is a personal statement. While oil-based finishes offer a deep, natural charm, enhancing the wood’s grain and character, water-based lacquers provide a modern, sleek appearance. It’s not about labelling one as better than the other; it’s about what resonates with you.

Performance: Quality Matters

When it comes to performance, the brand and quality of the finish play a crucial role. High-quality brands like Pallmann ensure that whichever finish you choose, you’re picking a winner.

Water-Based Lacquers: Balancing Performance and Aesthetics

Water-based lacquers are evolving in the world of floor finishes, offering a delicate balance between durability and aesthetic appeal. Unlike the older alcohol-based lacquers, modern water-based options have significantly improved in both performance and appearance.

Application Process: Precision and Patience

The application of water-based lacquers requires attention to detail and time. Typically, it involves a coat of primer followed by two coats of lacquer. This process demands patience, especially in occupied spaces, as each coat needs sufficient drying time. It’s not just about applying the finish; it’s about allowing each layer to properly settle and cure for optimal results.

Misconceptions and Realities

There’s a common misconception that water-based lacquers dry quickly and leave a plastic sheen. However, this isn’t the case with newer formulations. These lacquers have been refined to provide a finish that’s both hardy and visually appealing. The key is in the application – too many layers or overly thick coats can lead to an undesired plastic-like appearance.

The Hardness-Elasticity Spectrum

In the realm of lacquers, it’s not just about achieving maximum hardness. What’s crucial is finding the perfect harmony between hardness and elasticity. Imagine a glass floor – incredibly hard but prone to shattering. On the other hand, a cartoon-like material might never break but will dent with ease. Water-based lacquers aim to hit that sweet spot: resilient enough to resist dents and scratches, yet flexible enough to absorb impacts without cracking.

The Verdict on Water-Based Lacquers

In conclusion, water-based lacquers are a testament to the advancements in flooring technology, offering a solution that is both durable and elegant. Their application might require more time and care, but the end result is a floor finish that strikes a beautiful balance between toughness and visual appeal. When applied correctly, they provide a finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood without the drawbacks of older lacquer formulations. Aftercare is crucial to increase the life span of your lacquer floor.

Oil Finishes: Enhancing Wood’s Natural Beauty with Precision

Oil finishing is more than just a floor treatment; it’s an art that accentuates the natural allure of wood. Recognized as a premium service, it demands exceptional sanding quality, as the oil not only enhances the wood’s beauty but also magnifies any imperfections in the sanding process.

The Mastery of Application

At the heart of our approach is the use of two-component oils, ensuring a finish that is not just visually stunning but also remarkably durable. The philosophy behind oil finishes is longevity; with proper maintenance, it’s conceivable that your floors may never need sanding again. This aspect makes oil finishing an attractive choice, even more so for smaller projects.

The Efficiency in Smaller Jobs

In contrast to lacquer finishes that require idle time between coats, oil application is more streamlined. This efficiency is particularly advantageous in smaller jobs, where the entire floor can be saturated with oil in a single, continuous process. The lack of downtime between applications significantly speeds up the completion.

Essential Steps for Flawless Finish

Before applying the oil, the floor must undergo a water-popping process. This crucial step ensures even absorption across the entire surface. The first coat of oil is allowed to rest on the wood for approximately 15 minutes, promoting deep penetration. A subsequent coat ensures the wood is fully saturated. Any surplus oil is then meticulously wiped off, leaving a perfectly even finish.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the unique advantages of an oil finish is its adaptability. Should your style preferences change over time, transforming an oiled floor to a lacquered one is achievable with the use of a specialized bonding agent. However, it’s important to note that the reverse—from lacquer to oil—is not as straightforward and typically requires full sanding.

Embracing the Essence of Wood

Opting for an oil finish is not just choosing a flooring treatment; it’s embracing the essence of the wood itself. It’s a commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural character of your floors, ensuring they remain a timeless and cherished feature of your home.

