Wood Flooring Info & Tips

To ensure that your hardwood floor has a long life, make sure to follow the information and tips below:

1. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating and scratching the finish.
2. Place doormats outside and rugs inside, at every entrance of the house, again to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating on the floor.
3. Place a rug in front of the kitchen sink, kitchen working stations and the dishwasher to protect the floor from dropped kitchen accessories and from water or oily detergent spills.
4. Use adequate floor protection (felt pads) under all furniture and chairs legs, in order to ease their movements and to prevent scratching the floor.
5. Maintain the relative humidity in your home at around 45%. Hardwood is a living substance, which reacts to changes of relative humidity. It absorbs or releases humidity according to seasons. Consequently, its dimensions change. During the summer, when humidity is at its highest, it is absorbed by the wood, which then expands. During the winter, on the other hand, when the heating system is on, the relative humidity level in the house is much lower. It is then advisable to use a de-humidifier, in order to minimize the effects of wood shrinking.
During the winter, on the other hand, when the heating system is on, the relative humidity level in the house is much lower. It is then recommended to use a humidifier, in order to minimize extreme shrinkage effects.
6. Keep your shoes in good condition. Damaged or worn heels may expose a metal tip, which will certainly damage your hardwood floor.
7. Protect your floor against direct sunlight or any intense source of artificial lighting. Over time, intense light will discolor exposed surfaces. This phenomenon is normal and natural. The lighter the color of the natural wood, the more apparent this phenomenon will be.