Wooden Floor Care and Maintenance

Wooden flooring is a very popular choice due to its natural beauty and warmth. Wooden flooring can make your home look elegant and clean to an extent that carpet flooring can’t achieve. As well as this, they are much easier to maintain because carpets can get stained with food, drink and paint to name a few. However, with wooden flooring that is not something you need to worry about as they can be hoovered and mopped with ease.

Many people seem to have the misconception that wooden flooring is very hard to maintain and that overtime it will deteriorate. Whilst it is true that wooden flooring can deteriorate over time it can be greatly prevented by proper care and maintenance.

Hardwood / Solid wood flooring

Solid wood flooring has long been a favourite throughout homes and remains just as popular today. As the name suggests, a solid wood flooring plank is made from just one solid piece of wood. They are a practical and convenient choice and will be sure to give any room a lift, giving off a high-quality and timeless finish.

Hardwood flooring is not too difficult to maintain on a daily basis: 

1.  It is easily vacuumed and brushed, although it is necessary to ensure the floor does not become too wet during cleaning as this may cause the wood to swell and crack. 
2. Exposure to moisture should be kept to a minimum as it can damage the finish of the wood, so spillages need to be tackled straight away.
3. Hardwood flooring will need to be waxed ad oiled regularly to keep it looking at its best. It is recommended to do this every 12 to 18 months to seal the wood and protect it.
4. Solid wood flooring has the potential to scratch and so removing shoes and high heels, placing a mat by the door are some simple steps that can help avoid this problem.

With some care and diligence, you can help crack down on some of the issues that can blight the look of hardwood flooring. The colour of the wood may also fade over time, but this is not considered to be a bad thing as it can bring an authentic and aged look to the room.

Hardwood floors can also be refinished, meaning the top layer is sanded back and then stained and protected. This allows you to give your wooden floor a facelift without the cost of a new floor but does require an investment of time, effort and money, although vastly less than replacing the floor.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is made from multiple layers of wood. The base layer (usually plywood) is strong and stable, while a top layer - the wear layer - is made from a chosen real hardwood. The way it is engineered means this type of flooring is more resistant to moisture and is therefore more stable and less prone to shrinkage.

When it comes to maintenance, the upkeep is fairly similar to solid wood flooring: 

1. Vacuuming and brushing are the best ways to clean this type of flooring, as it helps to limit the amount of moisture. 
2. Avoid wearing high heels and hard shoes to limit the risks of dents and scratches to the surface of the wooden floor.
3. Harsh cleaners and detergents, steam cleaners on full-power and scouring pads should all be avoided as they can be too damaging to the surface.

Like solid wood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished but it does depend on how thick the wear layer is. And as it has a hardwood wear layer, engineered flooring should really be waxed or stained on a regular basis too.

Laminate flooring

Another option to achieve the look of wood flooring is laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product with a laminated finish. Laminate is a more cost-effective solution than solid wood and requires less maintenance as it will not need to be stained and cannot be refinished. It is also less likely to scratch and chip. 

When it comes to maintenance of laminate flooring, it is relatively easy to do:

1. Dents and scratches can occur, although it is less likely than engineered wood flooring. Make sure high heels & other harsh footwear is removed before walking on laminate flooring.
2. Ensure it is kept dry as moisture can cause bubbles or distortion. 
3. Regularly clean your laminate flooring using a vacuum cleaner or soft broom. 

Laminate flooring is a cost effective flooring option that does not require a huge amount of upkeep. However, if you are wanting to keep your laminate flooring at the highest level then keeping your floor dry & avoid sharp objects. 

If you are planning some home improvements, wooden flooring is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your home and could last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Solid wood and engineered hardwood flooring will need regular waxing but do have the option of being refinished in the future to give them a facelift and increase the longevity. The type of wooden floor you choose depends on your family situation, whether you have young children and pets and your attitude to house maintenance. Here at George Hill Timber we have everything you need to revamp your flooring and provide your home with the finishing touches.