Hardwood Floors August/September 2025

“For cleanliness and safety, work off of tables as much as possible, whether it’s something as simple as a fold-up table or something extravagant that you handmade or purchased. When we’re at a jobsite for a decent amount of time, the saw station I use makes the flow so nice. I have my miter saw, I have my table saw, and a router station right there.”

— Jason Elquest, Blackhawk Floors

sets, speed squares, and all of the safety equipment. Safety glasses, earplugs, you want to make sure those are all in proper working order and that you have them.” SAFETY Speaking of safety, Whatley believes it should be top of mind at every jobsite. He runs a tight ship from a safety perspective and says the safety equipment is the first thing to come off the work van. “I don’t want a saw or compressor or anything running before there’s a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in case there is an emergency,” he explains. “I have a safety meeting every week.

We always bring extra portable lights to make sure we can see every detail.” Being based out of Weyers Cave, Virginia, means Aaron Sheaves of Sheaves Floors always brings a backup. “You have to, in case something breaks, because we are two to three hours from anywhere to get something fixed or replaced. I have two of everything – two Power Drives, two vacuums, and two edgers in the van.” Whatley’s basics are a miter saw, table saw, nail gun, air compressor, nailer, oscillating tools, circular saws, routers, and hand tools. “A tape measure is probably the most important tool you have out there, right next to your pencil. From there, you have your hammers, nail

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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