Hi, I'm a homeowner who recently hired a floor installer to install and finish some select quality, 3/4" red oak hardwood in 4" planks. We wanted a dark walnut look, so he "water popped" it. However, I noticed 3 distinct problems after he finished everything: (1) chatter marks throughout, (2) a rough texture almost like tiny bubbles on the grain part of the wood, and (3) split/cracked planks.

He basically acknowledged that (1) and (3) were problems, but he said (2) was the result of bad wood. I told him I thought that the water popping caused the grains to absorb water and then it appeared to have condensation when he did 2 coats of poly. We are in Los Angeles, and have had temperature and humidity swings over the last 10 days between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with dry to rainy weather.

I think this problem is from grain rise and using hot water and popping without waiting for a return to proper humidity. He said my select grade wood is defective. Who's right and what can I tell him? Thx

Some photos would help. If he claims the flooring is defective he should not have installed it. The rough texture is normally a finishing problem not a product issue. Split and cracked boards should not be installed.

We have done one just like that. It was quartersawn wood though!
Once popped the wood displayed alot of cracked edges. I agree the wood is not up to par. Usually a result of customers wanting a better pricepoint.
The chatter is from his big machine. Nothing you can do about that except use a different machine. Owners should know not to use the machine but times are tough lately.

Most floor guys try to do the right thing. I give an estimate for the wood I recommend. Does the customer ever listen? No the LOW pricepoint always take precedence. Then when peoples floors start to crack and their finish wears through in 3 years, they complain.

Its a slippery slope lately. Less cost, better service and more expensive supplies. Getting underbid....
How is a Floorman to stay in business these days?

This is why I have tried to appeal to the Designer floor arena. We simply cannot compete with some rich guy funding a bunch of illegals, who will work 24 hrs a day for 24$ under the table?

Something has to change!

The floor we did appeared to be perfectly milled and dried. Only once the water dried could you see the checks. By then, it was too late.

Best option, recoat it. Once. If its not fixed you will either have to live with them or re-sand(with a new crew)