6 Tips to Ensure Life of Wood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is one of the most traditional and durable floor coverings available. Some of the older homes still have a wooden floor covering which was installed a hundred years back. Not all wooden floorings are able to meet the utmost durability, there are some factors which should be considered and maintained. Poor quality or improperly installed wooden floors may need to be replaced or refinished after only a few years. So, let’s determine the factors that can increase the durability of wooden floorings.

Best ways to prolong the life of wooden flooring 

1. Finish quality choice 

Ideally, these factors are taken into account when it comes to installing wooden floorings. These are:

• Texture
• Rigidity
• Color
• Finish
• Board Width

If these are properly prioritized, then a wooden flooring can exceed the limitations of durability, often reaching more than 50 years.

2. Installation

Wooden floorings are mostly common in  American homes. If you are looking to renovate your house, make sure to install the flooring in the right way to prevent damage in the long run. A professional and skilled hardwood floor installer can give you complete peace of mind by accurately fitting the boards with each. Also, you need to consider the existing condition or current purpose of the room. Wooden floorings can take damages if they are exposed to excessive moisture, light, or heat.

3. Maintenance

Wooden floors require very little maintenance. However, you need to provide minimum periodic maintenance to preserve the appearance and overall aesthetic appeal. Remember, light and humidity are the two major offenders of wooden floorings. Consider installing curtains at the windows which are prone to receiving a direct and large amount of sunlight. On the other hand, fluctuations in humidity can cause damage to the flooring. If, even the slightest layer of water is accumulated on the floor, consider planning for a replacement. 

4. General caring guidelines

Some general guidelines can be followed at regular intervals to ensure better longevity of the wooden flooring.

• Make sure to block rainwater and moisture during a monsoon
• Makes sure to wipe off water spills immediately
• Make sure not to use hairspray or furniture polish on the wooden floors
• Make sure to vacuum the floor on a weekly basis
• Make sure to use the no-wax cleaner in case of any residue
• Make sure to use doormats and area rugs in places that are prone to high-traffic

These aspects are vital. The wooden floor should not be exposed to water or moisture as it can damage the floor.  

5. Cleaning products in details 

If you are looking to use proper cleaning products, be sure to read the label carefully before buying it. Different surfaces have different requirements and thus, it should be prioritized. You may also want to get it from the professionals who had installed the floor covering. Initially, it may not be visible, but after prolonged usage of the wrong cleaning product, the appearance will eventually fade and the surface may also become uneven. 

6. Additional measures

It is quite natural to have furniture pieces in the home and thus, it is necessary to use felt protectors on their legs. This will help in picking up debris and also protect the surface from getting scratches. If you have furniture that often needs to slide around, consider replacing the protectors after a couple of months. 

Using the right tools, cleaning methods, and proper maintenance can easily boost the durability of your wooden flooring. The more care you show, the better it looks. Wooden flooring needs special care and maintenance. If you can follow the tips mentioned above, your wooden floor will remain in its best condition for years. 

About The Author: Peter Martel is an avid Interior Designer and content writer. Armed with skilled knowledge and expertise in the field of Interior designing, Peter is a proud father of a dog named – Buzzo. In his free time, he is always researching, reading about Home Improvement, and designing.

Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash