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Moving into a Home with Existing Wood Floors | Essential Information to Gather

Posted on April 13, 2023

Blog

Essential Information for Restoring and Maintaining Existing Wood Floors in Your Home

Wooden floors are a stunning addition to any home. They offer an elegant and timeless look that never goes out of style. However, when moving into a home with existing wood floors, it’s essential to gather some important information to ensure the floors are well-maintained and restored if necessary. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the essential information you need to gather when moving into a home with existing wood floors. From identifying the type of wood to understanding the maintenance required, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your wooden floors looking their best.

1. Identify the type of wood

The first step to restoring and maintaining existing wood floors is to identify the type of wood used. This will help you determine the best cleaning and maintenance methods to use. Common types of wood used for flooring include oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany. Each type of wood has unique characteristics, such as grain pattern, colour, and hardness. To identify the type of wood used for your floors, start by looking for any identifying marks or labels on the underside of the planks. If there are no markings, you can try to identify the wood by its colour, grain pattern, and hardness. A professional flooring contractor can also help you identify the type of wood used if you’re unsure.

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2. Check for damage.

Before you begin restoring your wooden floors, it’s essential to check for damage. Common types of damage to wooden floors include scratches, dents, and water damage. If you notice any damage, it’s important to address it before beginning any restoration work. Scratches and dents can often be sanded down and refinished, but deep scratches or gouges may require replacing individual planks. Water damage can cause warping and cupping of the planks, which may require replacing larger sections of the flooring.

Causes of Patchy Floors

3. Clean and prepare the floors.

Once you’ve identified the type of wood and checked for damage, it’s time to clean and prepare the floors for restoration. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove any dirt and debris. Then, use a wood floor cleaner to remove any stains or dirt that may have accumulated over time. After cleaning the floors, you’ll need to prepare them for restoration. This may involve sanding the floors down to remove any existing finish or stains. Sanding can also help to smooth out any scratches or dents in the wood. Once the floors are sanded, you’ll need to apply a finish to protect the wood and give it a fresh new look.

Cleaning the Wooden Floor

4. Choose the Right Finish

Choosing the right finish for your wooden floors is essential to ensuring they look their best and are protected from wear and tear. There are several types of finishes to choose from, including oil-based, water-based, and wax finishes. Oil-based finishes are durable and long-lasting, but they can take longer to dry and have a stronger odour. Water-based finishes dry quickly and have a low odour, but they may not be as durable as oil-based finishes. Wax finishes are easy to apply and give the wood a warm, natural look, but they may require more frequent maintenance.

Wooden Floor Double Protection

5. Maintain your wooden floors

Once your wooden floors are restored and looking their best, it’s important to maintain them properly to keep them looking great for years to come. This may involve regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, as well as using a wood floor cleaner to keep the floors looking clean and shiny. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your wooden floors, as these can damage the finish and the wood itself. Instead, use gentle cleaners and avoid wearing shoes with hard soles or high heels, as these can scratch the wood.

Conclusion

Moving into a home with existing wood floors can be a great opportunity to add timeless charm and elegance to your home. However, it’s important to gather essential information about your wooden floors to ensure they’re well-maintained and restored if necessary. By identifying the type of wood, checking for damage, cleaning and preparing the floors, choosing the right finish, and maintaining them properly, you can keep your wooden floors looking beautiful for years to come.

In addition to these essential steps, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when restoring and maintaining wooden floors. For example, if you have pets, it’s important to keep their nails trimmed to avoid scratching the wood. You may also want to consider placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to protect the wood from wear and tear. Another consideration is the humidity levels in your home. Wooden floors can expand and contract with changes in humidity, which can cause warping and cupping. To avoid this, it’s important to maintain consistent humidity levels in your home throughout the year. Finally, if you’re unsure about how to restore or maintain your wooden floors, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional flooring contractor. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on the best cleaning and maintenance methods to use, as well as provide expert restoration services if necessary.

In summary, restoring and maintaining existing wood floors requires gathering essential information, identifying the type of wood, checking for damage, cleaning and preparing the floors, choosing the right finish, and maintaining them properly. By following these steps and taking additional considerations into account, you can keep your wooden floors looking beautiful and elegant for years to come.  

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