Hardwood flooring is a feature that many homeowners find attractive. Although wood floors are strong and durable, they can be scratched and dented, and repairs may be expensive. Here are some tips to keep your hardwood floors in excellent condition.
Prevent Scratches
Place heavy furniture on top of an area rug. That can provide a cushion to keep the legs from scratching the floor if the furniture moves a bit when someone sits down or stands up.
Check the legs on your furniture from time to time. If legs are damaged or uneven, sand them to make them smooth and level, or replace them.
Furniture scraping on the floor is one of the most common sources of hardwood floor damage. Don’t push or drag furniture if you need to move it. Instead, ask someone to help you lift it or use furniture pads to slide it.
Don’t allow anyone to walk on hardwood floors while wearing high heels, as they can cause permanent gouges in the floor. Trim your pets’ nails regularly so they can’t scratch the flooring.
Vacuum and sweep hardwood floors regularly so dirt, sand and other debris that is carried in on people’s shoes and pets’ paws is removed. Place mats near doors so people can wipe their feet or remove their shoes when they enter.
Avoid Water Damage
If water is allowed to pool on hardwood flooring, it can cause damage. If you have hardwood floors in your kitchen or bathroom, use mats to protect the flooring from spills and leaks. If water or another liquid is spilled on the floor, wipe it up immediately.
Prevent Environmental Damage
Changes in humidity can cause hardwood flooring to expand and contract. Use an air conditioner, humidifier or dehumidifier as necessary to maintain an appropriate level of humidity in your home.
The sun’s UV rays can cause the color of hardwood flooring to change. Use window coverings to protect your flooring from UV rays and prevent fading.
The placement of furniture and area rugs can cause some sections of a hardwood floor to be exposed to more sunlight than others. That can lead to uneven fading and patches with different colors. Change the arrangement of your furniture and area rugs periodically so that the floor can be exposed to sunlight more evenly and maintain a consistent shade.
Keep Your Hardwood Floors in Top Condition
Hardwood flooring can be an attractive feature and may help you command a high price for your home if you decide to sell it in the future, but it will have to be well maintained to appeal to potential buyers. By developing good habits and taking precautions, you can protect your hardwood floors from damage.
