Hardwood floors are an ever popular choice for both domestic and commercial environments and, although not the cheapest option, if properly cared for, hardwood offers a warm and sophisticated appearance which will last for many years.
Hardwood can be relatively easy to maintain, but regular maintenance and cleaning is essential if you wish to keep the floor in pristine condition and looking good. There are several tips which, if carried out correctly and regularly, should help to keep your floor looking like it did initially.
The best way of keeping your floor in good condition is to prevent damage, so avoiding dirt and grit from entering the area is essential. Dirt and dust can act like sandpaper, causing tiny surface scratching and abrasions, and can damage a sealer exposing the wood surface below. Placing doormats at entrances will trap some of the dirt and prevent damage. It is inevitable that some dirt will enter the house – usually on the soles of shoes, so regular sweeping and vacuuming will remove surface dirt and aid your future cleaning efforts.
Water and other spills are another potential hazards, as water can spoil a floors finish or can seep into the joints between wooden blocks and slowly cause damage over time. Other liquids such as wine or coffee can quickly stain a wooden surface if it is unsealed or if the sealer is damaged. Spillages should be wiped up as soon as they occur to avoid any unwanted staining.
Just as dirt and grit can cause, little surface scratching, general activity, and heavy objects can also be responsible for scratching or denting the wood and causing damage. Protective felt tips should be added to the legs of chairs and any sharp points or corners to offer additional protection.
It is possible that, due to traffic and the passage of time, that even if properly maintained – your floor can become dulled and marked which can result in an unsatisfactory appearance which is difficult to clean. It is possible that a stain or layers of bacteria have merely built up, or that the surface sealer has worn down exposing the surface.
The great thing about oak floorboards is that they can be sanded down and re-oiled, making them look fresh and new with little cost. Wooden flooring offers a dynamic look to your home and suits all types of interior designs too. Should you feel the wooden flooring creates a cold feel to your home, simply add a warming rug to provide a gentle surface to walk upon during those colder months of the year. Rugs are always a good option as they help to protect the flooring in those higher traffic areas, and they can be changed seasonally to suit all types of homes and designs.
Wooden floors can seem a little bit of an expensive option, however, if you implement the tips we have outlined, your wooden flooring should last an extremely long time compared to alternative flooring options, such as carpets, lino and laminated flooring.