Job Spotlight: A Hidden Gem

We recently completed this stunning transformation on maple floors that were hidden under several layers of linoleum and black tar. Most people may have looked at these covered floors and ripped them out - not us. We see the beauty in every floor and with our expert knowledge in refinishing, were able to breathe new life into these old floors. Not a bad turn out, if we do say so ourselves!

Buff & Coats = The Revamp Your Floors Need

Taking proper care of your hardwood floors is essential to preserving the value of your investment. A buff & coat is one of the key ways to extend the life of your floors by adding a fresh layer of poly on top of the wood to keep it protected - and it saves you money in the long run by delaying the need to completely sand & refinish them. 

Buff & Coat Misconceptions

We have found that there are many misconceptions are the results of a buff and coat, so let’s dispel some myths so you know exactly what to expect from this floor procedure.

1. Buffing = Sanding. This is not true. In fact, the buffing process uses a completely different machine than a sanding machine. The buffer uses a pad to clean up and scuff your floor so it is more acceptable it the new coat(s) of finish applied.

2. My floors will looks the exact same as when they were first installed. Again, this is not true. While a buff and coat gives your floor a great facelift, it is limited in what it can remove from your flooring. Dents, gouges, cracks and deep scratches will not be removed. This of this more of a makeover, not plastic surgery!

3. The results will be perfect. While our team does everything we can to ensure the best results from a buff & coat, there are certain things that are out of our control. If improper cleaning solutions (e.g., waxes) or practices were used or if there were spills of damaging solutions (e.g., cleaning solutions, grease, etc.) prior to the buff, the results can vary.

Preparing for your buff & coat

In the days leading up to your buff and coat appointment, we ask that you clear your room of any furniture and any wall hangings that you do not wish to get dusty during the process. We also ask that you clean your floors and base boards with a highly diluted mix of vinegar and water the day prior to your appointment to eliminate any unknown material from getting onto the floors during the finish dry time.

After your buff and coat is finished, we highly recommend using this time to replace your floor pads to avoid any new scuffs and scratches. You can order these through Neva when you make your appointment so we can bring them with us when we do the work.

A Gift from us to you!

In the spirit of the holidays, we are offering a 10% discount on your buff and coat if scheduled by 12/31/24 and completed by March 31, 2024. Just mention this blog when you connect with Neva to claim your discount! Give us a call today at 763-428-8601 to book, or submit a form [here] and we will reach out soon to get your job scheduled. 

Job Spotlight: Home Upgrade in Buffalo

We recently completed a job in Buffalo, MN for a family member who purchased a home there. The previous owners had vinyl plank flooring installed throughout the entire upper level. This is a trend we are seeing a lot of in homes that are listed for sale as it is a relatively inexpensive flooring type to install that will make the home look more modern for potential buyers. Here are images of the original floors.

Our family member decided to go for a mixture of wood types, ranging from maple, oak, to brazilian cherry with an antique brown stain and a matte finish. Here is the finished product!

If you are interested in upgrading your homes vinyl plank flooring, give us a call today to schedule a free estimate! 763-428-8601

Scheduling Your 2021 Job

If you have been in contact with nearly any company in the construction industry, then you are well aware of the wait times for your job to get started right now. While we are so grateful to be busy, we also hate to tell our potential customers about how long it might be until we can get to their hardwood project. We want to shed a bit of light on why these long wait times are happening and give you some tips to stay on track with your 2021 hardwood flooring project, or any home improvement project you have in mind!

Blame it on Covid

Like many things that have happened over the last year, we can also sort of blame this one on Covid. Why? Well, homeowners have been spending so much time in their houses, which has prompted a lot of people to start tackling the projects that they have been putting off for years. We are also receiving calls from a lot of people who no longer want carpet in their homes for sanitary reasons - it is a lot easier to clean a hardwood floor than it is to lug in a carpet cleaner or pay a company to do it.

…also the Housing Market

Yep, this hot topic item is also affecting our schedule. Homes are selling for premium prices right now, so a lot of homeowners are eager to sell and get top dollar for their house. One thing that helps raise the price of a home is newly refinished hardwood floors, so homeowners who might have floors that are out of date or that are beat up are eagerly looking for a company to make them look good as new before they list their house on the market.

How to Prepare

Scheduling your home improvement projects right now is not like any other time in the past. Typically, we would book out about a month. Now, we are booking out far beyond that, and this is typical for most other companies we speak with. So, if you have a project you might want to be completed in the Fall or Winter, we highly recommend that you start connected with contractors now to reserve your preferred date and to stay on your desired timeline for project completion. We know this sounds like a crazy long time to plan ahead, but trust us, you want to do it!

