A Quick Guide to Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Wood floors are one of the first things people notice when they walk into a room. This luxurious look makes them perfect for almost any area, and their stunning diversity means you can change their face whenever you want.

But wood floors need care and maintenance, or they’ll become damaged, stained, and worn over time. Without regular upkeep and attention, they’ll show neglect in no time.

So, how can you care for your hardwood floors to keep them in perfect shape?

Keep reading for all you need to know about hardwood floor maintenance tips.

House with wood flooring image

Things to Consider When Choosing a Hardwood Flooring

From ancient times, hardwood has been one of the most widely used materials for flooring. This is because of its adaptability in both form and function and a built-in charm that lends each installation a unique personality and beauty. Shopping for a wood floor can be a little overwhelming with the range of woods, colors, and finishes that are currently available. In contrast, selecting the ideal wood floor for your home.

1. Types of Wood Flooring

Currently, engineered flooring, which consists of planks with a thinner top layer of hardwood linked to other layers to prevent the floor from slipping during expansion and contraction cycles, is commonly available. Solid hardwood is also generally accessible today. The ease of engineered flooring installation makes it a good choice for apartments and basements with concrete subfloors. Engineered flooring can be glued directly to concrete or over a soundproofing mat. Still, the solid wood is typically laid over one or two layers of plywood, which can raise the height of a floor and obstruct existing doors or slightly lower ceiling height. Moreover, it can be installed over radiant heat.

2. Specification of Wood

Although various kinds of wood are used for flooring, some are harder than others and last longer. When choosing a wood floor, most people are worried about daily wear and tear. The most common household wood floors are made of Red and White Oak. Still, Hickory and Maple, stronger than oak and walnut, are also popular options. The toughest types of wood are popular exotics like Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Koa, and Cumaru. Tougher wood will hold up better to wear and install in high-traffic areas of the home.

3. The appearance, color, and grain

The variety of species, designs, and treatments available in wood flooring makes it very simple to find a floor that complements any interior design scheme. Wide plank floors with clearly defined wood grains and a distressed appearance go well with the country-style decor. Choose flooring in oak and maple with wide, erratic board widths for colonial homes. Depending on the stain or finish used, practically any type of wood can be utilized in a modern context. For instance, pewter, dark charcoal, or whitewash finishes can turn any species of wood into a contemporary masterpiece.

4. Finishing Style

The overall appearance of a wood floor is determined by the finish. The same wood species will appear quite different when finished with a clear gloss instead of a distressed, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed finish. Flooring experts point out that varying gloss levels and finishing methods may impact the overall appearance of the wood floor. While looking for a wood floor, you should consider distressed, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed treatments. 

Flooring is either prefinished or offered unfinished. Unfinished floors are sanded and finished locally, creating a reliable seal that keeps debris and moisture out of the spaces between the boards. Prefinished flooring typically gets seven to eight coatings of sealant applied in a controlled environment at the factory. Floor specialists advise prefinished flooring because it guarantees a superior and consistent finish and comes with a warranty.

5. Installation fees and costs

The type, wood species, and finish all affect how much wood flooring costs. Depending on the type of flooring and installation needed for your home, the average installation cost is often around half as much as the flooring cost. Planks are nailed, stapled, or glued to a subfloor to install solid wood and engineered wood flooring. Yet, several new engineered goods are now accessible and may be quickly placed while appearing to float above the flooring. Installing flooring can be expensive, especially when using unfinished flooring. Still, skilled do-it-yourselfers can save money by handling the work and using prefinished flooring.

Implementing Regular Cleaning Structures

Hardwood flooring installation takes considerable effort, so it’s essential to follow a few simple steps to ensure that your floor remains in optimum condition and is not tarnished or damaged over time. Vacuuming weekly removes dirt and debris that can scratch and dull the surface.

Sweeping with a soft bristle broom or microfiber dust mop also helps to collect dust and dirt. A damp mop should be used sparingly, as this can cause the wood to warp if used too often.

You should wax floors once a year. Further maintenance, such as reapplying oil and wax, will be required if the floor has been oiled.

