WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE WE GET STARTED
1. Clearing & Protecting Your Space
We recommend that all personal belongings, fragile items, and furniture be removed from the work area before we arrive.
Items such as bi-folding doors, toilets, washers/dryers, fridge, stove, or any other appliance or fixture may need to be removed, depending on the project scope. Therefore, it is the owner’s responsibility to handle the removal and reinstallation of these items prior to the project, if necessary.
Additionally, we suggest that the homeowner provides protection and covers for items such as cabinets, televisions, light fixtures, mirrors, doorways leading to areas we won’t be working on. This helps prevent dust from reaching sensitive areas of your home.
→ Need help handling any of these items or with plastic covering?
Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to discuss available options.
2. Access to the Job Site
Please ensure that someone will be available on-site to allow our crew to enter the property. If that’s not possible, we kindly ask that all necessary access information — such as door codes, lockbox location, keys, or specific entry instructions — be provided no later than the day before your scheduled start date. Providing this information ahead of time allows our crew to begin work promptly in the morning without delays and/or extra charges.
Power (including 220V outlets, if applicable), water, and HVAC systems must be turned on, available, and functioning properly throughout the entire duration of the project.
3. Pets & Children Safety
For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that pets and children are secured and supervised at all times during the project.
Our crew will be fully focused on their work and won’t be able to monitor pets or children on site. Please also be aware that doors may remain open at certain times while we move materials or equipment in and out. Keeping pets secured and children away from the work area helps prevent accidents and allows us to work safely and efficiently.
4. HVAC / Climate Control
Keep the interior temperature between 60-80°F and relative humidity between 30-50% before (at least 7 days prior), during, and after the project is completed.
1. Share Product Information with Us
You must provide us with the product specifications, manufacturer guidelines, and installation instructions in advance.
Every product is different — especially prefinished floors — and many manufacturers have specific requirements regarding storage, acclimation, compatibility with other materials, and installation methods.
Following these instructions properly is essential not only to ensure the best results but also to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty and avoid future issues with your flooring.
2. Provide Extra Material
We recommend supplying at least an additional 3% to 5% of hardwood flooring material, and 20% to 30% of tile materials, to account for cuts, waste, or possible board selection.
Failing to provide enough material may cause project delays and require reordering — which may include a new acclimation period.
3. Acclimation Guidelines
All materials must be stored in the project area (or in another climate-controlled enclosed space) with normal living conditions, with:
HVAC running
Temperature between 60°F to 80°F
Humidity between 30% to 50%
Materials must acclimate for 5 to 7 days (or according to manufacturer instructions) before installation begins.
4. Material Quality & Warranty
If Brazafloor did not supply the materials, we cannot be responsible for:
Product defects
Incompatibility issues
Delays caused by wrong or insufficient materials
Any extra labor, material shortage, or removal of defective products may result in additional charges.
5. Supply of underlayment or glue
Please check your quote with BRAZAFLOOR to confirm whether underlayment or glue is included, or if you will be responsible for providing it.
Either way, it is essential that these materials are fully compatible with the flooring product specifications and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Not all products work with every type of flooring or installation method. Using the wrong underlayment or adhesive may compromise:
Floor performance
Installation quality
Manufacturer warranty
Long-term durability
If you are uncertain about the correct products to use, please contact us — we’ll be happy to guide you and help ensure everything is properly selected for your project.
Hardwood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. That’s why proper acclimation before installation is essential to allow the wood to adjust to your home’s conditions.
Skipping or rushing this process can lead to several problems after installation, such as gaps between boards, cupping (edges higher than the center), crowning (center higher than the edges), buckling or floor lifting, cracking or splitting boards, premature damage or costly repairs.
These issues don’t always show up right away — they often appear months later as seasons and humidity levels change. That’s why acclimation, combined with proper climate control, is one of the most important steps to ensure the long-term performance and beauty of your hardwood floors.
