Hardwood floors bring warmth and character to a home, and with sensible care they can look wonderful for generations. A few small habits make all the difference.
Fine grit acts like sandpaper underfoot. Place good doormats inside and outside every entrance, sweep or vacuum with a soft floor head often, and ask household members to swap outdoor shoes for slippers. These simple steps protect the finish more than any cleaning product.
Wood and standing water do not mix. Use a well-wrung microfibre mop and a cleaner made for your type of finish, and avoid steam mops, vinegar solutions and oil soaps that can dull or damage it. Wipe up spills straight away, especially near sinks, dishwashers and pet bowls.
Felt pads under chair and table legs are inexpensive and prevent most of the scratches we see on otherwise healthy floors.
Wood naturally expands in humid months and shrinks in dry ones. Small gaps that appear in winter usually close again in summer. Keeping indoor humidity steady with a humidifier or dehumidifier reduces cupping, gapping and squeaks.
When the floor looks dull and scratched but the wood itself is sound, a screen and recoat can restore the shine without full sanding. Deep scratches, grey worn patches or water marks usually call for sanding back to bare wood and refinishing. Solid hardwood can be refinished several times over its life.
Damaged boards can often be lifted and replaced with matching timber, and squeaks can be fixed from below or with hidden fixings. If you are thinking about refinishing, repairing or extending your wood floors into new rooms, our flooring specialists will be glad to take a look.
Tell us about your home and we will suggest the next best step, with no pressure and no jargon.
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