Hardwood Floors June/July 2025

By Todd Schutte

Minimizing the DARK SPOTS

With the increasing trend of natural and white (or lighter stained) floors, we’re also seeing an increase in the instances of “the mysterious black spots” showing up on these floors – especially red oak (though it has been reported on white oak to a lesser degree). Understanding that this possibility lies with every new install or resand, how can you best minimize this phenomenon causing issues for you and your customers?

DEAL WITH CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS FIRST

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“Expectations” are always the #1 commandment at our schools, and this is a perfect example of why it should be yours as well. If you have a customer who wants their floor stained white or natural, let them know that these spots might make an appearance somewhere on their floor and that while you’ll do your best to minimize any reactions, it’s considered a natural part of their wood floor (i.e., character). When things like this are not covered up front, trying to explain them away afterward always comes across as an excuse to your customer and finishes you into a corner, per se. Discuss the possibilities and include descriptive verbiage about just such a scenario in your contract.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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