The use of wood, laminate, cork and other similar materials continues to grow in both residential and commercial properties.

Estimates are that more than 60 percent of all homes have wood, cork or bamboo flooring in at least one or two rooms. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, as the use of natural materials in design and construction continues to grow in popularity.

New and more exotic, rare and costly types of wood flooring are entering the marketplace. Products that you can service include, but not limited to:

• Laminates (HDF and MDF)
• Nearly all types of solid hard and engineered wood
• Cork
• Bamboo
• Mulberry
• Palm
• Mineralized finish coated surfaces.

In addition, there are blocks, planks, strips, parquet, distressed, hand-scraped and other uneven surfaces with holes, natural defects and texturing.

In the past, many of these flooring materials required detailed procedures, products and equipment in order to properly maintain and restore their natural beauty without the risk of damage.

Over the last few years, finish manufacturers have developed advanced coatings, processes and equipment to make the work faster, safer, easier, dustless, odor free and more profitable for service contractors.

These advances have created an add-on sales and service opportunity for carpet cleaners that already have a relationship with customers who have or are considering installing wood flooring in their home or business.

It''s a simple process that consists of cleaning, scrubbing and applying one or two coats of a water-base urethane finish to the surface of the floor.

First steps

Most problems related to this type of work are a result of failing to inspect and test the existing floor''s condition and coating prior to starting the job, not communicating with the customer regarding limitation of the process, and a tendency to oversell the process when, in fact, a complete sand and refinish is what''s needed to obtain acceptable results in the eye of the buyer.

Keep in mind that all wood and similar flooring materials are sensitive to moisture. A limited amount of water should be used in all processes and avoided where possible. Never pour or spray water onto, use steam or vapor or flood/wet mop a wood floor as damage will result.

Equipment needs **Go to http://www.advantagecleaningteam.com/ and http://www.advantagefacilitiesservices.com/ for more articles, tips & tricks!**

In many cases, cleaners already have the basic equipment needed (rotary floor machine) or for less than $1,000 they can purchase what they need to get started and get their money back over the next three or four jobs.

More carpet cleaning supply stores now stock the basic equipment and supplies needed and offer training for those wishing to expand into wood floor cleaning and coating.

A quick online search will identify several nationwide companies that specialize in wood floor coatings and offer hands-on and online courses on how to use their products in homes, business and even school gyms with ease and safety.

Here''s a brief list of what you need to get started:

• A 175 RPM floor machine and driver, or a cylindrical brush micro-scrubber machine
• White and maroon floor scrubbing pad or nylon grit brush
• Finish applicator
• Tack and terry cloths, and microfiber cloths and flat mop
• Putty and/or wax repair sticks and fine-grit sandpaper
• Finish test kit (solvent, water and a white cloth)
• Blue painter''s tape, white towels, putty knife
• Vacuum with hose and a good filter
• Cleaning and coating products (check with your supplier and online sources)

You will also need a little practice. Your first and second job should not be in a customer''s home. Take a class, read a book, watch a video, do a couple of test floors and you''ll be ready to go.

Tips for success

Inspect and discuss the job with the customer, pointing out problem areas and limitations before you start the work. Take at least six photos of problem and wear areas.

Test the existing finish to see if it is compatible with the product and process you are using.

Get a signed work order, specifying the number of finish coats and cost before starting the work.

Apply thin to medium coats of finish; don''t over-apply with thick coats.

Rinse well twice (use microfiber flat mops, slightly moist with distilled water).

Do not use air movers to dry the finish, as this stirs up dust and may ripple the finish.

Discuss gloss, satin or semi-gloss finish options with the customer before starting work; show samples.

Discuss with the customer the need for entry matting, regular dust mopping or vacuuming and moist spot cleaning with a flat mop with the customer. Stress avoiding wet cleaning and immediate cleanup of spills.

Depending on use, the flooring should be recoated every two or three years.

Be ready for challenges

Scrub and coat processes aren''t a cure-all.

Some existing finishes (oil, wax, epoxy, teak and high-oil content woods) are not compatible with most topical finish products on the market today.

Floors that have excess wear, moisture, pet, UV or structural damage (crowning, cupping or deep gouges) are not good candidates for recoating processes.

If cracks or gouges are isolated and not too deep, putty and wax sticks are available to make minor cosmetic repairs prior to finish application.

Most jobs will go smoothly and without much difficulty, but being prepared for challenges will keep you out of trouble.

Good luck, get your training, and practice before heading out to do jobs for real customers.