How to Properly Care for Timber Floors in the Home
Posted on: 22 June 2017
Real hardwood floors can enhance the look of any home, as they are very stylish and timeless. They're also very hygienic, as they don't hold the same amount of dust and dirt that often gets trapped in carpet fibres; if anyone in the family has breathing disorders or sensitivities to dust and other allergens, timber floors can be the right choice for flooring. However, you do need to ensure you're caring for your timber floors properly so that they don't suffer undue damage, and will stay in good condition for as long as possible. Note a few tips to consider.
Waiting
If you've had timber floors sanded and then varnished or coated, you typically need to wait several days before you replace furniture and other items, to ensure that coating is thoroughly dry. Don't go by touch alone, but ask the contractor the time needed before you can put furniture and rugs down on the floor, and before it's safe to actually walk on it as well. Otherwise, you may not allow that sealant or coating to dry, and this can result in eventual moisture build-up and other damage to the floor surface.
Sunlight
Excessive sunlight will dry, warp, and fade timber floors. Rotate rugs in your rooms so that you can cover areas underneath windows that get the most sun exposure. Close the drapes and blinds when you're not home, to cut down on the time your wood floors spend in the sun.
Scratches
Small scratches on your timber flooring, such as from a pet's nails or a child's toy, may not be very visible, so you may not think they're causing damage to the floor. However, scratching the sealant or coating of the flooring can mean allowing moisture and humidity to be absorbed by the wood, often resulting in premature damage. The flooring surface can also start to look dull, as dirt may tend to settle into those small scratches. Don't assume that only large scratches on the floor are damaging, but protect the floors from all causes of wear; trim a pet's nails, remove shoes at the front door, and put down area rugs where children play, to keep those floors safe.
Sanding
Sanding the timber floors will remove scratched sealant, as mentioned above. This will also remove any damaged wood from the surface and allow for a solid, fresh coat of sealant to be applied. Have your timber floors sanded as often as recommended by the installer or your contractor, to keep them looking good and to protect them as well.
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