Environmental Considerations

The shift towards environmentally friendly products is evident in the flooring industry. Water-based lacquers, especially low-VOC options like Pall-X Zero, are leading this change, offering sustainable beauty without compromising quality.

Oil or Lacquer: The Verdict

The decision boils down to personal preference and lifestyle. If a natural, warm look is what you seek, oil finishes are your ally. For a sleek look, water-based lacquer is the way to go. Professional application is key to achieving the best results regardless of your choice.

From Our Experience

As Parkettprofi contractors, we believe in the timeless beauty of oiled floors. They age gracefully, telling stories of the life lived upon them. It’s an eco-friendly choice, minimizing the need for new wood and embracing imperfections as part of the floor’s character.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right floor finish is more than just a functional decision; it reflects your style and values. Whether it’s the natural elegance of oil or the practical beauty of lacquer, the best choice is the one that makes you feel at home.

Contact us at 0203 8076 330 or visit our website to explore how we can transform your floors. Let us help you make a choice that you’ll cherish for years to come.

contact us

Services related to wooden floors we offer:

floor sanding, Wood, wood finishes
0
white washed wood floor
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Whitewashed Wood Floor

Whitewashed wood floor – how to achieve a Scandinavian look?

There is a certain charm to whitewashed Scandinavian wood floors that have been capturing the hearts of homeowners for centuries. While the look is timeless, achieving it can be a little tricky. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between the traditional Scandinavian whitewash technique and more modern methods. We will also talk about how to maintain your wood floor once you have achieved the desired look, and whether soap or sealant is the best option.

What is the Scandinavian look?

If you are considering whitewashing your wood floor, it is important to understand the difference between the traditional Scandinavian method and more modern techniques. The original approach uses a mixture of lime and water, which is applied to the floor with a brush. This method is not as durable as more modern approaches, and it will require more frequent maintenance. Do expect to re-soap your floors every 2 weeks.

Modern approach for white wash effect

Nowadays, there are many different products on the market that can be used to whitewash your wood floor. Pallmann offers a wide range of high-quality sealants that can be used to achieve the desired look. When choosing a product, it is important to consider how often you will need to refresh your floor. For example, if you have a busy household, you may need to re-oil your floor more often than if you live alone.

How to protect your whitewashed wood floor – Oil or Lacquer?

My personal opinion and the best advice to keep a whitewashed wood floor is to lock white pigment under 2 coats of 2k lacquer with additional white pigment built-in. Maintaining the white finish with this option is so much easier. You could decide on 2k white or pure oil which should be all right for light traffic areas like bedrooms.

Once you have chosen the right product for your needs, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. After the full sanding process of your floor, applying too much sealant or soap can damage your wood floor, so it is important to apply the product evenly and in thin layers. Once you have achieved the desired look, it is important to maintain your wood floor properly. Regular sweeping and mopping will help to remove dirt and debris, and Pallmann offers a wide range of cleaning products specifically designed for use on sealed floors.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Whitewashing your wood floor is a great way to achieve the sought-after Scandinavian look. With a little bit of planning and the right products, you can achieve a beautiful finish that will last for years to come. Thanks for reading!

Do you have any questions about whitewashing your wood floor? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!

contact

If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out our other posts on home improvement and decorating ideas! We are always updating our blog with new content, so be sure to check back often! Thanks for reading!

Have a great day! 🙂

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
floor sanding, Uncategorized, Wood, wood finishes, wood floors
, ,
0
dust free wood floor sanding process
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Dust-Free Floor Sanding

How dusty is it?

Dust-free floor sanding stands for its name. Floor sanding is not dusty anymore! It used to be years ago. The development in equipment and Health & Safety Laws evolved and as a result, it formed dust-free floor sanding procedures.

Skill & Knowledge

Knowledge is the key to everything. If unskilled technicians work with good equipment the results are going to be average, which we assume is not what you are looking for. We use state of the art equipment which minimises the amount of dust protecting you, your family and the technicians. Along with high-quality equipment, we have vacuums with HEPA filters connected to the equipment to minimise the amount of dust in the air. All of your floor sanding technicians are Pallmann Parkettprofi approved and have completed at least one Ultimate Floor Sanding Company Training.

