A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Hardwood Floors Last A Lifetime

Hardwood floors have lustrous beauty and timeless elegance that add a layer of sophistication and warmth to any home. But like any other flooring, they require proper care and maintenance to endure the test of time. A well-maintained hardwood floor can last a lifetime, even generations, retaining its allure and character. This comprehensive guide will go through some of the best ways to make your hardwood floorings last.

Hire Professional Hardwood Flooring Services When Installing New Planks

When you install new hardwood floors or buy new hardwood planks for your existing hardwood flooring, always consider wood quality and installation. Many homeowners focus their budgets on buying high-quality hardwood strips and become financially uptight in hiring professional fitting services. Due to this, many homes have expensive hardwood floorings that get easily damaged within five years or less.

The first mistake that can prevent your hardwood floors from lasting a lifetime is not considering the significance of proper installation. Investing in high-quality hardwood planks is essential. But, to reap most of their offered benefits, having them fitted correctly on your floor is crucial.

Poor hardwood flooring installation can ruin the finished look of your floors. A bad floorboard installation can end up with wide abnormal gaps between planks and loose boards. In addition, some of the even wood strips would get damaged during the process. Inexperienced fitters or rushed installations can cause these things, which causes more financial problems on your end.

Hiring a professional hardwood flooring installer is the best action to avoid paying for regular repairs and costly replacements. Expert hardwood installation services have the skill and experience to fit and lay out your hardwood planks properly and efficiently. This results in even floorboards, the appropriate gap sizes, and less damage-prone floorings.

Regular Cleaning

Routine floor cleaning is one of the best and most affordable ways to maintain your hardwood floor's condition over time. Sweeping or vacuuming daily helps remove dust and debris that can scratch the surface, dulling the finish. Using microfiber mops and rugs is also helpful in removing dirt and spills off your hardwood floorboards. Whenever you use a vacuum, be sure to use an attachment that's designed for hardwood to avoid causing damage.

Deep cleaning your hardwood floorings using damp microfiber mops and specialized wood floor cleaners is another routine you should always add to your weekly to-do list. When you deal with water, avoid soaking your mop and keep them damp. Moisture is the hardwood floor's weakness, so limiting contact with any liquid is a big help.

In addition, enlisting the help of professional hardwood floor deep cleaning services now and then is essential. Expert floor cleaning services have the equipment and cleaning materials that can efficiently remove stubborn stains from your floorboards.

Make Use of Preventive Measures Against Hardwood Flooring Damage

Prevention is always better than cure. Preventing damage to your hardwood floors is better than trying to repair them. Nowadays, there are different preventive measures to keep your hardwood floorings in peak condition.

One of the most effective preventative measures is to use protective pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches and indentations. Putting these pads on your furnishing ensures their movements won't add to the wear and tear they provide due to their weight. In addition, it's best to avoid dragging furniture across the floor.

Another preventive measure is keeping high-heeled shoes and pet claws from meeting your hardwood floor's surface. High heels can exert a pressure of up to 1000 pounds per square inch, which can heavily damage the hardwood. Keeping your pets' nails trimmed will also go a long way in preserving the floor's surface.

Installing mats or rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entrances and hallways, can help to reduce wear and tear on your hardwood floors. These areas typically experience the most damage, and a well-placed rug can absorb the heavy foot traffic in these places.

Hiring Professional Refinishing Services

Over time, even with diligent care, hardwood floors may start to lose their luster and show signs of wear. Refinishing hardwood floorings is a process that includes sanding down the surface layer and applying a new finish to restore the floor's original glow. Many experts suggest that hardwood floors be refinished every 7-10 years, depending on the wear and tear experienced by your flooring.

Refinishing isn't a do-it-yourself job for everyone. It requires specialized tools and skills, and improper handling can damage the floor. One example is the use of sanders. People who sand must have absolute control over the heavy equipment, or it can destroy your hardwood floors by over-sanding. Due to this, hiring a professional is often the best route.

In addition, be knowledgeable of what type of hardwood flooring your home has. Solid hardwood planks can handle numerous refinishing processes, but engineered hardwood can only have one or two refinish.

Hardwood Flooring Maintenance and The Best Wood Floor Refinishing Services in Austin

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. With proper care and attention, they can last for generations. Professional installation and refinishing, regular upkeep, and damage prevention are the keys to preserving their luster and durability. Keep these tips in mind, and you're well on your way to making your hardwood floors last for a lifetime.

Get the best hardwood floor refinishing services in Austin by contacting Kelly Hardwood Floors now!