What You Need to Know about Wooden Floors
Wooden flooring can add a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to any home, which is why many homeowners opt for having them installed by experts in wood flooring Guildford.
Types of Wooden Flooring
Here are the two types of wooden flooring:
Solid Wood Floors. This type is exactly what its name implies – a piece of solid wood from bottom to top. While its thickness can vary, it usually ranges from three 3/4 to 5/16 of an inch. One of the best benefits of this type is that it can be refinished and sanded many times. Their installation can either be on or above grade.
Engineered Wooden Floors. This type is real wood, although it is manufactured using 3-9 layers of various wood veneers, and these sub-layers can be wood of the same species or of different ones. Each layer’s grain is positioned in such a way that their directions run differently, which makes this type very stable. Because of this, the wood contract or expand less than the solid wood class during humidity and temperature fluctuations.
While engineered wooden floors can be finished and sanded, these can’t be done as much as solid wood types. The latter can also be installed on, above, or below grade.
Whichever type you choose, make sure only professionals work on their installation. Besides, there are specialists in wood flooring Redhill who can do the job for you.
Dos and Don’ts If You Have Wooden Floors
Dos
o When vacuuming wood, use a vacuum that has a bare floor attachment, as a beater bar might damage the wood.
o Using a vacuum is more preferable compared to sweeping because it pulls out dust and dirt between the boards.
o Use a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level inside your home that will be more agreeable to the floors. You can greatly reduce the risk of floor warping this way.
o Use blinds or sheers to prevent floor discoloration which is often caused by direct exposure to sunlight.
o Put small mats near your home’s entrances and exits as a prevent lots of dirt from entering your residence. Sand, dirt, and grit can scrape, dull, and grind your wooden floor’s surfaces, taking away their shine.
o To prevent your chairs and other furniture from causing scratches and scrapes, stick some glue pads to their legs. Examine periodically such pads for any wear and tear and replace them as necessary.
Don'ts
o Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t wise to use vinegar and water mixtures when cleaning wooden floors. This is since vinegar has an oxidising effect, which will damage your home’s surfaces in the long term.
o Never use detergents, oil-based soaps, and waxes on your floors, as these may damage the finishing. These substances can also cause the surface to be slippery and difficult to maintain.
o Do not clean with water directly. Instead, use a damp cloth, especially for wiping spills.
o Do not utilise regular dusting and household cleaning products as these will likely cause permanent damage. There are products that are designed specifically for hardwood.
Although wooden floors require a standard of care that’s a notch above ordinary surfaces, they can really up the aesthetics of your home.