How Long Will This Last?

Great question! We have no idea. While we can expect for things to level out eventually, we cannot predict the market trend or when demand will start to balance out. The best we can do is to serve our customers with the best care possible and to be absolutely transparent with them about the timeline for their project.

If you want to get in touch about your 2021, let’s chat today!

Fir Floor Transformation

We have said it many times before, but one of our favorite things to do is bring old floors back to life and to showcase their natural and undying beauty. We recently had a sanding + refinishing job on some fir floors that had been painted.

Before

Here is what they looked like before we got started:

During

Our customer wanted us to restore the natural look of these floors. While some people might have looked at these original floors and said “Tear them out!”, we know that no floor is too far gone, so we put our expertise to work. Here are some images of the sanding process.

After

We put care and hard work into every job we complete, and this one was no exception. The end results speak for themselves. These floors truly went through a transformation!

Contact us today to schedule your sanding and refinishing job! You can also call Neva directly to schedule your estimate at 763-428-8601.

We want YOU to Join the Trades!

As a company with three generations of family working as hardwood flooring specialists, and countless friends who have also built careers in the trade of their choice, we know a thing or two about the benefits of working in the trades vs. pursuing a 4-year degree right out of high school. There is a lot of pressure for kids to get a degree, but according to Entrepreneur, 30% of students only go to a 4-year college because they think it’s the only choice after high school, and another 23% only go because it’s “expected of them”. We want to help educate students about the other option for a career in the trades, and truly believe that working with your hands is the best option for a happy + fulfilled life for a lot of people.

The Problem

“Over the last 30 years, America has convinced itself that the best path for the most people is an expensive, four-year degree. Pop culture has glorified the “corner office job” while unintentionally belittling the jobs that helped build the corner office. As a result, our society has devalued any other path to success and happiness.” - Mike Rowe Works Foundation

No Debt!

One of the best benefits of joining the trades after high school is no debt! According to U.S. News, the average college graduate walks away with $30,000+ in debt. Compare this to starting a career right out of high school with Duane’s Floor Service. You have no debt and you start earning right away through an apprenticeship while working on actual job sites and getting to know the ins-and-outs of the hardwood flooring business.

Should You Choose a Trade?

It’s undeniable that a 4-year degree is the best option for a lot of people, but it’s definitely not the right choice for everyone, and that’s where we are failing our kids. By not educating them on the other career options, we are unintentionally pushing students who could thrive in the trades to a 4-year degree that they don’t really want (or need), and that they will be paying off for many years to come.

We encourage you to ask yourself and talk with your kids about what they picture for their future. The great thing about college is that it’s always an option, so if you want to try a trade for a few years, you really have nothing to lose! Create the path that is right for you, that will foster your talents and help you build a career that you are excited about.

Join the DFS Team!

If you or a student you know might be interested in working with our team as a Hardwood Flooring Specialist, we would love to connect with you! Check out our careers page to submit an application and we will reach out soon.

We're Hiring!

Our team is growing and we are looking to add a new hardwood flooring specialist as soon as possible! Keep reading for the details and to submit your application!

Position Details

As a hardwood flooring specialist on our team, you will learn all aspects of hardwood flooring. From installation to custom finishes, we have the knowledge and experience to help you master your skills as a hardwood floorsman.

Experience is highly preferred but not required if you are the right fit. Your level of experience will dictate your starting hourly wage.

Benefits

Benefits of the position include:

• Work vehicle

• Paid vacation

• Retirement plan

• Health insurance

How to Apply

We are looking to hire someone ASAP! If you are interested in the position, please submit your application [here] and we will reach out to you soon if we would like to proceed with the hiring process.

Exotic Floor Makeover in Minnetonka

The owners of this stunning home on Lake Minnetonka wanted to give their exotic floors a fresh look. This is a trend we have seen a lot lately as the exotic flooring boom happened about ten-years ago, and the original finish is starting to look pretty dated in a lot of homes.

The Details

Our whole team was involved in this sanding and refinishing project and we are absolutely obsessed with how it turned out!

These are Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors that we sanded and refinished with 3 parts True Black and 2 parts Dark Grey.

If you are tired of your existing exotic finish, give us a call today or submit an estimate request form to schedule your own exotic makeover!

The Best Choice for Clean & Timeless Floors

Imagine never having to shampoo your carpet again, or worry about your pets dirt covered feet, or child’s spilled juice. Sounds pretty great, right? The arrival of Spring is always hard for carpet owners as allergens and mud start to become unavoidable as they get buried deep within your carpet fibers.

