Hardwood floors are an investment in the value of your home; protection of these floors is necessary in order to retain the beauty of your investment for years to come. Simple steps can be taken that will provide really big pay offs in the long run by allowing you to avoid the costly and time consuming process of refinishing your floors more often. It is also important to remember that every time your floors are refinished you are actually removing some of the wood that makes up your flooring. The less grinding you must do to your hardwood floors, the longer they have the potential to last.
Must-Do Hardwood Floor Protection Tips
1) Use rugs and carpets in order to protect highly traveled areas of your floors. By using carpets and rugs in high traffic areas, you are minimizing the exposure of your floors to actual damage not only from traffic but also drops, spills, splatters, and any exposure to dirt and other debris that the carpet shields your floors from.
2) Place rubber mats in front of sinks or tubs to prevent unnecessary exposure to water in these areas. Water may not only warp your hardwood floors it can also cause stains or ‘water spots’ that are very unappealing.
3) Use a dehumidifier in bathroom floors in order to remove moisture from the air and limiting the exposure your wooden floors have to that moisture. This will also help limit the swelling and contracting of your floors due to humidity and steam.
4) Never wear shoes that can damage your hardwood floors on them. Heels, golf shoes, and any other shoes with either cleats are scratchy bottoms can bring all sorts of problems to your beautiful hardwood.
5) Trim the nails are of your dogs and cats in order to prevent unnecessary scratches to your hardwood floors. If you can hear their nails on your floors, it’s time for a trim.
6) Use protectors on the legs of all furniture to protect your floors.
7) Never drag furniture across your hardwood floors. If you must move it, use a hand truck or have a friend help you lift the furniture before moving it. If you must drag furniture across the floor, slide a small rug beneath the legs of your furniture before moving it.
Keep in mind that when it comes to protecting your hardwood floors from damage, every ounce of prevention is worth a lot of money in a cure.