We bought a new construction home and selected white oak flooring throughout most of the first floor. We will have a large dog (golden retriever) and kids so we would want a durable and repairable finish. Initially, we tried to ask the builder if we can upgrade to a wire-brushed white oak and finished with a hardwax oil like Rubio Monocoat. However, the builder said they don't have experience doing this and refused. They will finish the hardwood floor with the standard sanding and polyurethane coating.

I am wondering, if it makes sense for us to hire a contractor to wire-brush the floor before we move in, or should we move in, wait until the poly wears off, then hire someone to perform the wire brushing and finish with a hardwax oil.

What is the approximate cost we should expect to pay per sq. ft. for wire-brushing? If we intend to have someone wire-brush the floor immediately before we move in, should I try to see if the builder can just sand the floor and not apply the poly coating? Does that make things easier for the wire-brushing?

Lastly, if you can recommend anyone who does wire-brush on site in the Southern New Hamsphire area, please feel free to let me know.

Thanks!

costs will vary state tot state..

this is specialty or custom work and not all will take it in but it is a simple process if you have the right tools..it can also be done manually by mounting typical wire brushes to a broomstick.

Not everyone is experienced with hardwax oils and floor guys as many are creatures of habit not looking to be a guinea pig on someone's home..

i was never that guy..always look to try new things..

as for the rest, it depends what makes sense for you..maybe he can give you a credit and not finish the floor and you hire your own flooring contractor.

What James says, or at least have his guys sand it to the appropiate grit to recieve the rubio, then have somone come in and wire it and finish it. Application of the rubio is farely simple