1. How long does the acclimation process take?
Acclimation time may vary depending on the type of wood and the manufacturer.
In general, unfinished hardwood flooring requires a minimum of 5 to 7 days of acclimation under normal living conditions (temperature between 60-80°F and relative humidity between 30-50%).
However, certain products — especially prefinished hardwood — may have very specific acclimation guidelines, which can be longer, shorter, or require special handling.
⚠️ If you are providing the flooring materials for your project, it is very important that you share with us the product specifications and manufacturer’s instructions.
2. What conditions are required during acclimation?
- HVAC system must be fully operational
- Temperature maintained between 60-80°F
- Relative Humidity between 30-50%
- Flooring stored inside the home, in the area or conditions where it will be installed
- Keep the wood in its original packaging unless otherwise instructed.
⚠️ Wood flooring should never be stored in garages, patios, or uncontrolled environments.
Yes, flooring projects often create dust and noise, even when using dust control systems. We always take precautions to minimize the impact, but some level of dust and noise is inevitable.
We strongly recommend covering or protecting nearby items in adjacent areas and planning accordingly — especially if there are pets, children, or anyone sensitive to noise or dust in the home.
We also highly recommend scheduling a professional cleaning crew to come after we are done, as this will help ensure your home is fully cleaned and ready to enjoy once the project is completed.
BrazaFloor offers a trusted and reliable cleaning services that knows exactly how to handle brand new floors like yours. If you would like to schedule this service, feel free to contact us .
Depending on the scope of work, you may need to vacate certain areas or even the entire home — especially during sanding, staining, or finishing due to odors or drying times. We will communicate this clearly during scheduling.
Every project is different, and the timeline can vary depending on several factors like the size of the project, scope of work, techniques being used, product specifications, drying times, and job site conditions.
As a general reference:
Installation of 1,000 sqft → usually takes about 2 to 3 days
Sand & Finish or Refinishing of 1,000 sqft → usually takes about 3 to 5 days
Keep in mind these are just general estimates. Some projects may take less time, while others may require additional days — especially if we are dealing with more complex layouts, specialty products, detailed techniques, or specific manufacturer instructions.
Whether you choose to complete the entire project at once or prefer to break it down into phases, Brazafloor will guide you through every step of the process. We’ll communicate clearly about the expected timeline and keep you informed from start to finish.
For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that pets and children are kept away from the work areas at all times during the project.
Our crew will be fully focused on their work and won’t be able to monitor pets or children. It’s also important to keep in mind that doors may stay open for extended periods while we move equipment and materials in and out.
We recommend securing pets in a separate room or making other arrangements for them during the project. The same applies to children — they should always be supervised and away from the workspace to avoid any accidents or interruptions.
Your help with this is greatly appreciated and helps us work safely, efficiently, and without delays.
If the project scope or job site conditions have changed since the quote was provided — whether due to new requests, modifications made on site, or unexpected conditions that were not visible during the initial assessment — the project cost and timeline may need to be adjusted.
Any additional work, materials, repairs, or preparation outside of what was originally quoted will be communicated to you right away. No extra work will be performed without your approval.
Our goal is always to be transparent and keep you informed. If changes are necessary, we will issue a change order for your review and approval before proceeding.
We completely understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel/ reschedule your project, please notify us as soon as possible.
According to our Terms & Conditions, cancellations or rescheduling made prior to the start of the project may be subject to a cancellation fee of 15% of the total contract value to cover scheduling, preparation, and administrative costs — in addition to any charges for work or services already completed by the time of the cancellation.
If your project includes any special order materials that cannot be canceled or returned, the cost of those materials — along with any applicable shipping and tax — will also be charged in addition to the 15% fee mentioned above.
Additionally, if our crew arrives on-site and is unable to start work due to conditions like: Job site not ready, No access provided, Last-minute changes – An additional charge of $150 per hour may apply to cover waiting time or return trips.
To avoid any extra charges or delays, we kindly ask for a minimum of 72 hours notice if you need to reschedule or if you anticipate the job site will not be ready.
