How to Select and Maintain Your Hardwood Flooring

Kris Eastwood • November 28, 2022
Floors for Less: Best Flooring Company in Madison

Nothing compares to the beauty, richness, and warmth of hardwood flooring. It adds more value to homes and businesses and last for decades with the proper maintenance and care. Here are some tips to help you select and maintain hardwood flooring to ensure a worthwhile investment. 


1. Understand Your Home Aesthetics 

There is hardwood flooring for every type of home décor. So you need to understand your home aesthetics and the look you are trying to achieve to choose the right hardwood flooring. For instance, hardwood flooring with fewer knots, swirls, and grain patterns, like white oak, looks extremely good in contemporary homes. Wooden species with high levels of knots and grains, like pine, oak, and maple make the perfect stand-out feature for traditional homes. Also, white oak floors with wider planks work best for modern farmhouse-style homes, and cherry and walnut for rustic-style homes. 


2. Pick the Perfect Color 

Choosing the right color is critical as it balances the overall look and makes a solid personal statement. If you have lighter walls, select dark hardwood floors for a modern look. Also, consider the lighting and size of your rooms. Light colors make the ideal choices for smaller spaces with less natural lighting. A lime-washed or light grey color goes well with modern homes, while dark colors like classic browns and reds look great on traditional homes. Glossy black is also a rich and posh color that can look beautiful in contemporary homes. If you find it tricky to choose the right color, contact a flooring specialist to help you with the choices. 


3. Select a Prefinished Hardwood Flooring 

When you choose prefinished hardwood flooring, it comes with a manufacturer's warranty, which is better than the contractor's warranty. In general, prefinished hardwood floors are more durable than traditional hardwood floors. They are finished with multiple layers of sealants and finishes through ultraviolet curing in a strict quality-controlled factory setting. So this means it is easy to maintain and, most importantly, saves time on installation. Moreover, prefinished flooring comes in various colors, designs, and finish choices, making it easier to choose one. 



4. Don’t Forget Maintenance 

Hardwood floors are easy-to-maintain floors. However when choosing hardwood flooring, you must also select the right finish, like polyurethane or lacquer sealants for easy maintenance and longevity of the floors. Sealants not only protect hardwood floors but bring out their beauty and give them a distinct look— matte, satin, or glossy. 

 

To maintain the floors, you must sweep daily and mop the floors once a week. Also, make sure to use cleaning products and equipment like the Bona hardwood floor cleaner and WetJet wood starter kit to avoid damaging the floor. In addition, you can protect the hardwood floors by using felt pads under furniture and avoiding shoes or high heels inside your home. Furthermore, invest in good-quality door mats at the entrance and use carpets in high-traffic areas to maintain them in good condition for years. 

 

Contact our team at Floors For Less if you need more help selecting and maintaining hardwood flooring https://www.floorsforless.com/contact. We can help you choose the right flooring and provide pro maintenance tips. 

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Madison, WI, experiences a challenging freeze-thaw cycle during the winter months, which can take a toll on your flooring. Fluctuating temperatures and moisture can cause floors to expand, contract, and even warp if not properly prepared. Here’s how to protect your floors and ensure they withstand Madison’s winter conditions.  Understand the Freeze-Thaw Cycle’s Impact on Flooring The freeze-thaw cycle refers to the repeated freezing and thawing of moisture in and around your home. This cycle can: Cause hardwood floors to expand and contract, leading to gaps or buckling. Lead to moisture seeping into tile grout, causing cracks or loosening tiles. Result in water damage to carpets and other porous flooring materials. Steps to Prepare Your Floors 1. Seal Hardwood Floors Sealing hardwood floors helps prevent moisture from penetrating the wood. A high-quality sealant acts as a barrier, reducing the risk of warping or swelling during temperature changes. 2. Use Floor Mats and Rugs Place floor mats at entryways to trap snow, salt, and moisture brought in from outside. Adding rugs in high-traffic areas can provide an extra layer of protection for your floors. 3. Maintain Humidity Levels Use a humidifier to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. This prevents hardwood floors from drying out or expanding due to excess moisture. 4. Clean Regularly Dust and debris can scratch floors and make them more susceptible to damage. Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors regularly with appropriate cleaning solutions to maintain their integrity. 5. Inspect and Repair Grout For tiled floors, check the grout for cracks or signs of wear. Repairing damaged grout prevents water from seeping beneath the tiles, which can cause lifting or cracking during freeze-thaw cycles . 6. Apply Waterproofing Solutions For areas prone to moisture, such as basements or mudrooms, consider applying a waterproofing solution to your floors. This added protection minimizes water-related damage. 7. Use Non-Slip Rugs and Pads Winter can make floors slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Use non-slip rugs and pads to enhance safety while protecting your floors. Benefits of Preparing Your Floors Longevity : Proper preparation extends the lifespan of your flooring. Cost Savings : Avoid costly repairs or replacements caused by winter damage. Enhanced Comfort : Well-maintained floors contribute to a warm and inviting home environment. To explore durable and winter-ready flooring options, visit Floors for Less. Let us help you find the perfect solution for Madison’s challenging winters. FAQs About Protecting Floors During Freeze-Thaw Cycles What is the freeze-thaw cycle? It refers to the repeated freezing and thawing of moisture during winter months. How does the freeze-thaw cycle affect hardwood floors? It can cause expansion, contraction, and warping if floors are not properly prepared. What type of flooring is best for freeze-thaw conditions? Hardwood with proper sealing, waterproof tiles, and moisture-resistant materials work best. How can I prevent moisture damage to my floors? Use sealants, waterproofing solutions, and maintain proper humidity levels indoors. Should I use rugs during winter? Yes, rugs protect floors from scratches, moisture, and salt brought in from outside. How often should I inspect my floors in winter? Regularly check for signs of damage, especially after extreme weather changes. Are waterproof flooring solutions worth it? Yes, they provide added protection against water damage and are ideal for high-moisture areas. Preparing your hardwood floors for Madison freeze-thaw cycle is essential to protect your investment and ensure your home remains cozy and safe throughout the winter. Contact Floors for Less today for expert advice and premium flooring solutions!