Flooring Refinish Issue

7 years ago

Had hardwoods refinished and upon completion I appear to have "chatter". My contractor informed me of this term after I raised concern of ripples in the floor. They are coming back to review further prior to any future action being taken. From some quick research it appears this "chatter" is not typical and likely a result of errors during the sanding process? Is the only option to have this entire project redone? Anyone else go through this and what recourse did you take with your contractor?

Photos below - are we being overly analytical? Noticeable on any light reflection, natural or non. Such a large investment of money and time not be satisfied with the results I feel. Just looking for some ideas from people who know this better than me. I know some want the "worn" look but this is just even ripples perpendicular everywhere and not part of the wood grain at all. Anytime there is a light reflection you see it throughout.

Featured Answer

PRO

G & S Floor Service

7 years ago

These dish outs can be caused from skipping too many grits, worn sand paper, not sanding on a slight angle ( 7-15 degrees) and a poor final sanding process.

Someone with a Trio, Power Drive or similar type of sanders can easily re-sand these floors with minimal stock removal (1/32). These contractor's prices are usually higher, because the sanding supplies cost more. And it takes additional time to get the floors flat and free of marks. The end result is much, much better.

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Comments (6)

Home4Here
7 years ago
We had our floors done about 4 weeks ago and they look beautiful, but we have the same 'ripples'. I can live with it but only because we just finished a full kitchen reno and I'm exhausted. (and Xmas is around the corner) If you are really unhappy though, I would voice my concerns and see what can be done to remedy it. At no extra cost. They do the job and walk away, it's you that has to live with it. Best of luck.
blondelle
7 years ago
I would just request a hefty discount and call it a day!
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Lyndee Lee
7 years ago
You are not being too analytical! That sanding job is very poor and I can't believe the floor guys or GC would think this is OK. Unfortunately, the only true fix is a redo which will shorten the life of your floors.
PRO
Johnson Flooring Co Inc
7 years ago
Chatter marks are more uniform and generally closer together as they are a result of a machine issue. You have waves, dish-out and start/stop marks. I'm generally a bit more reasonable than some people here, but your floor sander did a terrible job. Whoever ran the big machine did a very poor job. It would have to be done over to fix these issues.
SJ McCarthy
7 years ago
When you say contractor, do you mean a GENERAL contractor or an independent wood flooring contractor?

And as Johnson Flooring Co. points out, because the dishing is UNDERNEATH the finish, you would have to sand all the way down to the problem (which is the wood) to fix this. I would find out how "professional" the person doing your floors is. If this is a general contractor telling one of his 'boys' (or girls) to hop on the sander and "getter done" then this is the level of work you can expect. If this is from a reputable hardwood flooring company that ONLY DOES hardwood, then they have plenty of 'splainin' to do.

Either way, you need a full sand/refinish to get rid of the dishing. Only you can decide if this is worth it to have it redone. Some people are very happy with money in the bank after a renovation. Others are not. Only you can decide which one you can live with.