We’ll always do our best to work with you and accommodate new dates based on our availability.
Our crew usually arrives between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on the job location, traffic conditions, and project stage.
Please note that arrival times may vary slightly from day to day due to:
Material pick-ups
Equipment loading
Traffic conditions
Or specific preparation needs for that day
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding. Rest assured, if there is any significant delay or change in arrival time, we will contact you to keep you informed.
If you will not be home or if the job site requires special access, please make sure we have clear instructions, door codes, or keys provided the day before so our crew can start work promptly without delays.
Once the work has started, we recommend avoiding walking on the floors until our crew lets you know it’s safe.
During installation, sanding, staining, or finishing stages, walking on the floors can compromise the quality of the work, leave marks, or even cause damage that may require repairs at an additional cost.
We understand that sometimes limited access may be necessary — if that’s the case, please check with our crew on site, and we’ll guide you on when and how it can be done safely.
Between coats of finish, walking on the floors may be allowed if necessary, but only under our crew’s guidance. In these cases, we usually recommend walking barefoot or in clean socks to avoid contaminating the surface or causing any marks. Please wait for our crew’s approval before walking on the floors during this stage.
Drying time and cure time are not the same — and it’s important to understand the difference.
Drying Time refers to how long it takes for the finish to dry enough for light foot traffic (usually between 2 to 48 hours, depending on the product used).
Cure Time refers to the full hardening process of the finish — when the floor reaches its maximum durability and chemical resistance. This can take several days or even weeks depending on the type of finish.
Walking on the floor too soon, placing furniture, or laying rugs before the floor has fully cured can damage the finish or leave marks. Our team will guide you through the proper timelines based on the specific products used in your project.
Maintain temperature between 60°F – 80°F and humidity between 30% – 50% at all times to proper results.
For larger projects or projects done in phases, Brazafloor may use progressive invoicing.
This means that invoices will be issued based on the completion of specific stages or services outlined in your quote — rather than waiting until the entire project is finished.
We will notify you each time an invoice is issued, and payment for completed stages is required before moving forward to the next phase of the project.
This process allows transparency and helps us manage materials, labor, and scheduling effectively.
Whether we are installing hardwood flooring or tile, every piece is unique — with its own color variations, patterns, textures, and natural characteristics.
At Brazafloor, our team carefully selects and distributes the boards or tiles during installation to create a balanced and natural look throughout the space. Our goal is always to avoid clustering pieces with similar characteristics, strong variations, or imperfections in the same area.
Important to Know:
Boards or tiles will not be excluded from the installation unless they are damaged or defective — such as broken, cracked, warped, or structurally compromised.
Natural variations in color, grain, pattern, texture, or veining are part of the product’s design and beauty — and are not considered defects.
If you have any specific preferences regarding color tones, patterns, grain direction, knots, or any other characteristic — whether for wood or tile — we highly encourage you to be present on-site during installation to help with the selection and placement of materials according to your personal taste.
We’ll be happy to guide you and collaborate during this process. Otherwise, if no preferences are communicated in advance, Brazafloor will follow standard industry practices for board and tile distribution, always respecting the natural variation and characteristics of the material provided.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT
The first 24 hours after the final coat is applied are critical to ensure the proper drying and quality of your floor finish. Please follow the instructions below carefully:
DO NOT:
Walk on the floors (unless instructed by our crew — and only with clean socks or barefoot if absolutely necessary)
Place any furniture, rugs, or décor on the floor
Allow pets on the floors
Open windows or create strong air drafts directly over the floors (this can affect the finish)
Turn on fans blowing directly on the floors
Please, DO:
Keep HVAC running to maintain stable temperature and humidity
(Ideal conditions: 60°F – 80°F and 30% – 50% humidity)Avoid any foot traffic as much as possible
Keep the area closed off from pets and children
Be patient — this is the most delicate phase of the process
After 24 Hours:
Light foot traffic may be allowed with clean socks only (no shoes) — but no furniture, rugs, or heavy items should be placed until the recommended cure time is complete.
