Hardwood Floors April/May 2026

By Avedis Duvenjian

Sell in Advance (Protect Yourself with the Contract). Clients’ expectations change – especially after they see the finished floor. The color may feel too dark. Texture may feel wrong. Maintenance may be needed sooner than expected. These situations should never be negotiated after the fact. Your contract should clearly state: • Color adjustment fees (per square foot) • Additional coating costs • Repair and maintenance pricing When expectations are defined in advance, there are no surprises and no conflicts later. Build a Maintainable System. If you create complex or layered colors without a repair plan, you are not creating a masterpiece – you are creating a liability. Every system must be repairable, repeatable, and maintainable. Your goal is not to avoid future calls. Your goal is to earn them. Be a Problem Solver, Not a Responder. At Tavern on the Green in New York City, the floors are hand-scraped with deep texture. The high points wear quickly, and the restaurant cannot shut down for sanding. Instead of traditional refinishing, I developed a custom burnishing method that: • Removes excess surface color • Redistributes pigment into worn areas • Preserves texture and patina The result is a uniform, natural appearance – without downtime. Innovation is not optional; it is essential. Embrace Technology. Modern high performance UV/LED-cured oil coatings allow for faster turnaround, stronger durability, and on-site repairs without disruption. Today, damage can be corrected immediately – even after the floor is finished. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is the standard. Professional success is not about reacting – it is about preparing. Standardize your systems, define your risks, protect your work, and always sell in advance. This is the discipline that separates professionals from technicians. 2 a 3 h 4 5

The “Sell in Advance” System (Critical Contract Protections)

Every professional should address these before the job begins: Seasonal Cracking in Dark Floors

When dark colors are applied to floors that previously were light or natural, seasonal movement can reveal more-prominent cracks between boards. This should be disclosed and priced in advance. Opaque and Highly Pigmented Colors When you sand floors

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that have an opaque or highly pigmented finish, and you need to keep the wood floors in their natural state afterward, the final result may reveal significant variations in color and wood grain. Some boards may differ drastically in tone or appearance. This can happen because the original opaque finish may have been applied to hide unattractive or mismatched boards. After sanding, if any boards appear too out of place or unappealing, they may need color adjustments or replacement. If such additional work is required to achieve a uniform look, there will be extra costs. The client should be informed of this possibility in advance, and an estimate should be provided before starting the sanding or finishing process. This ensures the client is aware of potential additional charges and possible outcomes, ensuring full transparency and helping avoid any discrepancies or unexpected costs afterward. Wear Layer Risks During Sanding Even when inspected, some areas may have insufficient wear layers. Your contract should allow for: • Plank replacement • Additional labor • Disclosure that replacements may not match exactly

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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