Dos and Don’ts of Solid Hardwood Flooring for Your Toronto Home

Dos and Don’ts of Solid Hardwood Flooring for Your Toronto Home

Solid hardwood flooring has an undeniable charm, and its beauty and durability are unparalleled. That’s why it is no surprise that homeowners love it.

However, hardwood requires maintenance to keep it looking good like any other flooring material.

So, if you have hardwood floors in your Toronto home (or plan to), there are certain dos and don’ts regarding them that you should observe.

Let’s find out what they are.

Solid Hardwood Flooring: What to Consider and What to Avoid

Solid hardwood flooring can last for years if properly cared for. But there are a few things homeowners tend to overlook (or do) that may not suit these floors:

1. Consider Moisture Exposure

Fluctuating levels of moisture are never good for your hardwood floors. So, if you are in the process of installing solid hardwood flooring, it is very important to assess the area of installation carefully and ask yourself how often it will come into contact with moisture. While most of us know that high moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens are off-limits, the humidity levels of other rooms should be checked before considering any installation.

One of the best ways to handle this is to ensure your home’s ambient temperature is maintained reasonably during the arid summer months. During the hot summer months, it may be very tempting to crank up the A/C, but doing so may cause your floorboards to swell. On the other hand, during winter, as air tends to dry, your flooring has the risk of contracting. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper humidity levels year-round in your Toronto home if you have hardwood floors.

2. Don’t Use Floor Wax to Clean Your Hardwood Floors

High-quality floor wax can help maintain the sheen and lustre of solid hardwood flooring, but it is not a floor cleaner. Experts recommend using an all-purpose cleaner instead of wax.

As hardwood floor retailers, we recommend dusting regularly and using a soft microfiber cloth to clean your floors. If you are not sure which cleaning product to use for your hardwood floors, ask us or your flooring manufacturer. They can help you find a product that will help you care for your floors without damaging them.

3. Use Rugs Strategically

While we would never want you to hide your beautiful solid hardwood floor, we suggest using rugs strategically, especially in high-traffic areas, to minimize wear and tear. Placing a rug at the front or back door can help prevent dirt and moisture from getting in.

These might not seem like a big deal at first, but, over time, dirt that you track in on your shoes can seriously damage your hardwood floors. This results in scuffs and scratches that detract from your floors’ aesthetic appeal. Placing rugs can protect your floors and minimize damage considerably, and they are stylish, too!

4. Don’t Install Hardwood Flooring (By Yourself)

Installing solid hardwood flooring by yourself may seem like a great weekend project but it is not. Installing hardwood flooring is complex and requires expertise.

For the best results, get the solid hardwood flooring in your Toronto home installed by experts. Poor or subpar installation will inevitably lead to issues. Contact AA Floors to install your floors quickly and professionally.

5. Refinish Them Periodically

One of the many perks of solid hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished. While it is not something you should do every month or year, you can do so when your hardwood floors show signs of aging and wear and tear. As with installation, it is best to hire a professional refinisher for the best results.

 
Solid hardwood flooring is a great choice for Toronto-area homes and businesses. If you already have it or plan to install it, use these tips to take care of your floors and ensure they stay in good condition. Need help with new hardwood flooring? Get in touch with the team at AA Floors to help you find the best flooring for your needs and budget.