Your project manager will provide specific guidance based on the product used and conditions on site. See topic about curing / drying times below.
This will depend on the stage of the project and the type of finish used.
1. During Installation or Between Coats:
→ Walking on the floors should only be done if absolutely necessary and only with our crew’s permission.
In these cases, we will usually ask you to walk barefoot or in clean socks to avoid contaminating or damaging the surface.
2. After the final coat is applied:
First 24 Hours | Light Foot Traffic (Clean Socks Only) | Normal Use (Furniture, Rugs, Shoes, Pets) | |
---|---|---|---|
Water-Based Finishes | Stay completely off | After 24 hours | After 3-7 days (depending on product) |
Oil-Based Finishes | Stay completely off | After 48 hours | After 7-30 days (depending on product) |
Keep in mind that this is a general rule and it may vary depending on the product used and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It is important to note that even following the recommended time frame, it is a good practice to check if the floors are still tacky, sometimes, high humidity level may delay the drying time.
💡Pro tip: Although your floors are dry enough to walk on, they can still be ruined by dirt and oils on the bottom of your feet. Water, sweat and essentially all liquids, can damage your new floors. So, we always recommend being careful on the next 24hours and avoid walking with bare feet.
* Please contact our office for specific guidance related to your project and the exact products applied.
The time you wait before putting furniture back on refinished hardwood floors depends upon the type of finish you are using.
- WATER BASED Polyurethane: at least 3 days,
- OIL BASED Polyurethane: at least 5 days.
The longer you can wait the better and stronger your finish is likely to be and the less chance of damage occurring.
When moving the furniture, always PICKUP and PLACE, never slide the furniture, it will scratch your floors.
Is also a good idea to keep your dog off the area while the floors are not cured yet. If this is not possible, make sure to keep their nails always filed.
DO NOT LAY RUGS BEFORE THE CURING TIME of your finish, the polyurethane needs to “breath out” to ensure that it is completely cured. Laying rugs may damage the results of your new finish.
Check the section about DRYING vs CURING time to see a list of common finish products and their corresponding drying and curing times.
Understanding the drying and curing times of your floor finish is crucial to ensure its durability and appearance. Each product has specific timelines for when it’s safe to walk on, replace furniture, or resume normal use.
Drying vs. Curing
Drying Time: The period after application and before the curing time, when the finish is dry to the touch and can handle light foot traffic.
Curing Time: The duration it takes for the finish to fully harden and reach its maximum durability.
Below is a reference guide for the drying and curing times of various floor finishes:
Product | Usage | Drying Time | Curing Time | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bona Traffic HD Anti-Slip | Residential/Commercial | 2–3 hours | 3 days | WATER BASED, Features slip resistance; ideal for stairs, kitchens, and homes with older adults. |
Bona Traffic HD RAW | Residential/Commercial | 2–3 hours | 3 days | WATER BASED. Ultra-matte finish that preserves the natural look and feel of wood. |
Bona Traffic HD | Residential/Commercial | 2–3 hours | 3 days | WATER BASED. High durability; suitable for commercial use. |
Bona Mega ONE | Residential | 2–3 hours | 7 days | WATER BASED. Single-component finish; residential application. |
Pallmann Pall-X Power | Residential/Commercial | 2–3 hours | 5 days | WATER BASED. No hardener required; clear finish. |
Berger-Seidle GreenStar | Residential/Commercial | 3–4 hours | 3 days | WATER BASED. Eco-friendly; low VOC content. |
Berger-Seidle SmartHome | Residential | 3–4 hours | 5 days | WATER BASED. Designed for residential use; low odor. |
PoloPlaz Supreme | Residential/Commercial | 8–12 hours | 30 days | OIL BASED. High solids oil-based polyurethane; excellent flow and leveling. |
DuraSeal Oil-Based Polyurethane | Residential/Commercial | 8–12 hours | 30 days | OIL BASED. Traditional oil-based finish with longer curing time. |
For the most accurate information, always refer to the manufacturer’s technical data sheets or consult with your flooring professional.
