OUR PROCESS
Once you have a general idea of the look and feel of flooring you want to move forward with, we’ll help you choose the right finish, determine your square footage, and coordinate delivery. Our designers can work with you in person at our showroom in Costa Mesa, CA, or remotely via email and phone to make the process as easy as can be. After you select your wood, here is what you can expect.
STEP 1: ORDERING
Choosing when to order your new floor depends on whether it is a simple replacement/renovation or part of a new construction project. The length of time from first appointment to installation depends on the type of material and finishing process. Once the sample is approved, the lead time for highly custom floors ranges from 4-14 weeks depending upon species of wood, treatment, stair parts, and quantity. This window can be narrowed once we determine the type of floor you want and where it will be delivered. We will discuss construction timelines with you prior to making a selection to make sure we are presenting you with the best options to meet your needs.
We ship all over the United States. Samples are sent at no cost, and when you’re ready to order, we ship your new wood floor to your doorstep. We can also install nationwide, using approved Warren Christopher professionals.
STEP 2: DELIVERY
Your new wood floor will arrive in a wooden crate or standard size pallet. You have the option of ordering your wood for Inside Delivery or Curb Side Delivery. If ordered Curb Side, your shipment will be dropped in front of your residence. You’ll want to bring it into your home as soon as possible and stack it in an out of the way place, such as on the opposite side of the room from where the installation will begin, or in an adjacent room. If you are having your new wood floor installed by a Warren Christopher professional, our team will take care of getting your floor inside, and in the correct area.
The ideal environment for any wood product in your home is a constant temperature and a consistent humidity level of 40% - 50%. Please be prepared for some expansion and contraction in wider floor planks. Proper acclimation and installation in certain environments is extremely important! If your home is new construction, it’s very important to have the HVAC installed before your wood flooring is delivered.
STEP 3: INSTALLATION
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your wood floor is installed or refinished will help ensure not only your peace of mind, but also the highest possible quality of work. If you choose not to use an approved Warren Christopher professional to do your installation, we strongly recommend that installation be done by a professional flooring contractor familiar with wide plank flooring.
BEFORE
Before work begins, remove all furnishings, draperies, paintings, and other items from the room. For new installations, the wood will need to acclimate, which may vary from two days to two weeks—or even longer depending on the species.
DURING
If your floors are being sanded, finished or refinished, be prepared for some noise and disruption. Dust containment systems can minimize debris, but no system is 100% effective, so you will wish to cover any items that you want to keep dust-free. When the finish is applied, stay off your floors until it has dried. The time required will vary depending on the type of finish used.
AFTER
After the finish has dried, place felt pads on the bottoms of any furniture to minimize scratches and dents to your flooring. Place rugs or welcome mats at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor your floor. And as you might imagine, you’ll want to avoid walking on your floors with cleats or high heels
Keep in mind that no two floor boards will be identical. Variations in appearance are not only normal, but desirable as they are in keeping with the finest in authentic wood flooring. As your floor ages, some color change can occur. This is also normal, but can be minimized by limiting exposure to direct sunlight, and periodically rotating furniture and rugs. Seasonal humidity changes may cause the wood to expand and contract. Cracks are normal and will appear and disappear between floor boards during seasons of high and low humidity.
STEP 4: MAINTENANCE
Your new Warren Christopher hard wood floor is manufactured for maximum durability and easy maintenance, with a high quality finish that protects the wood and helps keep the flooring looking as stunning as the day it was installed. While highly durable, this finish is not indestructible, however you can keep your hard wood floors looking their best by properly maintaining them. If possible, maintain a consistent humidity level in your home of 30% - 50%—which studies show is optimal for wood floors. Use a cleaning product recommended for your floors (we’ll advise you which is best for your particular flooring), and establish a regular cleaning schedule to keep your flooring looking beautiful for years to come.