Choosing to spring for hardwood flooring in your home is a sizable investment, but it is an investment that will stand the test of time.
There are few things as classically beautiful in a home as a hardwood floor. Hardwood is elegant, strong, long-lasting, and durable. Choosing to spring for hardwood flooring in your home is a sizable investment, but it is an investment that will stand the test of time. If you want to make sure that you get the full, long life out of your hardwoods that you should keep these tips in mind.
How Long Can They Last?
Choosing to invest in the gorgeous luxury of hardwood flooring could be the greatest decision you make for your home, as long as you take care of your floors. Hardwood isn’t like other materials. If you care for it properly, however, it could easily last you upwards of 20 years before you need to refinish it. Once it does need refinishing, the process if relatively cheap and it will set you up for another 2 decades of beauty.
Tips For Cleaning
You should sweep your hardwood floors weekly and use a damp mop on dirt spots. Never use a fully wet mop or a steam mop, since all of that moisture can cause huge issues like warping, buckling, and staining. Don’t use products with wax, as it will just build up on the hardwood surface. Finally, if you choose to vacuum your hardwood floors, turn off the rotating brush so that it doesn’t scuff the surface.
Other Tips
One of the biggest destroyers of hardwood flooring is another very common component of every home: furniture. That’s right, furniture can do a lot of damage. The biggest damage is often done when we try to move furniture. Never slide any furniture, even if it seems light, over your hardwoods. Also lift it up and carry it. Furniture isn’t just dangerous when it moves, however. Furniture that sits can cause dents and divots, so make sure that all of your furniture sits on protective pads. If you have rugs or carpets down on your floors, don’t use those with a rubber backing. This backing can trap moisture against the wood and be a huge issue. Another common source of damage is shoes. Never allow your shoes to track in excess water, dirt, or grim. Water is especially bad for hardwood floors, but dirt and grime can also cause damage. It’s best to make a habit of not wearing shoes in the house – socks or slippers are better. Finally, if your home has a forced-air furnace, it may actually get too dry and damage the floors. Use a humidifier in your home to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.