Easy to Clean

Hardwood floors are an easy to clean alternative to carpet. “Some people feel that it is impossible to clean carpet, because stains soak in and settle permanently, and because dust and micro-bacteria are easily trapped in the fibers. In great contrast, hardwood has a smooth, solid surface that can be easily wiped clean. It does not allow dust or dirt to hide making it much, much easier to maintain than carpet.” (The Spruce). As a hard, flat surface, hardwood floors make it easy for homeowners to spot and clean dirt, wipe up spills, and prevent buildup of harmful dust mites, allergens, and bacteria. “Since it’s hard to hide dust and debris on a hardwood floor, having a clean and sanitary environment is easier to achieve than with carpet” (Bona).

While the right flooring choice for your home is ultimately a personal decision, if you have pets, young children, or allergies, hardwood flooring is likely the best choice for your family. While the initial investment is greater, the care and maintenance is much less with hardwood floors.

Timeless Choice

Hardwood floors are also a more timeless option. Trendy carpet is a more expensive choice; whereas “Hardwood floors come in styles and colors that are considered timeless. Accessorizing your floors to your style and taste is as simple as changing an area rug” (Bona). With hardwood floors, you are given the ability to change your floors with evolving trends, or even with the seasons! Some families will remove their area rugs from their hardwood floors during Spring and Summer to prevent the seasonal build-up of dirt and allergens.

If you would like to discuss your hardwood flooring options, we would love to connect with you! Give us a call at 763-428-8601 or submit an online Estimate Request Form.

Our Commitment to Your Health

Dear Valued Customer:

We understand and empathize with the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and we want to share with you the steps our team is taking to prioritize your health during this time:

• All DFS employees are practicing social distancing both in personal and professional settings

• Hand sanitizer is used whenever running water is not readily available at a job site for frequent hand washing

• As always, we plastic off our work-zones to contain the spread of dust and debris, and we honor your wishes for no in-person contact whenever possible

These are the few ways that we are able to keep you and our employees safe. We are committed to making you comfortable with having our team in your home, and want to reassure you that no contact is necessary when we are working on your hardwood flooring project. If you have questions or concerns, we are happy to discuss them with you. 

We hope that you continue to stay healthy and greatly appreciate your support of our small business during this time. 

Sincerely,
Neva & Troy Gullickson

Oil Based vs. Water Based

When it comes to these two types of polyurethane finishes, a lot of consumers are unsure what the difference is between them. While they are both intended to protect your floor from everyday wear-and-tear, they have many distinct characteristics.

The Look

Water based finishes have a more natural look and the clear finish really highlights the natural beauty of hardwood. Whereas oil based finishes have an amber hue that darkens the appearance of the wood and continues to deepen in color over time.

The Protection

Water based poly provides a harder finish but it is more likely to scratch. Oil based poly is a softer finish that makes it scratch resistant but it is more prone to denting than its water based counterpart.

The Cost

Water based poly is the more expensive option.

The Best Choice?

There really is no better finish here; the best choice comes down to your personal preference. Here’s some help from the Home Flooring Pro’s to inform your decision:

“Water based polyurethane: If you want your floor to stay the same color, choose water-based polyurethane. Wood that is gray, white or light looks better with a clear coat, i.e., a water based finish. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already, such as pine, fir and ash, become even yellower with an oil-based finish. Go with water based poly if that’s a look you want to avoid, or choose an oil based finish to enhance it.

Oil based polyurethane: Darker wood tones are enriched by an amber hue and an oily sheen. Oil based polyurethane can bring out the vibrant color in red oak, cherry or exotic woods like teak.”

Contact us today if you would like some more information on which finish will be best for your home, or visit our showroom to see the two finishes in-person - we are happy to help you make this important decision!

Life Events + Hardwood Floors

Big life events are always a lot of work to prepare for, and squeezing all your preparation in a month or two ahead of the event can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. “A lot of people start calling us in the Spring to schedule their flooring projects for grad parties, weddings, or other big events they have coming up in the summer” says owner, Neva Gullickson. It’s always better to get your project scheduled as far in advance as you can to ensure that you can get it done within your timeline and allow you enough time to get all of your other party preparations completed after your floors are done.

At Duane’s Floor Service, we typically schedule out anywhere from two weeks to two months, so even if you don’t need to get your floors installed, refinished, or buffed with a new coat until May, it is always a good idea to just call and get on the schedule. “The last thing we want is for your hardwood project to cause stress around your big events. We always strive to provide the best customer service and highest quality work to eliminate any unnecessary stress for our customers”, explains Neva.