Treat Scratches & Warping

Warping is where the floor planks may twist, buckle, or become uneven due to moisture or improper installation. You must respond quickly to address this issue.

To minimize scratches, use rugs and mats under furniture to provide a barrier between the furniture and the floor. Use furniture coasters to prevent dragging and minor scratches.

If deeper scratches occur, you may have to sand down the area. Also, reseal or refinish the wood to restore the floor’s original finish.

Spot Cleaning of Spills and Stains

Spot cleaning of spills and stains is a critical aspect of hardwood floor maintenance. Make sure to clean up all liquid spills before they dry to prevent any additional finish staining.

For food and other solid spills, use a damp cloth or mop and spot scrub gently with an appropriate cleaning product. If a stubborn spot is present, use a soft brush and lightly scrub it, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove the residue.

After spot cleaning, use a dry cloth to buff the area and restore the shine. You may need to reapply the finish to restore the sheen for deeper, more difficult stains.

Choosing Your Cleaning Products

Choosing the right cleaning products for your hardwood floor maintenance is essential for keeping your floor looking beautiful. Look for multipurpose cleaning products that are specifically designed for hardwood floor cleaning.

Check for green pro ducts that do not contain soap, wax, or detergent, which could damage the finish. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the label for the best results.

Avoid using harsh chemical or bleach-based products, which can harm wood surfaces. Remember to avoid using too much water when cleaning and waxing your floor, as too much water can cause warping and discoloration over time.

Performing Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Overall, hardwood floor maintenance is simple. Keeping hardwood floors in excellent condition requires a little effort, time, and money.

In order to gain the best results, it is always recommended to contact a professional to keep hardwood floors looking their best. Reach out today to get started.

Home with hardwood flooring image

Why Choose Hardwood Flooring?

Homeowners can choose the flooring solution that best suits their needs from various available selections. Most people who want durable and fashionable solutions choose hardwood flooring. Although installing hardwood flooring is an expensive alternative, the expense is manageable if you consider its advantages. 

1. Hardwood floors’ resilience and sturdiness

Given its great density and natural toughness, wood is less prone to dents and scratches than weaker floors, which can leave ugly and frequently permanent scars. Choose a tougher wood like hickory, Brazilian teak, or Ipe, for example, if durability is important to you.

2. Hardwood Flooring is Elegant and adaptable

If you’re looking for new flooring, options are available for you in the wood flooring industry. There is a wood floor suited for any taste and any room of your home, thanks to the hundreds of hues, construction types, and surface textures available. Hardwood floors can be polished and stained in every shade imaginable if you’re working with your current flooring, offering you a wide range of economical options. Also, it allows you to incorporate attractive area rugs rather than carpets, which may get permanently damaged and be more expensive to replace.

3. Simple to Maintain

Hardwood flooring is the easiest to maintain compared to vinyl flooring, carpeted flooring, or any other option. If your child spills coffee on the floor, cleaning the carpet will be a disaster. With a hardwood floor, clearing dirt and liquid spills are simple. Conversely, hardwood flooring doesn’t require you to spend hours maintaining it or purchasing any specific cleaning agents.

4. Hardwood is environmentally friendly

Wood is a sustainable and natural material that helps insulate homes and save energy costs. It is also a solution that is good for the environment. Wood flooring has a long lifespan, which reduces the need for replacement materials. Those who want to live even more sustainably can choose to floor made from recycled or reclaimed wood. Other types of wood flooring, such as engineered hardwood and HDF-based products, utilize less hardwood to complete the job. You may select an attractive green floor if you do your study and comparison shop.

5. Setting up Hardwood Flooring Encourages Healthy Living

For people with asthma and allergies, hardwood flooring is frequently advised. If your doctor recommends it in rare circumstances, you can even purchase wood floors tax-free. The air remains naturally fresher, and house cleaning efforts are more successful because it does not hold dust and dander as carpets do. Slips and falls are less frequent because hardwood has better traction than laminate goods or other slick floor surfaces. Even your pets will benefit from hardwood flooring because parasites like fleas cannot hide and lay their eggs on the carpet.

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