Wood dust can hurt your lungs

Wood dust particles can be very fine and due to that fact, they may stay airborne for a very long time. You might have experienced a similar situation when you had some building work at your home. The building dust can stay airborne for even a month if not longer. You don’t want that dust to be in your lungs and your loved ones, do you?

Exposure to dust

You may think that you will be just fine with so little exposure and you might be actually wrong. Devil is in the details! It is a one-time exposure for you. Our technicians do it every day and in the long run for them, it may be critical. So, please protect yourself and others by choosing a dust-free system and make sure the technicians involved in the job are well trained and educated in this matter.

Dust-free floor sanding equipment

Our dust-free floor sanding equipment

Is it 100% Dust Free Sanding?

Although we do our best to prevent any dust in the air, it is not possible yet to remove all of it. Especially when working on the edges and stairs. Our floor sanding system is good enough to work in the commercial environment without any additional protection. We have done some work in high-end shops with the shoes on the shelves. Time limitations and deadlines didn’t really allow us to protect everything, as it was not necessary at all.

We are simply honest with you. We do not try to oversell the greatness of our system and promise you something which is not achievable. Please expect that some of the cleaning work might have to be done after the project, but it is not a massive amount. It can easily fit into your general cleaning schedule and doesn’t require any extra amount of specialised work. If you prefer, we can put you in touch with some cleaning companies in the area as we have a good network with local businesses.

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
Advise for floor cleaning, floor sanding, Wood, wood floors
, , , , ,
0
pine floorboard sanding
image Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Floorboards Sanding DIY

pine with white finish

Pine floorboards sanding

The beauty of the floorboards hidden under

Floorboard sanding has gained significant attention in households across the UK in recent times. Intrigued by this trend, I’ve delved into the intricacies of this transformative process.

The charm of wooden floors graces numerous residences throughout the UK. Often hidden beneath carpets or other coverings, these floors harbor untapped potential waiting to be uncovered.

When carpets are lifted, the typical appearance of a floor is as follows:

Floorboards sanding difficulties 

Uneven floorboard covered in residue.

Sanding pine floorboards presents a challenging task. These surfaces often feature adhesives, nails, screws, staples, and more. Additionally, they can be uneven and marred by various factors like woodworms, plumbers, and electricians. The initial step in floorboard sanding involves levelling the floor and streamlining subsequent sanding phases for improved results. This phase can demand significant time and material resources.

The floorboards are softwood.

As a softwood, pine necessitates a higher quantity of sanding paper compared to hardwoods like oak. Its softer nature leads to quicker paper clogging. Consequently, attaining a refined, smooth finish during the sanding and finishing stages is more challenging, resulting in a lengthier project completion timeframe.

Repairing the floorboards.

Frequently, floorboard sanding projects entail necessary repairs. The challenge lies in the fact that acquiring new pine boards would result in a noticeable disparity when compared to your century-old planks. Instead, opting for reclaimed pine timber of similar age, thickness, and width is crucial. While sources for such timber exist, their availability can be elusive, demanding a dose of patience – perhaps even some yoga or meditation :).

Repair work might encompass board replacement, hole filling, and joist building or replacement. Numerous concealed issues may remain undisclosed during the initial quote visit, often surfacing after repairs commence or heavy machinery is applied to the floor. Restoring old pine floors demands a degree of tolerance. In essence, they were never intended to serve as final flooring but rather subfloors. Even after meticulous repair work, new issues may manifest over time. It’s vital to recognize that these aren’t shortcomings of the repair process, but rather a consequence of the floor’s unknown history and what lies beneath.

Staining & finishing your floorboards

The most common finish of the pine floor is just a natural look, however, if you like it stained, I personally think that the reactive stains from Ciranova look best on pine. Have a look at the Ciranova range here-click, and scroll down to reactive stains. It can be finished with either oil or lacquer.  Although the easiest and the cheapest to work with are solvent-based stains like Morrells. You can also use an oil-based stain like Pall-X 333 range if there aren’t too many imperfections on the floor and the gaps are filled.

