Hello,

Today I noticed very fine scratches on my new hardwood floor (2nd coat of water-based poly applied today). I asked the installer if this was a flaw and he said that, as long as you can't see them while standing up, it is normal. He's correct in that most of the scratches cannot be seen while standing and can only be seen when looking closely at the floor. Part of the problem is, as you ascend the stairs, the floor is at eye level and the scratches are rather prominent. I'm disappointed with this outcome, but if a certain allowance needs to be made for this sort of thing I suppose all I can do is tolerate it. I just want to be sure I'm not being lied to and that this really is normal. I'm a first time home owner and do not want to have unrealistic expectations, but I have a fear of being taken advantage of. Any advice offered would be GREATLY appreciated.

I'm attempting to attach a photo of the scratches from a close-up photo of the floor.



Thank you, in advance, for any information you can provide.

Warm regards,
MLC

when a floor is sanded fully, the last process is to "screen " the floor.

it is literally an abrasive screen that is used on a buffer and is a rotary process.
It is done to even out sanding sequences of the machines and close the grain to a smoother finish

While, it is normal to see markings when viewed closely,this is usually most prominent in dark colors..Mid to light colors will generally not show.

If there is excessive or prominent rings/swirls it may be possible that too rough a screen was used in comparison to the finish cut if the sanding.

Say finish sanding with 100 grit paper but then use an 80 grit screen.

This would cause excessive swirling.

You would want to use 1 grit higher than the finish cut..Even using the same grit can cause this.Finish 80 grit sanding then use a 100 grit screen.

He is correct to say that any visual imperfection must be viewed from standing position in normal lighting. If it is not visible under this condition, it is deemed acceptable by GUIDELINE.. that's not to say there was or wasn't an error.

what color did you get? It looks like a Golden oak or Early American

Looking at the grain I am guessing these are edger marks, could be skipping grits which is most common, but there are numerous other factors that could result in scratches. An inspector views concerns from 5 feet up, 2 feet away with no glare and is deemed acceptable if not noticeable. The reason for this stipulation is in many cases unreasonable expectations cannot necessarily be made to happen. Carpet seams are clearly stated that there are no invisible seams and if made according to industry standards must be be deemed acceptable. Only an onsite inspection by an NWFA inspector can definitively prove the cause and if it is acceptable.