Common Problems with Wooden Floors
Most people who experience dissatisfaction with their flooring are either
- not happy with the quality of the flooring and/or fitting of the floor, or
- not happy with the performance of the floor over time.
Quality of the Flooring or the Fitting of the Floor
If you are unhappy with the quality of the flooring and/or the fitting, first try to resolve the problem with the fitters on the day of fitting. If and you are unable to resolve the problem that way, then call the shop or office and insist that a representative come to listen and see your concerns.
Before they come out to see you, be clear what it is you are unhappy about. Make a list of all the problems that you feel need to be rectified. Make sure you tell them about everything; do not hold some problems back to be bought up at a later date. This kind of procedure, especially on larger jobs, is not uncommon. Most professional hardwood flooring companies will be able to manage the process in such a way that you will experience little or no inconvenience.
Occasionally there will be an impasse. This may be due to genuine concerns on your part and belligerence on the part of the contractor, or it may be due to unrealistic expectations on your part. Whichever it is, it is at this point that things can get ugly if not handled properly. An independent third party is usually the best way to proceed. This should be someone who is
(a) regarded as an expert in hardwood flooring,
(b) agreed on by both parties, and
(c) designated to make a decision that will be considered final and that both parties agree to abide by.
The Performance of the Floor
If you are not happy with the performance of your floor over time, then again your first port of call will be whoever supplied and fitted your floor. If this is the same company, it will make things much easier and you are much more likely to have your concerns answered satisfactorily. Arrange a site visit with the contractor, make sure you have a list of all your concerns and if necessary give the contractor time to get back to you with his or her solutions or recommendations.
Here are some examples of performance related problems that may arise over time:
- the varnish wearing away too quickly
- the boards cupping or bowing
- gaps appearing between the boards
- lifting boards
- discolouration.
Most of the problems are due to either
- poor acclimatisation of the wood
- incorrect fitting
- poor site conditions at time of fitting
- poor maintenance
- poor site conditions after fitting
- or all or some of the above.
A professional hardwood flooring contractor will have records that will show how long the wood was acclimatised for, what the site conditions were like prior to and during fitting and will be able to provide you with exact fitting methods used, which will make diagnosis of the problem much easier. If you are unhappy with the recommendations of your hardwood flooring contractor, then an independent flooring consultant is probably the best way to proceed.