I would expect a fair amount of denting using pine flooring. Its to be expected so I wouldn't stress. Speaking as a former sales rep 99% of the 'risk' is in the installation. Wood isn't as precise as carpet or some other products, but there have been multiple postings on here about how the installer did something stupid, or the poster wasn't happy with the finished prodcut. Assuming this is prefinished I'd think the risk is pretty minimal. Knowing there are a few installers on here I'd wait for a response from someone who actually does installation. Saving $$ always seems like a good deal when things go right, but when they go wrong.........

Hard to say. We don't know your GC or the installer the GC will hire.

Finishing the material is almost as important as the actual install, so you will have that to deal with that as well.

The most important thing with any floor install, and I know boxers will probably agree with me, is for an installer and a finisher to follow all installation instructions and guidelines. There are no shortcuts in my opinion.

You've chosen an expensive upscale product. Why would you choose to cut the install cost now?

If the GC, the subcontractor and the finisher can convince you that they are educated about the materials and can guarantee acceptable results, then great. If not, then you're taking a 'shot in the dark'...good luck.

5-6 g's is a bunch of cash. Could you agree they will be paid after a flooring inspector ok's the job? I would imagine he would hold them to high standards and would be worth the cost, how much I do not know.

One other thing you might do is get a couple more estimates, and that should give you an idea s to who's in the ball park, and who's in left out! :-)

First off, it is important to note that price is not an accurate determination of quality. The two have nothing to do with on another. I have had the misfortune of using subconbtractors with certification credentials that charged alot who performed low quality work. I have also have been blessed with un-certified subcontractors who did outstanding work at very reasonable rates in comparison.

it is a bit presumptuous to make certified inspection of work a payment determination. Inspection, yes. Your inspection ... but certified expert flooring inspection? No way. It is a total waste of everyones time and money unless there are disagreements on a guarantee or product warranty claim after the install. It just isn't done, and if someone came into one of my stores with that attitude and criteria, it would be politely suggested to them that they would best be served finding their installed sales flooring solution elsewhere, because those types of consumers no one wants. You could do the most perfect job for them ever and they always seem to find something wrong. If not with the work, with the way they were treated. If not with the way they were treated, then they make up another excuse to comlain on the off chance that they might get a couple bucks shaved off their bills.

ask for and verify references of previous similar projects. At least 3.

check with your local Better Business Bureau for any unsatisfied consumer complaints against the person or company name. This is often one of the best informational tools for the consumer when confused about choosing a company.

get at least 3 or more estimates for the work. Five would be even better. The more estimates you get, the more accurate the determination of average costs for your geographic location and what the companies charge on average. To make this mean anythiug they all have to be biddding on the exact same work, so ensure all work being performed and quoted is identical.

ensure they are licensed (business or contractors license) to do business in your state and/or locality if it is a requirement in your area. Unlicensed contractors performing work in a state or locality requiring independent businesses to be licensed are corner cutters and is a huge red flag they they are corner cutters, so why chance them cutting other corners on your project. It is important to note that not all states and localities require licensing so check with your state and local government first.

find out the guarantee period for the installation (usually a year but some states require two years by law so check with your state). Also ensure they will act as a conduit, your agent, between the you and the manufacturer in cases of factory defective products.

most importantly discuss the job in detail with everyone. Get a comfort level and go with your gut feeling.

The day your floor is installed, is the most important day in the life of your floor, barring any misfortunate water leak.

The installer is very important, and the contractor GC is in there because he is the lowest bidder, thinking he is just working for a paycheck, instead of running a business, like the higher priced contractor, who has dealt with uneducated GC's before, and knows what he is getting into, so he has a higher price for holding so many hands, and educating those hands, that should already be educated, about how wood flooring is professionally done, instead of enough to get a check, and get out the door.

I have seen the GC's sub do a fine job installing standard oak flooring, but I don't think he has any experience with Heart Pine.

Does that make a difference??

I am primarily concerned that the knots are spread out and the stain is correctly applied to get the color I want. One heart pine owner told me that it is not just how much stain you apply, but how much you wipe off.

Is the finishing of heart pine much different from, say an oak?

I feel the GC's sub could probably handle it, but I don't know how important his lack of experience in working with this type of wood is.

Any comments?? Ay tips on how I can better direct him and save a bucket load of cost? (I know Carlisle is supposed to have great customer service and provide good instruction, but I doubt this guy is going to read it just because his English comprehension isn't the greatest.)

I saw yesterday some oak flooring that was just installed in a house that is about 45 years old. That area was carpeted, most of the adjoining areas are oak from 45 years ago. The installation itself was superb. The sanding was fair, the finish was fair. Kind of made me sick to my stomach. All three are critical to achieve the best quality.

What a Novel Idea!! Support an exploit the illegal immigrants!!!! Meanwhile Americans go without work or have to live in poverty to compete for the jobs, Americans no longer want to do. It is an outsourced America.

What a Novel Idea!! Support an exploit the illegal immigrants!!!! Meanwhile Americans go without work or have to live in poverty to compete for the jobs, Americans no longer want to do. It is an outsourced America.

Both installation and the sand/finish are equally important. If you feel the need to educate this guy thats a very bad sign. He/she should already know this, or have found out. I don't do any finishing but I hear that on pine floors that the wood has to be washed in a virgin (clean) solvent so the resins won't react with the finish.