Hardwood Floors August/September 2025

WORKSTATIONS Now that you know the jobsite details and the must haves you will bring, how can you set up workstations for maximum efficiency? For Sheaves, that process begins with his work van. He has a system where the bigger items are easily accessible and smaller items are up on shelves inside. His advice is to take your time figuring out what works for you and build your own custom shelves based on the specifications of the tools you have. “Everything I need right off the bat is easy to get to. I don’t even have to get into the van to get to them. I can just roll them right to the door and take them out,” says Sheaves. “It has made me more efficient because I know where everything is at any given time. There is no looking for it; I know exactly where it is at in the van, so I just grab it and go. I’ve seen other work vehicles that have everything buried in there, and they spend half of the time unloading the van to get to one small tool. I’m not wasting time looking for something, I know where everything is at all times.” Cardona echoes the importance of keeping equipment organized: “We stage tools in the order they’ll be used to avoid wasting time looking for them.” Elquest has a container for everything. If he is not using something, it is put away. He suggests having a small belt or pouch in which to place a tape measure, pencil, and a small pry bar so you always have one handy. Elquest says using containers keeps things neat and out of sight, out of mind, while protecting the tools. “It makes set up faster, makes tear down faster, makes transportation safer and faster, and when you are buying expensive tools, you want to take care of them and have them last for a long time,” he shares. “I don’t want to just throw my stuff into the back of a truck and listen to it rattle around when I turn corners.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER FLOORING

“An organized jobsite reflects your professionalism to the client. Clients remember how you work, not just the final result.”

— Cesar Cardona, Cardona Flooring

In addition to using all the appropriate personal protective equipment, another way to protect yourself is to read the instruction manuals for power tools and machines. Reduce the risk of injury by properly maintaining and inspecting tools to ensure they are in good condition.

“I have a small box for my router table and my miter saw system, which has all the little wrenches I might need to make an adjustment

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEAVES FLOORS

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