Protecting Your Hardwood Floors

Learn how to protect your hardwood floors with these helpful tips from Mullican Flooring.

Decorate with rugs in high traffic areas

Put door mats at the entrances of exterior doors to reduce the dirt and grit from tracking into the house and scratching your hardwood floor. Place area rugs in high traffic areas, such as in front of a sink or in a hallway, to reduce wear. 

Rugs and rug underlayments should have a mesh or grid pattern to allow the floor to breathe. Rugs should be moved occasionally, since they block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloration under the rug. All wood species are photosensitive and will change color with exposure to UV light, some more so than others.

Protect against furniture scratches

Use barrel-type caster wheels or wide, flat glides on furniture to protect your hardwood floor. Use felt protectors under furniture feet to reduce scratching and indentation. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, place a sheet of masonite or plywood under the piece being moved to distribute the weight and prevent scratching and denting.

Keep humidity & moisture in check

Moisture causes hardwood floors to expand. While hardwood flooring will naturally expand and contract as the seasons change, excessive moisture can lead to numerous changes to the floor, such as cupping, buckling, or cracking. This is why it’s recommended that solid hardwood floors not be installed in water-prone areas such as bathrooms.

Once the flooring has been installed, the humidity level inside the building should be kept within the recommended range of 35-55 percent. The temperature range should be kept within 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slip off your shoes & keep those paws primped

Spike or stiletto heels can cause damage to your hardwood floor, especially if the heels have lost their protective padding. Get in the habit of slipping off your shoes when you get home, and ask guests to leave their shoes at the door. 

Remember to keep your pets’ nails trimmed or filed. You might place area rugs in spots where your pet enjoys running around the home to prevent scratches.