Timber flooring is warm, inviting and luxurious. The grain o the wood is something you can gaze at for hours, much like a Zen garden. The feel of wood against bare feet is comfortable and peaceful. Timber floors complement both traditional and contemporary interior designs.
One of the best things about timber flooring is the colour. Not all wood is brown. Depending on the species, you can have a wide variety of yellow, brown, gray, black and red tones. Different species have prominent grains while others appear almost smooth. There five things a homeowner can do to keep a wood floor looking good.
Choose your coating to match your lifestyle
The right coating on a floor can protect the wood from spills and scratches. Polyurethane is one of many coatings designed to provide a protective seal. Ask your professional flooring company about the right coating for the species of wood you have chosen. Buffing the coating and dry- mopping keeps the finish looking good for a long time. Furniture that matches or contrasts the wood’s color tone makes the room stand out. Unfortunately, furniture legs and caster scratch the finish and the wood. Cover the ends of the furniture legs with protective pads. Many types are available that appear inconspicuous. Lift, carry and set furniture down instead of sliding it.
Choose The Right Finish
After the floor has received a protective finish, wait up to two weeks to lay down rugs or carpets. This allows the finish to fully cure. If in doubt about the curing time, read the package label or ask your flooring professional for more information.
Control Temperature And Humidity
All wood, regardless of species, reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. If the humidity is too high, the wood can warp and cup, destroying the finish and the floor. If the air is too dry, the wood contracts, cracking the finish and creating gaps in the floor between the boards. Having an HVAC system that maintains the temperature and humidity will preserve the wood and the finish.
Protect Your Floor From The Sun
All wood species react to the UV rays of the sun. Hardwoods darken with the exposure; the process can take years. Light- colored woods turn to magnificent hues of gold. Darker woods deepen, and some turn black. Covering an area with a rug for long periods of time prevents the rays from reaching the entire floor. This causes light and dark areas, which can be hard to match when the floor is refinished. Move rugs around on a regular basis to ensure level exposure or limit the exposure by keeping curtains closed. Using solar- blocking window film will also help limit exposure.
Limit Exposure To Hard Objects
Last but certainly not least, limit the exposure of hard shoes, pet’s nails and other hard objects against the floor. Rubber tips for pet’s nails are available at pet stores nationwide and online. Ask guests to wear soft-soled shoes or provide slippers for their comfort.
For beautiful flooring options including the stunning blackbutt flooring range and other hardwood floors, choose Lifewood Flooring. They’re trusted experts who can match flooring to your home’s interior, lifestyle and budget.