So, what are you waiting for? If you know you will need your floors redone for a big event you have this coming Spring or Summer, give us a call today to get on the schedule and check this big item off your to-do list! Call Neva at 763-428-8601 to get started. We cannot wait to help make your home look perfect for your big party!

It's Not too Late for a Winter Makeover

Did the arrival of winter catch you off guard? You’re not alone. With the early beginning to snowy days and chilly temperatures, your Fall checklist might have gotten lost in the shuffle. If getting a buff and coat, sanding and refinishing, or replacing old carpet with hardwood floors was on your to-do list, we are here to tell you that it’s still okay to schedule a hardwood makeover in the cold winter months!

When the holiday season hits, it can be hard to imagine having construction done in your home, but there are several reasons why this might actually be the perfect time.

1. You’re gone a lot! You don’t need to be around the noise and smells that come with in-home construction. If you’re planning to be out of town for a few days around the holidays or in January, you can be confident in having our team complete the job while you are away.

2. We reduce the mess. We know that adding dust to your home when it closed up in the winter doesn’t sound great, but we go above and beyond when we plastic off our work zone in an effort to keep the rest of your home as clean as possible.

Maybe the hustle and bustle of the holiday season isn’t what’s holding you back from scheduling your hardwood flooring job. Perhaps you just don’t know what you want yet! We get it. Hardwood flooring is something that will last decades, so you want to select something that you will love forever. That’s tough to do when home trends change so much. Check out this video for upcoming flooring trends in 2020, and you can also ask our team at your free in-home estimate what would work best in your home.

If you’re ready to start your hardwood flooring winter makeover, give us a call today or submit an estimate request form. We cannot wait to transform your home!

Seasonal Floor Changes - Gaps

The cold of winter has arrived in Minnesota which means our homes are closed up, the heat is on, and the dryness has set in. As humans, we know that our skin dries up when our environment does not have enough humidity and it can be quite uncomfortable. Did you know that low humidity has the same effect on your hardwood floors?

When you install hardwood floors in your home, you are installing a piece of nature. The beauty of hardwood floors lies in their uniqueness and natural essence, but this natural element will also change throughout its time as your floor.

When moisture levels are low in your home, you can see gaps appear between your floor boards that were never there before. These gaps are completely normal and the cause is simple. When your home is lacking in moisture, it sucks the natural moisture from your hardwood floors, so they shrivel up a bit. The size of the gaps depends on your particular floor: “In general, how much solid wood flooring shrinks is directly proportional to its width. For example, in identical scenarios, an 8” wide plainsawn plank of white oak flooring will shrink twice as much as a 4” plank of the same cut and species” (Hardwood Floors Magazine).

The good news is that these gaps will more than likely disappear with the seasonal changes, but there are steps you can take during the winter to reduce gaps in your floors and make your overall living environment more comfortable as well!

Install Whole Home Humidifier

Whole home humidifiers are relatively inexpensive and simple to install. They can either be standalone that you fill with water or you can even install one on your furnace. These humidifiers will keep the humidity level in your home at the recommended level of 30-50% which will keep your floors happy and can also improve your family’s health by reducing dust mites, allergens, and likelihood of respiratory illnesses.

Turn off the Exhaust Fans

Another easy way to keep humidity in your home during winter is by retiring your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for the season. By allowing the moisture from showering or boiling water to stay in your home, you are adding moisture to the air by just performing your daily tasks.

We hope you find these tips helpful and that you have a better understanding of the seasonal changes your floors experience during Fall and Winter.

Let's Talk Rugs

Hardwood floors have a rustic elegance that you cannot find with any other flooring type, okay maybe we are a little biased. Adding a beautiful collection of rugs to your hardwood floors increases the beauty and warmth in your home.

Let’s dive into some of our favorite places to put your rugs throughout your home for added beauty and to protect your floors.

Entry Way

Entry ways are the perfect place to put a rug on your hardwood floors. These are high-traffic areas that see a lot of dirt and other debris from shoes or animal paws.

Pro TIp: Do not put rugs with rubber bottoms on your hardwood floors. This does not allow your floor to breathe if water gets under them and can cause water damage to your hardwood investment.

Living Rooms

Living rooms are another high-traffic area but they are also a room in the home where you want to feel completely comfortable. Adding a rug will increase warmth and make your guests feel right at home!

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are another perfect place for a comfortable rug. Add depth to your room and avoid the shock of cold floors in the morning with an oversized rug under your bed!

Just a reminder: The National Wood Flooring Association recommends waiting six weeks to lay rugs down on a newly finished hardwood floor. It is also good practice to check and clean under rugs twice monthly.

