Monroy Hardwood Floor Refinishing & Installation FAQ
By Monroy Hardwood Flooring
Serving Aurora, Naperville, Sugar Grove, St. Charles, Geneva, and surrounding Illinois suburbs.
General Questions
How long does it take to refinish my floors?
Most refinishing projects take about 4 days if you’re keeping the natural wood tone. If you’re adding stain, expect at least one extra day. Staircases, repairs, or trim work may add time.
Can I stay home during the process?
You can, but keep in mind that access will be restricted during certain phases—especially after the final coat. We recommend staying off the floors for 24 hours after finishing. If we’re working in main living areas or hallways, staying elsewhere for a couple of nights is often more comfortable.
are you insured ?
Yes, we carry $2,000,000 in General Liability Insurance and maintain current Workers’ Compensation Insurance. We’re happy to provide our coverage documents and IWCC number upon request.
In Illinois, property owners are legally responsible for ensuring that anyone working on their property is properly insured. To verify a contractor’s Workers’ Compensation coverage, you can contact the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission by emailing inscompquestions.wcc@illinois.gov or calling (312) 814-6611.
Do you move furniture?
We can help with a few small items, but we are not professional movers. Our insurance does not cover furniture damage. If needed, we can refer a reliable moving company.
Do you remove carpet?
Yes. We’ll remove and bundle carpet and underlayment for your trash pickup. If you’d like us to dispose of it, just let us know during the quote process.
What areas do you serve?
• Kane County
• DuPage County
• Cook County
• Kendall County
• Will County
• DeKalb County
• Lake County
• McHenry County
• LaSalle County
• Grundy County
Popular suburbs include:
Aurora, Naperville, Sugar Grove, St. Charles, Geneva, North Aurora, Glendale Heights, Elburn, Elmhurst, Oswego, Yorkville, Sandwich, La Grange, La Grange Park, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Woodridge, Lisle, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Burr Ridge, Lemont, Homer Glen, Niles, Barrington, South Elgin, and many more.
How do you handle dust?
We use a dustless sanding system to reduce airborne dust significantly. We also clean any existing dust to ensure a clean finish.
Do you work on weekends?
Our standard schedule is weekdays. Occasionally, we can schedule a Saturday & Sunday for final coats or time-sensitive jobs, but this isn’t guaranteed.
What time do you start?
We typically start around 7:00 a.m & 8:00 a.m
We’re flexible and can adjust to your needs. If you leave us a key, our arrival time won’t affect your schedule.
What guarantee do you offer?
We stand behind our work. If something goes wrong, we’ll make it right. We prioritize high-quality craftsmanship, respectful conduct, and protecting your home.
What are my payment options?
We accept cash, cashier’s checks, personal checks, and credit cards. Please note: credit card payments incur a 3.5% processing fee.
How can I save money?
Here are a few ways:
• Remove old carpets, padding, and baseboards before we arrive.
• Handle minor floor repairs yourself (we’re happy to advise).
• Install new base-shoe molding yourself after refinishing.
After the Job is Done
When can I move furniture and rugs back?
Floors are 70–80% cured after two days—furniture can go back then (use felt pads). Rugs should wait at least 2 full weeks to avoid trapping moisture.
Why do floors change color over time?
.
Older oil-based finishes yellowed with UV exposure. We use modern water-based finishes with UV blockers, so discoloration is minimal
How long will my floors last?
With proper care—mats at entrances, soft shoes, felt pads, and regular cleaning—refinished floors can last 10–20+ years. We’ll provide a Cleaning Guide after your project.
What about deep scratches or gouges?
We sand carefully to preserve your floor’s life. Deep damage may require board replacement. Over-sanding shortens a floor’s lifespan—most can be refinished 3–5 times total.
Why do my floors have gaps, and can you fill them?
Gaps appear due to seasonal humidity shifts. We apply filler during sanding, but minor gaps may return in winter. A whole-home humidifier (45–55% RH) helps minimize them.
Can you fix water-damaged areas?
Yes. We’ll inspect the area and offer repair options. If water damage is hidden beneath carpet, we’ll notify you and discuss next steps. Fixing the source of water is essential.
Do I need to remove baseboards or base-shoe?
If they’re in good shape, not necessarily. We sand close to existing trim. If you’re upgrading to taller baseboards, then yes—they’ll need to be removed.
Do you install baseboards and base-shoe?
Yes, we install solid wood base-shoe that’s finished with your floors. For painted trim, it depends on our schedule. We can also connect you with trusted carpenters or painters.
Do you refinish stairs?
We refinish treads (the step) and some risers (vertical part) if they’re solid wood. We do not sand spindles, railings, or stringers. If your risers are veneer, we offer two options:
• Paint them (a popular, modern look)
• Re-veneer them to match your treads and apply the same finish.
Can engineered floors be sanded?
It depends. We only sand engineered floors with a wear layer of at least 5/16” that are glued down.
We do not sand floating engineered floors, as most have thin wear layers (as little as 1/16”) and poor stability for sanding. We’re happy to inspect and advise.
Can you sand under my stove and refrigerator?
Yes, but you’ll need a licensed technician to disconnect and reconnect plumbing, gas, or electrical. We are not licensed for appliance work.
Will the smell be strong?
No. We use high-end water-based finishes that emit low odor and release water vapor—not harsh chemicals. Your home will be far more comfortable during drying.
What types of finishes do you use?
What types of finishes do you use?
We offer both water- and oil-based options from top brands:
• Loba (water-based)
• Bona (water-based)
• DuraSeal (water-based, oil-based/poly, and wax)
• Basic Coatings (our preferred water-based line)
• ProCoat (water-based, oil-based, and hardwax)
For more details, you can explore the manufacturers’ websites
Can I just clean and recoat my floors?
A buff and recoat is an option if your floors are in good shape and only the top finish layer is worn.
However, if you see bare wood, deep scratches, or staining, a full sanding is the only way to restore the floor. Recoating every 5–10 years helps maintain your floors longer.
What’s involved in changing the color of my floors?
We sand the floors to bare wood, apply a custom stain, and then seal with clear protective coats. This gives you a brand-new look with long-lasting durability.
Do you install new flooring?
Do you install new flooring?
Yes! We install a wide range of flooring types:
• Solid Hardwood
• Engineered Wood
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
• Parquet
• Laminate
• Pergo
• Herringbone
• Prefinished Flooring
• Carpet Tile
• Custom designs and more
Installation? How do you prevent squeaky or loose floors?
Yes, acclimating the flooring is essential. We allow your new hardwood or engineered floors to sit inside your home for several days before installation. This helps the wood adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of future gaps, buckling, or separation.
To prevent and minimize squeaky or loose floors, we take several important steps:
• Secure the subfloor: We screw down your existing subfloor to tighten any loose areas and eliminate current squeaks.
• Reinforce weak spots: If the subfloor is made of chipboard or low-quality plywood, we apply a moisture-resistant hardener to strengthen it.
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Use fasteners and glue: We install the new flooring using a high number of staples or cleats and apply adhesive around the perimeter to ensure a tight, quiet fit.
These steps help create a solid foundation for a long-lasting, quiet, and beautiful floor.