How Do I Protect Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors can instantly add value to your home, but only if they are properly maintained. Unlike vinyl alternatives, many everyday tasks and actions can actually damage the wood beneath your feet if you're not careful; from Minnesota kitchen wood floors to living room wood floors, every homeowner with wood floors would be wise to learn a few basic tips that can help them protect their floors. However, wood floors are not difficult to maintain if you keep the following points in mind.

Identify High-Traffic Areas in Your Home
First, you need to consider the high-traffic areas in your home so that you know where your hardwood floors can get damaged. It is crucial to protect your floors in high-traffic areas to prevent them from fading or wearing unevenly. Typically, Minnesota kitchen wood floors are considered high-traffic, as are living room areas and bathrooms.

Keep in mind that if you install hardwood floors in your kitchen, you may need to consider some additional variables. While hardwood is a great choice for kitchens because it is easy to clean, kitchens tend to be more humid than other home areas. Therefore, you need to be aware of this and install moisture-absorbing pads underneath to minimize moisture on the wood.

You should also carefully consider the color of your kitchen hardwood flooring, as certain colors are more tolerant of food spills and stains. Dark colors are less tolerant, especially when it comes to scratches, which is why most professional flooring installers will recommend lighter colors for kitchen wood floors in Minnesota.

Choose a rug that offers real protection
A great way to protect hardwood floors in high-traffic areas is with a strategically placed rug. Rugs can instantly accentuate the warmth of the floor and any paintings or cabinets, adding warmth to the room. No one likes stepping on a cold floor in the morning or evening, and a rug is the easiest way to address this problem.

What's more, a rug can provide extra protection for your kitchen floor by acting as a barrier between spills and stains and your hardwood floor. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you may choose to place a large area rug in the center of your kitchen, or individual rugs in areas that are close to food preparation (and therefore more susceptible to food spills).

The material of the rug you choose is important, so if you're buying a rug for extra protection, you'll want to choose one that has an absorbent pad underneath or a heavy woven rug, rather than a thin, decorative rug.

Protect Your Wood Floors from Scratches from Furniture
The number one way wood floors get scratched is from sliding furniture. Everyday objects like chairs, tables, and appliances are constantly moving around or jostling slightly, causing tiny scratches in wood floors that can eventually become very noticeable grooves. The best way to prevent this from happening is to place furniture pads under any furniture that could slide across the floor.

Learn to Clean Wood Floors Properly
Over time, stains and moisture can eat away at your kitchen floors, but adequately cleaning your Minnesota kitchen wood floors is the best way to prevent damage. Don't clean with water, as the damage can worsen over time, leaving behind mineral deposits that swell and cause cracks. Instead, opt for professional cleaning products designed for hardwood floors. Also, be sure to remove stains and spills immediately to prevent staining or discoloration.