Consult for your Best Option
Go to a trusted flooring store to see a variety of woods and finishes. Your consultant can advise you on the most durable type of floor for your application. For instance, you may choose to purchase acrylic-impregnated wood flooring for high-traffic use. Hand-scraped hardwoods are another choice. For areas of your home that have higher moisture levels, consider engineered hardwood flooring. This would be a great selection for basements and bathrooms. Because of its cross-grained construction, this type of flooring remains good-looking and solid even with varied humidity levels.
Different looks may be achieved by combining a variety of different types of wood with contrasting stains to create an artistic effect. Work with a company that has a designer on staff to achieve a look that is uniquely yours. Some types of floors, such as narrow strips offer the illusion of a larger room.
Maintenance
Before having a new hardwood floor installed, learn about the best cleaning techniques for the brand and style you select. A fairly universal rule is to clean often with a soft mop to keep from grinding particles of loose dirt into the surface of your floor and ruining it. This grinding effect is one reason a regular vacuum with a rotating brush is not recommended for your hardwood floors. There are special vacuums designed for hardwood floors if that is your preferred cleaning method. Do not saturate your wood floor with water, and apply felt pads to furniture to prevent scratching the finish.
Hardwood floors can be refinished, but it’s better to care for them and avoid that for as long as possible. Even engineered floors can be refinished. Individual boards can be removed and replaced if you purchase a few extra boards.
When cleaning your floor, it is hard to go wrong if you choose a microfiber dry mop and make a habit of cleaning your floor daily. Test any new cleaner on an inconspicuous spot, and dilute floor cleaners so they do not damage the finish on the floors. Never saturate the floor as you may cause the grain to swell or the boards to warp. Proper cleaning is essential for an extended lifetime of long wear on your floors.
The best tips for a homeowner who is getting a new hardwood floor are these:
- Consult a flooring expert
- Choose the right product for the area you wish to cover
- Take advantage of the design team if a flooring company has one
- Educate yourself on the best cleaning products for your floor
- Keep loose dirt from the surface by dry mopping daily
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Protect the finish from abrasive furniture legs
- Follow these tips to enjoy your warm and beautiful hardwood floor for many years to come