Hardwood flooring from Flooring.org is durable as well as beautiful, but over time it can develop scratches and defects from wear and tear. Here are some ways to avoid or reduce the visibility of scratches and most of all enjoy your hardwood floors for years to come.
The right finish makes a difference — There are two things to consider when choosing hardwood finishes. Choose a textured or grain finish for your hardwood; scratches are much less visible when hidden in a grain texture versus a smooth sanded floor. Also, choose a lighter stain. Beneath the stain is unfinished wood, and if you use a dark stain a deeper scratch will be much more apparent than if a lighter stain is used.
Protect the floor from your furniture — Putting furniture directly on a hardwood floor will guarantee eventual wear and scratches. Put protective pads under furniture legs to keep them from rubbing on the floor finish. There are lots of different options for pads, so get to your hardware store and check them out.
Mats and rugs are your friend — After you put down a beautiful new hardwood floor, it’s tempting to leave it uncovered so you can enjoy it. The problem is most homes have traffic areas in a room or moving from room to room. Over time these traffic areas will wear more quickly and eventually make a refinish necessary. A mat or area rug placed in strategic areas can extend the life of your floors greatly, so don’t be afraid to use them. Carpet and rug stores have a great selection of beautiful runners or rugs, so use them to dress up your room.
Damage from pets — We all love our pets, but long nails can do a lot of damage to hardwood floors. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and your floors will thank you.
Proper cleaning — Regular cleaning of hardwood floors is important to extend their life. Sweeping and dust mopping will remove grit and sand, but also will remove dust which can wear your floors over time. Removing your shoes when you enter your home will also help. Be sure to clean up liquid spills promptly so they don’t create stains or seep into the subfloor.
There is no magic potion or treatment to keep hardwood floors scratch-free. But with some care and attention, you can have beautiful floors for years to come. Flooring.org has an amazing selection of hardwoods for all tastes and decors, so shop here first before going anywhere else! Feel free to reach out to us at 800-689-9006 with any questions you may have!
