ADVICE

How to Protect Your Timber Flooring

Timber floors are beautiful, but over time, they can easily become damaged.

Dirty hands and feet, spilled drinks, and scratchy dog claws… it is a challenge to keep your timber flooring looking good.

Here are some simple and helpful tips… how to protect your timber floors from wear and tear, so that you can keep your flooring in great condition.

  1. Choose timber flooring that is tough and will stand the test of time.
  2. Avoid walking on your wooden floors with high heels, cleats or sports shoes as this kind of impact will indent almost any floor surface.
  3. Avoid any finish with too much shine; instead, go for matte, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed finishes.
  4. Mop up spills quickly to prevent water damage.
  5. Minimise the amount of direct, intense sunlight reaching your timber floors.
  6. Keep your timber flooring clean. Sweep, vacuum and mop weekly to prevent any of that dirt from getting ground into the wood.
  7. Make sure to use a non-toxic wood cleaner, nothing abrasive.
  8. Have your pet’s claws trimmed regularly, simply walking your dog regular on concrete surfaces is a great way to file their claws down.
  9. Keep the food and water bowls outside or if they are inside, make sure you have a mat under them to avoid scratching and to catch spills.
  10. Use mats and rugs in high traffic areas to protect your timber floors.
  11. Use anti-scuff pads on chair and table legs to stop scratching and scraping.

Do your best to maintain and protect your timber flooring.  But remember you’re not living in a museum.  Some scratching and discolouration over time is normal, it’s all part of having a busy home.