Some examples of our work

Pricing floorboard sanding work

Clearly, this task isn’t a simple endeavour, making it challenging to predict every potential obstacle during the floorboard restoration process. Frequently, the floor is concealed beneath carpets, rendering the underlying condition invisible. While carpets are in place, we can provide a preliminary assessment, but please note that we won’t account for floorboard repairs at this stage.

Upon carpet removal, we can thoroughly evaluate the scope of work required and then furnish you with a more accurate quote for your wooden floor’s rejuvenation. Our preference for completing the project involves utilizing top-tier products from Pallmann to achieve a high-quality finish.

Get in touch with us for a free quote

Call back short
Service related to wooden floors we offer:
floor sanding, Wood, wood floors
, , , ,
0
Cost and value
Regular Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Price, Value, Cost, Profit

The true cost of your service

What is the difference between price and cost?

Price

When you look for a service or buy an item, usually the best price is the lowest one. You never think about the true cost. It will leave the most amount of money in your pocket. But will you get what you paid for?

We do not often consider any other costs as the effects of it can be grasped right now. You don’t have money now, you need to buy other stuff now, and the bills need to be paid now. The environment will not suffer from your small decisions. Your health probably won’t be affected by this decision significantly anyway. You are probably not even thinking about it anyway, so your mental health is not affected at all you might think. The 2nd set of costs is important! Not so urgent now, you may think. You can always work on them in the future, at some other point.

Why don’t you take a step back, meditate on it for a while, and look from that perspective? I came to understand that important and urgent issues have a massive impact on what happens now. They can be very important. Think about something would you need to do to improve your relationships, your business, and your health. It is very unlikely that it is urgent, isn’t it?  This might be the very cause of why it needs improvement in the first place. It tends to be the things that are also important but not so urgent. Exercise, mental health, planning holidays, and dreaming in general.

Value

You get what you paid for, don’t you believe it? You can’t get good and cheap, good things aren’t cheap. It is also possible to get poor quality and very expensive – we have all been there and suffered because of our poor choice. Usually, we were uninformed, not fully understood, and rushed. All you really want is value for money, isn’t it? At Silver Lining, we have our values and we want you to make an informed decision when it comes to the restoration of your wood, stone, or carpeted floors.

It is always better to spend a ‘little’ more than you planned as at the most you can lose is just that ‘little’. If you spend a little too less than you should, you will lose everything and yet you will not have the product which does what it is supposed to do. Sometimes, waiting is a better option, this way you are not losing anything, you are just withdrawing your investment.

Cost

Isn’t the cost often called the price? Let’s take a burger as this example. The price of it is £3.99, which is the cost of making this burger. You need a cow to start with, the cow needs to be born, raised, and slaughtered. It drinks around 150L of water daily for around 15 months – that’s the cost to the environment. It eats a lot as well! The grain must be grown to feed it.  grain needs a field, this is why deforestation happens – in order to feed the cow. Then it needs to be slaughtered, packed, shipped, and cooked. So, the cost in this instance is likely to be more than the price you pay of £3.99. We like to pretend to be blind and ignore the true costs.

Profit

In order for any business to be healthy economically, treat the workers fair, treat the planet well, don’t go mental, and serve good value to its customers, it must produce a profit. Otherwise, costs will go up and you will not even notice. Next time you call, the business may not exist anymore as it was not sustainable. Do you often hear the business owner saying that his/her employees are paid more than the owner?

Morale

Consider all the costs and look at the value of the product. if it doesn’t match the price, there is something wrong. It may just be a feeling, or it can be very obvious. Either way, the decision, in the end, is yours and you have to live with its consequences.

 

This actually makes me a hypocrite as sometimes I ignore the true cost. The truth comes in 3 stages – ridicule, violent opposition and acceptance – I am somewhere in between all 3 :).

