I wanted to replace the old worn, squeaky, un-level, and dipping, hardwood floors I had on the first floor of my home, but after getting a few outrageously overpriced estimates, I decided to take on part of the project myself. Having never done this type of job before, I wanted to do some research first. After doing a lot of reading, I found a flooring post on the “Redflag deals” forum that is hosted by Patricia and Rob. After reading hundreds of the posts, and asking a few questions, (that were answered very clearly by Rob) I proceeded to remove all the old flooring, and begin the levelling/flattening, and screwing down of the sub-floor. ( In prep for the laying of the new hardwood) For those of you that may be thinking of DIY... Levelling is a very tedious and time consuming job! (That is why it cost so much!.) I was fortunate enough to have an open basement ceiling, so I was able to shim some of the floor from below, but still had to lay sections of plywood (feathered out with shims) to get the floor as flat as I could. I was dealing with a section of floor that dropped 1 1/2” in one spot, and a 3/4” drop in another. (Old house that has settled over the years)
After I completing the work, I contacted Patricia about getting an estimate to lay the new hardwood. She promptly returned my e-mail, and gave me a ball park estimate based upon my calculation of the square footage required, using Vintage 3 1/4" Hickory Old Mission Solid Sawn flooring. I really wanted to see some colour samples, to see if what I had picked was going to match my stairs, so Patricia arranged to have Rob come out with some samples, and to measure. I was also concerned about whether I still had to lay plywood over the old plank sub-floor, and wanted Rob's opinion. Robert and Darek showed as arranged, (and on time) and were quite pleasant and easy to deal with. They showed me that the Red Oak Bourbon Solid Sawn Estate was a better match to the stairs, and let me know that the floor was flat enough, and I didn't need to lay any plywood. (saving me some time and $$$)
They then measured, and said Patricia would get back to me with the estimate. She got back to me later that evening with the new estimate. (Which was less that the one based upon my measurements.) They were by far, much cheaper than the other estimates I had gotten in the past. I gave them the go ahead, but was concerned about the colour, after going online to look at a sample again. I contacted them and expressed my concern, and Robert actually came out the next day, and brought a fresh sample with him to confirm the actual colour.
When the installation day came, Robert, and Darek, both arrived at the time that was arranged, and completed the whole job and cleaned up that day.
Having worked in the trades for years, I set the bar pretty high for the quality of work I expect to be done, and being somewhat anal retentive, (LOL) rarely let anyone else work on my stuff. I must say that Floorwood Solutions surpassed my expectations, and did a fabulous job, and even went out of their way to deal with a problem I had with the front door threshold. I am very happy with their work. There is no doubt that Rob's and Dareks combined years of flooring experience really shows and shines.
They were extremely helpful in providing me information and guidance with the pre-prep, (not even having been hired to do the job) and were prompt and professional with how they handled all communication.
To me, they are a model of how a business should be run. Hat's off to you Patricia, Rob, and Darek!
I would without many hesitation use them again, and highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to have flooring done.
I had approx 399Sq ft of Vintage 3 1/4" Red Oak Bourbon Solid Sawn Estate installed including reducers. (To transition the difference in floor height to the kitchen)
