Protect your hardwood floor

Hardwood floors are expensive, so homeowners must do their best to protect them. Since they come from exhaustible resources, trees, and take years to produce, they are more tedious to maintain and maintain than concrete and other types of building materials. So, if you want to use hardwood for your flooring, you must be prepared with the appropriate methods and tools of protection.

How can you protect your hardwood floor?

First, do not expose it to too much sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays are one of the main reasons why some hardwood floors become discolored over time, regardless of their finish or stain. We are referring to the same ultraviolet rays that damage your skin. UV rays act the same way with any other type of organic matter.

To protect it from the sun, install a screen on your windows or use curtains. You can use transparent curtains so that the room is not so dark. There are hardwoods that get lighter as a result of sun exposure, while materials like oak and cherry tend to become darker. To slow the fading process, apply water-based urethane finishes to your floor. Oil-based finishes are acceptable, but they tend to turn yellow or turn amber when exposed to the sun.

Second, make sure it is always dry. Water is the worst enemy of a hardwood floor. It can seep into the material and cause unpleasant stains and decomposition. You can protect your floor by applying thick layers of finish, but keep in mind that the finishes are also thin over time and you must reapply regularly.

Wipe off spills immediately and do not leave wet rags on the floor for a long time. Also, use only a dry cloth to wipe your hardwood floor. Never use a damp mop.

Another way to protect your hardwood floor is to place felt pads under the thick furniture legs to avoid scratching the surface when moving. Felt pads also cushion the weight of your furniture so they do not make shallow holes on your floor.