hardwood flooring installation

Three Steps to Help Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking Great

Hardwood floors are an extremely sound investment for any home, but they are exactly that, an investment. They are an asset that can seriously boost the value and attractiveness of your home, and should be protected like any other asset. Luckily, it's an easy investment to protect.

There is a common misconception that it takes a lot of extra effort to maintain hardwood floors, when nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, there are only three basic steps to keep your floors in tip-top condition for years to come. Here's the lowdown:

Water + Wood = Heartache

The most important thing to remember about hardwood floors, is that water is their worst enemy. Water left standing on a hardwood floor will inevitably lead to cupping, warping, deformation, and discoloration. So, it's important to immediately attend to any liquid spills, and use as little water as possible when mopping. You will also want to consider a no-shoes rule or waterproof mats for entryways, if water gets tracked into the home frequently.

Sweep, Sweep, Sweep!

The second big thing to keep in mind is how gritty dirt can erode the finish of your flooring. The best way to avoid this is to frequently sweep or vacuum your floors, to minimize the amount of dirt and grit present on the floor. Be sure to use a soft-bristle broom if you choose to go the sweeping route. If you plan to use a vacuum, always be sure the beater brush is disengaged, because the only thing worse than the natural erosion of dirt and grit is the fast mechanical erosion of a coarse beater brush scouring your floor!

Sofa Needs a New Pair of Shoes!

The final thing to keep in mind is damage from gouging and sudden, sharp impacts. Minor scratches can be repaired easily, but a deep enough gouge could require a complete sanding and refinishing of the floors.

The best way to avoid this nightmare scenario, is to put cushioned pads on the feet of all of your furniture. It's also important to move furniture carefully, making sure to lift it completely, instead of dragging it. If you have large dogs, you might also want to get their nails clipped to avoid scratches on the floor.

Interested in Hardwood Floors for Your Home?

If you're thinking about installing new wood flooring in your home, why not go with the best? Carpet Mart is Benton Harbor's premier flooring dealer, and our sterling reputation for attentive customer service and quality, stands second to none.

If you'd like a free consultation and flooring estimate for your home, simply call, email, or stop by our lavishly appointed showroom in Benton Harbor, MI!