Giving Floors an Espresso Boost

A recent hardwood flooring job we completed featured a popular and beautiful finish: espresso stain. We sand and refinished the floors in this home and the final look is rustic elegance at its finest! Keep reading for floor images and information on wood and finish type.

Red Oak with Espresso Stain

Hickory with Espresso + Coffee Brown Stain

Birch Steps with Special Walnut Stain

First three images are before. Next two images are during. Last three images are the final product. How cool are these stairs!

Perfectly Imperfect

One thing we always tell homeowners when we finish their hardwood flooring project is to give their floors time to mature. What we mean by that is it is very common for your hardwood floors to have some temporary, minor “imperfections”, and they are not cause for alarm! It is just part of the flooring process .

Possible Imperfections After Final Finish

To help you understand and prepare for some possible “flaws” that you might see on your finished flooring, here is a list of what to possible expect and to understand is completely normal!

1. Blemishes & Debris. Settling resins can exaggerate the appearance of blemishes in the early stages of a floor’s life. Any small debris (i.e., tiny, airborne particles) can refract light more during this time. Rest assured - almost all blemishes disappear completely as the finish sets.

2. Uneven Sheen. Many factors can contribute to an uneven sheen. Dramatic factors such as humidity, temperature, and varying wood species’ composition can make the application process tricky. As with color differentiation, sheen variation will more than likely even out over time.

3. Screen Marks, Brush Strokes & Abrasions. Minor screen or brush marks may remain slightly visible during the initial drying phases. Likewise; small underlying abrasions may seem almost painfully obvious at first. Take a deep breath! As the finish sets, resins tighten across the wood and many of these marks will all but disappear during the process.

The overall point is to save yourself unnecessary stress and concern over the quality of your floor’s finish. Think of these small “imperfections” like a small cut or blemish on your arm - it will fade quickly and eventually disappear entirely!

How to Inspect Your New Floor

When inspecting your new hardwood floor, remember to do so from a standing position with normal lighting. Glare from windows will magnify any irregularity and can cause unnecessary alarm. These standards are set forth by the National Wood Flooring Association in the NWFA Hardwood Floor Manual and are observed as the standard for practice across the industry.

Hardwood flooring comes from nature, and that means that no two boards are the same and no job will look like another, and that’s what makes this product so special!

The Right Time for Your Hardwood Job

When will it be the perfect time to schedule your hardwood flooring job? The answer varies for every family based on your personal schedules, finances, etc. However, there are opportune times for us as a construction company to get your job done. A few of these opportune times include before the holidays and during Spring Break.

We often get customers calling us in mid-November to schedule a buff & coat or sand & refinish project to get their floors looking good as new before the holidays. The problem with calling so close to the install date is that you may not get your job completed before the date you would like. If you are looking for a holiday face-lift for your hardwood floors, we recommend getting your job on the books now, even if we schedule it out a few months.

Another great time to schedule your hardwood flooring job is when you are gone for the holidays or on Spring Break with your family. Buffing or sanding a floor creates a mess and reapplying finish is a smelly job, so why not have it all done when you aren’t home! We work closely with our customers to make them comfortable with our team being in their home when they are on vacation and always protect your belongings as if they were our own.

So what are you waiting for?! Give us a call today to schedule your late Fall, early Winter flooring project! Or easily submit an estimate request form on our website. We cannot wait to gift you with beautiful floors for the holiday season!

Restoring History

We serve the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities very frequently and one of the main jobs we perform in these areas is hardwood floor refinishing. Countless older homes have beautiful hardwood floors hidden beneath carpet or linoleum, or they are really beat up from decades of wear.

Whatever the case may be, refinishing floors in homes from the early-to-mid twentieth century is always a treat! See below for examples of a few historic floor refinishing projects from the expert DFS team.

Call today or submit an estimate request form to schedule your own historic hardwood floor refinish project!

Committed to our Customers

If there is one thing we have learned in our 54 years as a company, it is that happy customers are the key to lasting success. Every long standing company knows that every job will not go perfectly, but that doesn’t mean that any customer should be unsatisfied with their final product.

As a construction service company, each job-site we step onto has unique challenges, but our promise to our customer is this: we will give you the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer service possible. And that’s the secret to lasting success: quality of work and customer service.

We strive to maintain our reputation through unwavering dedication to happy customers. When you visit our testimonials page, you can see a few examples of the heart warming responses we get from our customers when they see their finished hardwood floors.

New team member, Matthew Gullickson, learning on the job!

When we add new members to our team, we focus mainly on their character when deciding if they would be a good addition to our team. We are proud to employ honest, hardworking employees who are respectful of our customers and their homes.

If you would like to work with our team and experience the DFS difference for yourself, contact us today to set up a free estimate!