It’s said so often it’s probably a cliché, but it’s true: Shop for quality, not price. Look at the big picture.
No one’s minimizing the little sticker shock you might experience initially, and we tend to be quick to discard something. After all, just look at the old architecture in Europe, but with proper maintenance, your wood flooring installation will look great for decades.
In fact, we’ve heard of some cases where the floor lasted for 100 years.
Hardwood flooring is one of the easiest types to care for, and, like anything, there are some things to avoid and some things to embrace. About Floors n’ More gives you a little guide to keep them looking great.
● Avoid excess water. Too much liquid can warp the planks. Use a damp mop to clean instead.
● Avoid beater bars on vacuums. Those are the rotating heads, and they can scratch. Rather, use the brush attachment. While you’re at it, avoid ammonia and alkaline products, because, they too, can cause damage.
● Avoid oils and waxes. They’ll dull the finish. Don’t use furniture sprays either, and I learned this the hard way. I thought I’d do something nice for my cousin, and used a furniture spray on the dust mop. All that accomplished was her sliding across the floor and practically breaking her neck!
● Do check the finish on your floor before you clean; it’s the type of finish, not really the wood that determines how you should clean. They all have different requirements, depending upon whether the floor is sealed, lacquered or untreated. If you’re not sure, ask your flooring retailer.
What Wood Floor Installation is Right for Me?
There are two types: Solid or engineered hardwood. Both are very much real wood, but the engineered version has a different construction, resulting in layering, that makes it more stable and water-resistant. That means there’s more versatility, because you can install it in some areas where solid’s prohibited. No flooring likes to be submerged in puddles, however, so wipe up spills as soon as you can.
Feel free to come into About Floors n’ More and talk to our experts. Our showroom is in Jacksonville, FL, and we’ll be happy to tell you about this type of installation and how you can keep it looking great for years to come.
