Hardwood floors are a breathtaking choice for any home. That's why it's one of the most popular trends for homeowners around the country.
The problem is that many people worry about whether or not hardwood floors scratch easily. They're beautiful, sure, but at what cost? Will you be too worried to step on your own floors?
Worry no longer! We've put together a comprehensive guide that'll help you learn all the ins and outs of hardwood flooring. Find out all about it down below.
Understanding the Janka Hardness System
Despite the name, hardwoods come in all types of strengths, from softer woods to super resilient ones. The first place to start in your bid for scratch-resistant flooring is to take a look at the Janka Hardness Rating of your chosen material.
Certain types of hardwoods are better suited for homes with small children and animals who love to run around. Less traffic means softer woods will survive longer.
For example, pecan flooring has a middle-grade hardness rating and a better pricing range. If you splurge for Brazilian walnut, you'll enjoy one of the hardest flooring materials around.
It's good to take the time to look through your options and pick the type of wood that'll match your home. Sometimes it's well worth the extra cost to get a type of wood that's higher on the hardness scale.
The best part is that all types of natural wood look stunning, so it's a win-win for everyone!
Preventing Scratches
When it comes to preventative measures, there are quite a few things you can do to protect your hardwood floors. Once these things are in place, you won't need to worry about general scratches anymore.
Correct Installation
Floor installation can result in a lot of scratches if the installer doesn't have the correct know-how. That's why it's always recommended that you find a local professional to do the installation for you.
The right expert will know how to tackle any flooring plan. They'll know how to install the hardwood material without getting a single scratch on the surface.
By calling in the professionals, you'll have a smooth transition from old floors to new floors!
Pads and Mats
Another great way to prevent scratches is to place pads and mats throughout your home.
You don't want to cover up that gorgeous natural wood, but high-traffic areas are prone to scratches. Placing a small mat in front of entrance doors will go a long way to keeping those floors unblemished. The main bulk of any dirt will remain on the mat, leaving no small pebbles around to scratch your floors.
Plus, a simple mat can make cleaning your floors even easier.
Moveable furniture, such as chairs and tables, are often the culprits behind scratches. Make sure to put soft felt pads underneath the feet of these furniture pieces. This creates a protective barrier between any sharp edges and the flooring.
Avoid Dragging Furniture
When you have hardwood floors, a vital thing to keep in mind is that you always need to lift your furniture. Dragging it across the floor will gouge into the natural wood.
If you ever need help with moving your furniture, reach out to a professional company. They'll get your furniture moved without any risk of scratches on your pretty wooden floors.
Trim Claws Often
For families with furry friends, it's important to trim the claws as often as possible. There's no real danger when your pet walks around the room. It's when they start to scramble around that you might run into some problems.
Larger dogs, in particular, sometimes have trouble getting traction on hardwood floors. This causes them to dig in even more to get their footing.
By keeping their claws trimmed, there's less chance of any scratches happening.
Fixing Scratches
There is no such thing as completely scratch-proof flooring. Even tiles made from tough plastics or stone gain scratches over the years. Since they're so popular, hardwood floors have a lot of easy-to-do ways to fix up any scratches that you find.
Gentle Cleaning
More often than not, a scratch you see on your hardwood floors needs nothing more than a gentle cleaning to go away. What appears as a scratch is only a smudge that goes away with some water and a sponge.
Before employing bigger methods to try and fix scratches, mop your floors with a gentle cleaner. This gives you a better idea of what you're dealing with and how to proceed.
Wax Filler Pencils
A handy tool all hardwood floor owners need is a wax filler pencil in the same color as their floors. They're easy to use and help blend away any blemishes in a matter of seconds.
All you need to do is rub the nib into the scratch and the wax will fill in that scratch. The beauty of it is that the wax matches the color of your wood. This means the scratch disappears without a trace.
Always make sure to keep one of these handy so that you can get rid of minor scratches fast.
Restoration
As the years go by, the natural strength of hardwood will decline. It's much the same as any other type of flooring. The difference is that hardwood responds well to restoration efforts, whereas other flooring materials need a whole new installation.
It's a process that you'll only want to use when the hardwood floors start to show their age or significant damage. It involves sanding the top layer away and then recoating the entire area, which takes time and experience.
Any other types of blemishes should be good with a quick clean or wax stick.
Hardwood Floors Scratch Sometimes and That's Okay
If you ever notice a scratch on your beautiful floor, take a moment to breathe. It'll be alright. With all of these tips and tricks, you'll have pristine hardwood floors again in no time at all.
The best thing to do is to follow this guide. You'll always know what to do when your hardwood floors scratch and how to prevent it from happening again.
Next time you plan to renovate your home, get in contact with us and we'll help you find the best flooring option for you and your family!
