Helpful Tips on Hardwood Flooring
Installing hardwood flooring is a huge financial commitment that pays off in a big way in the long run. With that in mind, it is important to be able to take care of your new flooring to have it in top condition for as long as possible. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to have your hardwood flooring for many years; even a lifetime. Before getting into the helpful tips on hardwood flooring, it is only right to first explore why you would want to consider this kind of flooring in the first place.
Advantages of Hardwood Flooring
There are many advantages attached to hardwood floor which is why this is one of the most popular types of floor on the home renovation market today. Some of the advantages in this case include:
Hardwood Flooring
Maintenance: as you will soon discover, hardwood floors are very easy to clean and generally care for. The inherent properties of the wood make it resistant to dirt and stains such that they don’t stick to the floor. Most of what is needed is regular vacuuming and moping with a damp cloth or mop. In addition to this, unlike carpet, wood doesn’t fade and will retain its original color for a long time to come.
Health: because wood doesn’t trap debris in the way carpet does, the air in the house is usually fresher and cleaner. This is especially important for people with allergies or respiratory illnesses who need constant clean air in and around the home.
Versatility: hardwood is one of the most versatile materials for flooring. No two hardwoods are exactly the same, which means each house gets a unique look as far as the floor goes. In addition to this, wood naturally has different patterns meaning that you will not be stuck with a particular shade or color.
Durability: hardwood is solid and sturdy, making it resistant to dents and scratches, which are part of daily life. This type of flooring is easily able to withstand heavy furniture as well as items being accidentally dropped on the floor.
Value addition: 99.9% or realtors agree that hardwood floors add significant value to the home. This is both in the monetary sense, as well as the perceived value. Apart from hardwood floors increasing the price tag on the home significantly, they are also attractive to prospective buyers, which makes it easier to sell the house quickly and closer to the asking price should such a situation arise.
Aesthetics: the beauty of hardwood floors is undeniable. It is reminiscent of nature in all its glory. Wood floors can also be sanded and refinished easily to change the color of the floor should you get tired of the current look. The versatility of wood floors also makes it perfect for any kind of interior design conceivable.
How to care for hardwood flooring
As mentioned earlier, installing hardwood floors is a significant investment which therefore requires proper maintenance to protect your investment and enjoy it for as long as possible. With that in mind, below are some helpful tips on hardwood flooring:
Make sure you know your specific type of flooring and finish. You should also be sure to follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and general maintenance. Do some research on how to care for your particular kind of finish. For example, paste wax should never be used on polyurethane finish. Sweeping hardwood floors with a soft broom on a regular basis naturally buffs the surface, therefore protecting it from scratches. Another obvious advantage of this is that it will keep the floor clean. Where possible, leave shoes at the door to avoid dragging extra dirt and grime onto the floor. If not, consider using rugs in high traffic areas such as hallways and entrances to keep feet clean. Remove any solid materials from the floor such as sand, grit and dirt among others. These materials are abrasive and can dull and even scratch the floor’s finish. Use a dry towel to wipe spills and other messes from wood floors. Oils soaps should NEVER be used on hardwood floors. These oils will eventually build up and will dull the surface of the floor. In addition to this, it will make it difficult to refinish the floor whenever needed. Use a vacuum with a bare floor attachment. Such a vacuum easily removes dirt and dust without scratching or otherwise damaging the floor. Do not drag furniture across the floor when moving it. Instead, lift the furniture when moving it. Where dragging is inevitable, invest in a set of slip-mats. Where these are not available, lids from plastic food containers work just as well. Use only cleaners that have specifically been manufactured for use on hardwood floors. Do not substitute with linoleum, laminate or tile cleaners as these can cause the floor to become extra slippery. Use as little water as possible when cleaning wood floors. Wet spots should also be immediately wiped up after cleaning.
A Final Thought
These are simple helpful tips on hardwood flooring maintenance. Although these are do-it-yourself (DIY) options, it is important to pay close attention as if done incorrectly they can damage your floors. Do not attempt any renovation work on your flooring if you don’t have the necessary expertise and experience. Where you are in doubt, it is best to contact your manufacturer or seller and they will be able to give you the directions you need. The great thing about hardwood floors is that they are a solid investment and will pay dividends in the long run with only the minimum care and maintenance needed.
Abbas Yasrebi
M3 Flooring & Interiors
www.m3interiors.ca
For more than 10 years, M3 Flooring & Interiors offers the highest quality residential and commercial flooring and interiors products, installation and services at competitive prices to retail customers, contractors and builders in the GTA. Our high quality products, selection and prices make us the premium choice of home owners, contractors, property managers and builders alike. We want you to try us once and we make a promise and commitment to give you the highest quality of product, installation, and service at competitive prices to have you coming back to us for your flooring needs.
M3 Flooring & Interiors is a company located in Richmond Hill, serving the regions of Toronto, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Vaughan and Thornhill.