Important Tips:
Always maintain recommended temperature and humidity levels during drying and curing.
Avoid placing rugs or heavy furniture on the floor until the curing process is complete.
Use protective pads under furniture legs to prevent damage.
If you are unsure about which finish was used in your project — or if you have any questions about drying and curing times — please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We’ll be happy to provide that information and guide you through the next steps to ensure the best care and results for your new floors.
a. Clean spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth
b. Don’t use wet mops or steam mops, which will damage the finish and the wood over long periods of time
c. Replace the felt pads on the bottom of all your furniture. The old pads have accumulated pet hair, dirt, and dust—all contaminants that are sure to scratch your floors.
d. Avoid walking on floors with sports cleats or high-heeled shoes
e. Place mats at exterior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic.
f. Avoid using steam cleaners on hardwood floors. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can also lead to cupping and long term damage.
g. Use area rugs on high traffic pathways and pivot areas, at ends of steps, near doorways, etc. All rugs should allow floors to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated rugs.
h. Don’t use a bucket. Excess liquid can damage wood, and this method of mopping results in too much water on the floor. String mops, sponge mops and buckets result in dirty water being reapplied and possibly scratching the floor.
i. Maintain a consistent humidity level (30-55%) and temperature (60º-82ºF) between heating seasons in all living areas. Excessive swings in humidity and temperature levels will cause hardwood floors to swell, shrink, cup, crack, and show excessive gaps between boards. The use of a humidifier and/ or a dehumidifier system is recommended where inconsistent humidity levels occur.
j. Do not use wax, oil soap, or other industrial household cleaners on your wood floors. These products can adversely affect the appearance and make refinishing wood difficult.
a. DAILY:
Dry Mop: Using a microfiber dusting pad, dust mop the floor in a “S” shape motion, pushing the microfiber mop around without lifting it in order to keep the dirt trapped on the pad. This will be your best daily defense against scratches and surface damage and will significantly reduce allergens in the home.
b. WEEKLY
Wet Mop: After dust sweeping, wet mop your floors (during the curing time).
After the curing time, you may use a proper HARDWOOD Floor Cleaner on the floor and wipe clean with a Microfiber Cleaning Pad. It’s important to avoid excess liquid on the floor.
We recommend the Bona® Pro Series Hardwood Floor Cleaner (instructions attached).
https://www.bona.com/en-us/products/professional/floor-care/cleaners/pro-hw-clnr-32oz/
💡 PRO TIP: Periodically remove the pad, rinse it, and wring it out to remove excess dirt, or use multiple pads to make it easier! Do this approximately every 150 square feet, more frequently in high traffic areas, or after cleaning each room.
c. LONG TERM
Even with excellent daily care, hardwood floors benefit from professional attention every few years.
Options Include:
Service | Benefit | Frequency |
---|---|---|
Professional Deep Cleaning | Removes dirt, buildup, and contaminants that regular cleaning can’t reach. | Once or twice a year |
Screen & Recoat (Buff & Coat) | Adds a new protective finish layer without sanding. | Every 3-5 years |
Full Refinishing | Complete sanding to raw wood + new color or finish. | 7-10+ years or as needed |
Why Hire Brazafloor for Cleaning & Maintenance?
Cleaning hardwood floors isn’t just about mopping — using the wrong products or techniques can damage your investment.
At Brazafloor, our professional cleaning crew is specifically trained to clean, protect, and care for hardwood floors properly. We use industry-approved products, safe methods, and expert techniques to extend the life and beauty of your flooring.
Want us to handle it for you? Contact us to schedule your professional hardwood floor deep cleaning or maintenance service.
I hope that can help you to better maintain your floors! If you have any question, feel free to contact us.