Blog, Stone, Wood
, , , , , , ,
0
video Post
Written by Silver Lining Floor Care

Looking After Your Oiled Floors

Taking care of your oiled floors is a breeze. Magic Oil, suitable for both residential and commercial environments, brings out the natural beauty of your floor while providing protection against spills and stains. Unlike lacquered floors, scratches on oiled floors add character, and patch repairs are possible. Here’s how to maintain your oiled floor:

  1. Act promptly: Clean up spills and stains immediately to prevent long-term damage. Even the toughest finishes have limits.
  2. Regular cleaning: Use a neutral floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer to clean your floors regularly. Follow the instructions provided in the datasheets.
  3. Extra protection: Periodically, apply magic oil care for an additional layer of protection. Note that spills should still be cleaned up promptly.
  4. Cleaning process: Start by removing dry soil by vacuuming or sweeping. Then, use a high-quality microfiber mop to apply the diluted product and mop the floor. Allow the floor to dry, which should take no longer than 10 minutes.

Why oil in the first place?

Is lacquer better than oil? In the long run, the answer is no. While lacquer may offer slightly better protection initially, it requires full restoration when worn and doesn’t age gracefully. Oiled floors, on the other hand, develop character with scratches. The choice between lacquer and oil also depends on the desired sheen, with lacquer offering a shinier appearance.

  1. It reveals the natural beauty of your floor & brings the grains up and makes your floor look more natural
  2. It also seals the floor & protects it from spills and stains
  3. Scratches on oiled floors add character and become less obvious with maintenance while on lacquered it makes the floor look ugly
  4. A damaged oil floor can be patch repaired while lacquered has to be fully sanded off and redone

It’s worth noting that oil is not suitable for every type of wood, such as bamboo timber.

In terms of health, magic oil is one of the most natural and healthiest products available. It’s a step above having no finish at all, which is not as durable.

How to look after your oiled floor?

While there is no foolproof finish for your floors, it’s important to clean up spills and stains promptly. Just like bulletproof vests are not 100% bulletproof, no floor finish is completely impervious. Regular cleaning with a neutral floor cleaner is recommended, following the manufacturer’s instructions provided in the datasheets.

For added protection, you can use magic oil care periodically. This thin film finish provides an extra layer of defence for your floor. However, it’s crucial to remember that spills should still be cleaned up as soon as possible, regardless of the additional protection.

The frequency of using magic oil care depends on factors like traffic, daily/weekly usage, and maintenance. Areas with higher footfall, such as the kitchen, may require more attention compared to less frequented spaces like the bedroom. Assess the condition of your floor and adjust the usage of magic oil care accordingly.

By practising regular maintenance and attending to spills promptly, you can keep your oiled floors in great shape and ensure their longevity.

How do I clean my oiled floor?

  1. First, remove the dry soil. Either by vacuuming or sweeping.
  2. We recommend that you use a flat, microfibre, good-quality mop.
  3. Spray some diluted Neutral cleaner like Pallmann Clean Neutral on the floor and then mop it, leaving the floor to dry.
    1. Drying times should not take longer than 10 minutes.
  4. You may use Magic Oil Care undiluted or diluted 1:2 with water for extra protection
    1. Leave 1h before walking

You can purchase all the needed products recommended by us.

Just click on the links below and add them to the cart.

  1. Pallmann Flat Microfibre Mop
  2. Pallmann Clean Neutral
  3. Pallmann Clean Strong – for stubborn stains
  4. Magic Oil Care

What about the health factor?

In terms of health, Magic Oil is one of the most natural and healthiest products available. It’s a step above having no finish at all, which is not as durable.

 

 

I hope this gives you all the information you need to look after your floor. If you have any other concerns please do not hesitate to ask the question. Just send us an email at . We may not know the answer, but we are very keen on educating ourselves all the time.

You also might find these articles valuable.

Service related to wooden floors we offer:
floor sanding, Wood, Wood Floors, wood floors
, ,
0
1 2
Free quote