Hardwood floors are synonymous with a decor that is comforting and classy at the same time. However, you have to know how to care for hardwood floors to prevent them from deteriorating with age and use over the years. Understanding the benefits of hardwood can help spur you to increase their longevity in your home or office…

Of course, many people opt for hardwood floors because of their aesthetically appealing quality. The combination of its color and sheen makes it appear warm and welcoming with a touch of class that isn’t off putting. Instead of it looking so nice that no one wants to dare walk on it, guests and residents appreciate it for all its worth and enjoy it.

Hardwood is also extremely durable and good for the home. Tiles can crack and discolor, linoleum has a short lifespan, and carpeting can stain and tear under the wear of children and pets. This type of flooring masks imperfections that are there naturally or occur with time. This is why it is such a popular flooring option for hallways and kitchens that experience the most traffic and abuse over the years.

Another popular benefit of this type of flooring is that it stays at a moderate temperature. It does not get extremely cold in the winter, but it provides relief in the summer.

Hardwood Floor Care Tips

If you know how to care for your hardwood floor, it will continue to look as good as the day it was installed for years.

1. First, never use any sort of cleaning product on the floor that is not meant for that type of wood. Traditional cleaning products are too harsh and could remove the finish. When the finish is removed, the wood is exposed to the elements that could damage it. This is far harder to repair in the future. When cleaning, use a dry cloth whenever possible or products that are specifically designed for hardwood floors.
2. Next, make sure the space is safe for the floors. This means that you shouldn’t put a table or other furniture on the floor that will scratch it. Add felt pads to the bottom of chairs and legs, and try not to drag anything across the floor. You should also try to avoid direct sunlight on the wood. This does not mean that you have to have a completely dark room. However, you should consider having a rug in front of the window or sheer curtains to block out the harshest rays.
3. Finally, have professionals refinish the surface whenever necessary. In Charleston, there are experts in this area who will be able to bring the life back to your floor if it has been neglected for some time. If you are in the Charleston area, consider having a company or team of professionals refinish your floor before you take any extreme measures, like replacing its beauty with something cheaper.