My wife and I are in the process of having our entire house sanded, restained, and refinished. Trouble is, we took a look at the job today--we've been staying elsewhere and just had a look in from the doorways--and are wondering whether we have a problem.

Along the edge of the 3 rooms we were able to see, we could see crescent-shaped scratches that looks like they were from sanding the outer parts of the room. These scratches are there after the team sanded, stained (min wax espresso), and treated the floors with 3 coats of poly (either absco or bona). I'm not sure whether every room in the house will have this issue but I'm hoping to get some input on whether this is a big problem or is acceptable and just part of the refinishing job You have to look pretty carefully to see the scratches but as a homeowner, I will always know that they are there.

Also, it looks to me like there are faint streaks in the finish in one of the pictures. Perhaps my eyes are deceiving me or it's the light, but I'm hoping for an opinion here from the experts.

Do I have a problem? If so, are there any options to fix it? I linked some pictures below because i couldnt figure out how to embed. Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ftvo8muvtocmn ... 5%20PM.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5bw74d2dvhaut ... 3%20PM.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g0wawpwtm7n8n ... 7%20PM.jpg

put a dark stain down and marks will always show, from buffer.edger etc.

now the extent of it is subject to dispute..In your foto,there may be some ecessive marking..but would really need to see the whole picture rather than a close up of a few areas.

I would say this.

if you are standing in normal lighting and looking down, and you can easily see the markings..it is not done as well as it should have been.

If you have to search for them, then maybe you need to stop searching for them..

as for it being a problem? no..not in the sense that there will be a failure as a result. only an acceptance issue.

also, it appears the finish is still well in a pic?

I can not really detect streaking..you also weren't clear on your finishes? I assume oil based?

I can find edger marks in almost any sand job. If you know where to look you can usually find a few. Is it acceptable? Im on the same page as James, If you can stand above it under normal light and readily see the marks then yes. If you have to wait to a certain time of day, hold your head down three feet and tilt it to the left 10 to 15 degrees on a Wednesday to see it then your being a little over zealous with your inspection.

Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it. I should have mentioned that it an oil-based finish. From my general understanding, that increases the drying time. Perhaps that's why the one picture shows a section that still appears to be drying.

From an inspectors perspective the concern needs to be viewed from five feet up two feet away without any glare if it is visible then not acceptable.
Generally most of these marks are made due to the fact the edger operator did not pull the edger in the direction of sanding done by the drum sander.
Also if they skip sanding grits this can happen. If they do not hard plate if necessary. There are a whole lot of reasons this can occur. You might want to ask your contractor what each and ever process is being utilized not an unreasonable request. Then it will be easier to assess. Having said that if you are still concerned don't proceed further until your concerns are answered to your satisfaction. Still not happy get an nwfa inspector to assess it for you.

From an inspectors perspective the concern needs to be viewed from five feet up two feet away without any glare if it is visible then not acceptable.
Generally most of these marks are made due to the fact the edger operator did not pull the edger in the direction of sanding done by the drum sander.
Also if they skip sanding grits this can happen. If they do not hard plate if necessary. There are a whole lot of reasons this can occur. You might want to ask your contractor what each and ever process is being utilized not an unreasonable request. Then it will be easier to assess. Having said that if you are still concerned don't proceed further until your concerns are answered to your satisfaction. Still not happy get an nwfa inspector to assess it for you.

The last pic is a really tight close-up but I 'd bet thats pretty well visable from a standing position without reflective lighting. Looks like they missed a spot with the edger using a rougher grit. Notice how it disappears out further.

Oh, and you dont have to use a NWFA certified inspector. Just make sure the person you call has experience with installation. Besides that it'll cost you more than the fix sometimes.

Jim,

Did you ever stop to think the guy just didn't see them because he is human?
and then after applications realized he may have a little blip he decided was acceptable?

Acceptance is subjective to the person doing the accepting.
For myself, I would have corrected at stain app after noticing.
But then Im not always on the job just like this guy may not have been with a crew on the job.

Some people can be so finicky and critical and some people you can walk in and spit on their floor and they think it looks great.

If you pay for perfection and are promised that, then that's wht you are entitled to.If you pay below or average rates then you can not expect that.

From one professional to another, your reply and input is a little
Captain America sounding and quite frankly this is a good thread to point out
CHARGE MORE!!

from my armchair Jim sounds like a good guy that has been trained well, but does not have much hands on experience sanding and finishing. Most all of your replies sound like they are pulled straight from classroom notes not first hand experience. We appreciate your input Jim, dont get me wrong, I dont really know you or your history just an simple observation ive made that's all.

The owner of the company came out and agreed that the floors needed to be redone, which they're in the process of doing right now. It appears that they skipped a grit with the sandpaper on the edges. Thanks for the follow-up assistance!

oooooooooooooooooooh! Who called it? Stick a star on my name. lol

Regarding my experience 12 years only and after I stopped installing I learned a hell of a lot more than when I was installing. I'm 70 years old and haven't installed a floor in the last 7 years. I oversee 4 full time crews who are NWFA trained and continue to attend classes to improve their skills which are considerable. I am an NWFA Certified Hardwood Inspector and in that capacity I only see failure. Why? Not following the book. Here's an easy way to improve your skills 1. Buy Charles Peterson book Layout, Finishing and installation of hardwood floors. He even has a video.. Obtain Bruce Hoadley's book Understanding Wood. Download the Wood Handbook from the US Forestry website. Attend NWFA classes even if you don't need to. Most of the people you meet there don't really need to attend either. Yes, I do everything by the book and when you do you have few problems. I learned alot of this the hard way BUT not more than once. It distresses me to see an installer in trouble but what about his client? I have helped as many installers avoid litagation as I have had to testify against. Something I really hate to do but as they say it is what it is! I have beenin the flooring business 43 years carpet, vinyl, and lastly hardwood. I am from New Hampshire and have covered up more hardwood than I installed. AMEN