Wood Floor Types and Maintenance

There are many different types of flooring and, even after you find the right one for your home, there is still a lot of maintenance involved. Floors Touch explains what you can expect with each type of wood flooring and how to clean and care for it regularly.

Wood Floors: An Investment That Lasts

When it comes to home value, wood floors are always a plus. Not only do they add style and character to your space, but they’re also durable and easy to maintain. Whether you’re considering hardwood, engineered, or laminate floors, here’s what you need to know about each type before making your final decision.

Hardwood Floors: The classic choice for any home, it is made of solid wood and can last a lifetime with proper care. While they’re more expensive than other options, they’re also the most scratch- and dent-resistant. For busy families with pets or small children, hardwood floors may be the best choice.

Engineered Floors: A more budget-friendly option, engineered floors are made of several layers of wood veneer glued together. They’re less likely to warp than solid hardwood, making them a good choice for homes with high humidity levels. However, they can still be scratched and dented, so they may not be the best choice for homes with pets or small children.

Laminate Floors: Laminate floors are a synthetic product made to look like wood. They’re often less expensive than hardwood or engineered floors, but they’re also more susceptible to scratches and dents. Laminate floors are a good choice for homes with pets or small children, but they may not last as long as other options.

Wood floors are a great investment for any home. Whether you choose hardwood, engineered, or laminate floors, you can be sure they’ll add value to your space.

Types of Wood Floors

There are several types of wood floors, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. The most popular type of wood flooring is hardwood, which is made from hardwood trees such as oak or maple. Hardwood floors are durable and easy to maintain, but they can be expensive.

Another type is laminate, which is made from layers of pressed wood. Laminate floors are less expensive than hardwood, but they’re also less durable and more difficult to clean.

Finally, there’s engineered wood flooring, which is made from a top layer of hardwood veneer over a core of plywood or particle board. It is more affordable than solid hardwood, but they’re not as durable and can’t be refinished as many times.

No matter what type of floor you choose, proper care and maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best. Regular sweeping and mopping will help to remove dirt and debris, but you should also periodically deep clean your floors using a special wood floor cleaner. You should also avoid walking on your floors with shoes that could damage the finish, and be sure to protect them from sunlight and water damage. With proper care, it should last for many years.

Maintaining and Restoring a Wood Floor

Wood floors are a classic and elegant addition to any home, but they require some special care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to clean and restore wood floors, as well as how to deal with common problems such as scratches, stains, and fading.

Cleaning

Regular sweeping or vacuuming is the best way to remove dirt and debris from your wood floor. Be sure to use a soft brush attachment or vacuum cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using wet mops or steam cleaners, as these can damage the finish on your floor.

If your floor is looking dull, you can use a mild detergent or cleaning solution designed specifically for hardwood floors. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as using too much solution can leave your floor looking streaky. You can also try using a vinegar-and-water solution for a natural cleaning option.

Restoring

If your wood floor is scratched or stained, you may be able to repair it with a little elbow grease. For light scratches, start by rubbing the area with a walnut. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a fine- grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the same direction as the grain of the wood.

For deeper scratches or stains, you may need to hire a professional floor refinisher. This process involves sanding down the entire floor and reapplying a protective finish. It’s a time-consuming and expensive option, but it can make your floor look like new again.

Fading

Over time, sunlight can cause wood floors to fade. To prevent this problem, make sure to keep your windows covered with curtains or blinds during the daytime. You can also try using UV-resistant window film to filter out harmful rays.

If your floor is already faded, you may be able to restore its original color with a stain or tinted varnish. Be sure to test the product on a small area of the floor before applying it to the entire surface.

Special Considerations for Wooden Floors

When it comes to hardwood floors, there are a few things you need to take into consideration in order to maintain them properly. Here are a few tips on wooden floor types and maintenance:

There are three main types of wooden floors: solid wood, engineered wood, and laminate. Solid wood is the most traditional and durable option, but it is also the most expensive. Engineered wood is made of layers of real wood veneer glued together, and it is more stable than solid wood but not as strong. Laminate floors are made of high-density fiberboard with a photographic image of wood grain and a clear protective layer on top.
Wooden floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris. A damp mop can be used for cleaning, but be sure not to saturate the floor or use too much water.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your floors, as this can damage the finish. Instead, opt for mild soap and water or a specifically designed hardwood cleaner.
You may need to refinish your wood floors from time to time in order to protect them from wear and tear. This process involves sanding down the existing finish and applying a new one.

Call Floors Touch for Wood Flooring that Lasts!

If you’re ready to invest in wood floors, call Floors Touch today at (214) 326-0100. You can also visit our social media for more details.

Do you want to know more about our home flooring solutions? Call Floors Touch of McKinney at (214) 326-0100 for more information.