Caring for Your Wooden Floors: Essential Maintenance Tips for Longevity and Beauty

 Wooden flooring  is a natural, hard-wearing material that can add a classic or contemporary feel to any home. It’s an attractive, long-lasting option that doesn’t go in and out of fashion and can be sanded and resealed to revive it if it starts to look tired. However, wood floors can be more expensive than carpets and linoleum options and may require some more maintenance to keep them in good condition but if you take the time to carry out regular cleaning and repairs, a well-maintained wooden floor can last a lifetime.

 The type of timber used can have a big impact on the final result as different species have different grain patterns

When choosing a wood floor, the type of timber used can have a big impact on the final result as different species have different grain patterns, colours and hardnesses. Domestic woods like oak, beech and ash are commonly available but more exotic timbers such as Brazilian cherrywood or African mahogany are also popular. Whether your choice of timber is solid or engineered makes a difference, as do the type and finish of the boards and the width that you opt for.



Solid boards are the most traditional form of wood flooring and are made from a single piece of timber that has been either kiln or air dried before sawing. These are typically tongue-and-grooved, so they fit together and can be sanded multiple times to restore the floor’s appearance and hardness. However, they’re more vulnerable to humidity changes, so it’s best to have them fitted professionally and to use a moisture barrier underlay if you choose this option.

 Made from layers of a different material 

Engineered wood floors are made from layers of a different material such as plywood or MDF with a thin slice of hardwood on top for aesthetics. They’re easier to install and withstand humidity changes better than solid Wooden flooring  but they cannot be sanded down and refinished as many times.

You can purchase boards that are pre-finished in a factory so they can be installed in your home straight away. This can be a quicker option but isn’t as durable as a site-finished product and you’ll need to take extra care with your furniture so the finish doesn’t come off.

 Solid or engineered

Whether your chosen floor is solid or engineered, you can choose between finishes like oil and wax, or water-based lacquers. The latter tend to be harder-wearing, as they’re more resistant to spills and stains. However, oil-based finishes can yellow over time and you’ll need to refinish them if this happens.

Other common problems

Other common problems with wood floors include peeling or flaking of the finish, cupping and warping. The former is often a sign of moisture and can be fixed by sanding down the affected area and applying a new finish, though you will need to resolve the underlying problem in order for the issue not to return. Warping and cupping are usually the result of a change in humidity, which can be addressed by using a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home.

Conclusion

Unlike carpets and linoleum, wooden floors have a timeless appeal and can add an instant touch of luxury to any property. If they’re well maintained, they can look as good in a historic or listed building as they do in a modern house and they are an excellent investment that will increase the value of your property.


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