Hardwood flooring continues to be one of the most popular flooring options, and for good reason. According to our experts, for literally hundreds of years, homeowners have used hardwood to cover floors because of the durability and beauty that wood offers. According to Floor Covering Weekly, hardwood has a lifespan of more than 100 years. If you want to ensure that your hardwood flooring lasts a lifetime, follow these care tips.

Use Protective Pads on Furniture Legs

When furniture scrapes across the floors, it can cause deep gashes in the wood that can become permanent damage. Even furniture that might not be moving around much still needs protective pads so that the weight of the furniture doesn’t dent the wood.

Use Rugs

You can protect your floors from a lot of damage by placing rugs in high-traffic areas. This usually includes entrances. Entrances are especially susceptible to damage because they see a lot of traffic, but also because this is a space where a lot of dirt and debris is being tracked. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris will start to wear away at the flooring and cause scratches.

Keep Rugs Clean and Dry

It’s not enough to simply put rugs at your entrances; you also need to make sure that those rugs stay dry and clean. If the rugs get very dirty, that dirt can start to scratch into the wood. If the rugs get wet, the moisture can cause damage to the wood underneath.

Be Careful of Non-Skid Pads

Some rugs come with non-skid pads on the bottom to keep the rugs in place. You need to be careful using these on your hardwood floors, though. These types of pads can sometimes leave an impression on the wood.

Keep Pet Nails Trimmed

If you have pets, you need to make sure you keep their nails neatly trimmed. Pet nails can cause extensive scratches on the floors. Over time, these scratches can get deeper and trap dirt and moisture.

Clean Up Immediately

When something spills on your floors, you need to clean it up immediately. Allowing moisture to remain on any of your flooring can cause damage. Water spots can start to develop within minutes of moisture exposure. If water is left to stand longer, it can cause permanent damage.

These are just a few tips to help ensure your hardwood flooring lasts for years to come. If you’re looking for flooring services in your area, please contact us at Mastercraft Hardwood Lumber Inc today. We're happy to help!