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About Top Floor

At Top Floor, we are wood flooring craftsmen. We provide hardwood flooring installation and repairs, as well as sanding, refinishing, and laminate floor installations. Because we are highly educated about wood flooring, we give the best value for your dollar.

A beautiful wood floor is an investment worth having the best contractor in the business.

Contact us today!

Questions and answers

Q.
• Tell us about the project or job that you are most proud of (in the last 12 months).
A.

• I am proud of my work, every time. More importantly, my customers appreciate the skill I bring to their installations.

  One of the most rewarding jobs involved creating a winding hickory staircase. It was the focal point of a gorgeous home in North County. The difficulty level was high, but I was excited, and honored, to be called on to work on that job. It took 3 weeks to complete, and came out beautifully.

Q.
• How did you get started?
A.

• Made an amazingly simple transition from a career in graphic design to a career as a woodworker. The attention to detail that I learned working in the design field proved to be a strong asset. This was 17 years ago and I have not looked back.

Q.
• What certifications or professional affiliations do you have?
A.

• I have been to the National Wood Floor Association school, studying installation, sanding and refinishing. I traveled to Arizona and earned my certification from Pergo for laminate installation. I also am a proud member of the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association.

Q.
• How many projects do you average in a year?
A.

• I stay busy. My own projects fill most of my schedule, averaging 2 per month. The rest of the working days are spent visiting associates and assisting on their jobs. I have a reputation as a 'wood scholar', thanks to the many classes and workshops I have attended. My peers never miss a chance to pick my brain about tough situations.

Q.
• What are the most frequent questions you get from customers? What are the answers?
A.

• I am often asked to decide the direction a floor is to be laid. Because this is a matter of aesthetics, there is no right answer. My recommendation is usually to lay the planks in the direction that is longest. This results in fewer seams overall and, in my opinion, the most pleasing appearance.

Q.
• What would you recommend customers looking to save money?
A.

• A new floor can easily cost as much as a new car. Yet, when choosing a flooring contractor, most people spend a fraction of the time they would use choosing a new car.

  My advice is to collect bids from several contractors. Choose the one that you feel most comfortable with. Understand that a new floor is an investment worthy of hiring a professional. The cheapest individuals are likely unlicensed and, therefore, the worst value for your dollar. Do your homework. Ask questions. And, by all means, check that your contractor is in good standing with the California State Licensing Board.

Q.
• What information do you recommend to have readily available before looking for a professional in your trade?
A.

• Because I believe that a licensed contractor is the safest investment for the consumer, I recommend that those looking for an installer become familiar with the home page of the State Licensing Board. (www.cslb.ca.gov)

  Check the license of the person you select. You would be surprised at the number of people using false or suspended licenses, especially on Craigslist.

  UPDATE: A recent check found 99% of results for 'hardwood flooring' on craigslist were individuals falsely claiming to be licensed

Q.
• What types of jobs are the most common?
A.

• Most often we are hired to remove carpet and install laminate floors and baseboards.

Q.
• Tell us something customers may not know about you.
A.

• My hobby is art. I began showing my art in local galleries last year. I work with paint, wood, and mixed media.

Q.
• What services do you provide your customers after the work has finished?
A.

• We warranty our work for one year. More importantly, I follow an axiom taught to me by my older brother: "Give them more than they paid for."

  I honestly abide by that and have a desire to have happy customers for the life of their floor.

Q.
• What questions should a customer ask before hiring a professional in your trade?
A.

• Are you licensed?

  How long have you been licensed?

  Do you have examples of your work?

  Have you taken any classes?

  Are you endorsed by the NWFA?

Q.
• What brands or products do you work with?
A.

• There are many wonderful brands of hardwood and laminate flooring. I have installed countless quality floors from dozens of manufacturers. If asked to choose my favorite I would have to say Kahrs, for hardwood, and Harmonics for laminate.

Q.
• What do you wish customers knew about your profession or trade?
A.

• Wood flooring is a skilled trade. Skill comes from focused, deliberate practice. The least qualified people vying for your project are easily weeded out by simply asking questions. The skilled professional will give solid responses. Those less professional have little experience to draw from and are easily exposed. This is true, but it seems most people do not realize it.

Q.
• What areas of your trade do you specialize in?
A.

• Hardwood and laminate flooring installations, repairs and refinishing; custom moldings and staircases.

Testimonials

• August 17, 2012

  A class act all the way. Educated about wood flooring like you wouldn't believe. Hire him while he is affordable, folks! His level of skill, courtesy and craftsmanship is worth far more than he charges. Thank you, Phil, for being our floor guy.

  - Connor