Hardwood Facts & Floor Care

A hardwood floor provides natural beauty. However, being a natural product, it has several characteristics that must be considered. At End Of The Roll Flooring Centres, we want you to enjoy your hardwood floors for many years. Here's some information on keeping your hardwood floors beautiful and long-lasting.

Feel free to download this information to your computer: Hardwood Flooring - Facts and Floor Care PDF File.

Qualities of Wood

Every piece of hardwood is different. There is a variance in grain, holes and colour. Wood has tiny little holes, like a sponge, which is why it absorbs moisture. One piece of wood may have more or less grain than another piece and therefore more or less holes. The more grain and holes, the more shrinkage and expansion will occur with changes in humidity. From this we see the development of overwood. Overwood is apparent on pre-finished floors from day one. Overwood will develop on site-finished floors, through a couple of heating seasons. This is not a defect.

Humidity and Temperature

Wood floor dimensions will be affected by varying levels of humidity. Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the range of 35 to 55% humidity.

During the dry season, a humidifier may be required to minimize shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions. Gaps between the boards may develop despite your best efforts.

During the humid season, humidity levels can be maintained by use of an air conditioner, dehumidifier or by turning on your heating system periodically during the wet months. Avoid excessive exposure to water from tracking during periods of inclement weather. Be careful not to obstruct the expansion joints around the perimeter of your hardwood floors.

Your new wood floors need to acclimatize to your home's humidity environment. By putting the boxes of new product in your home and leaving them for at least two weeks before installation, the wood will adjust to the humidity level of your house and may give you less problems as a result. This is particularly true if the wood has recently been shipped in from out of town. At End Of The Roll, most of our inventory is in store, so this waiting period may be reduced.

Maintaining a consistent year-round temperature is very important for the longevity of your hardwood floors.

Pets

Buy broad-based water dishes or water dishes that come with a spill-resistant stand. Place mats to protect from spills and wet paws. Make sure that wet mats don't sit too long on your hardwood floor. Seek advice from pet store retailers about how to treat the surface of a hardwood floor in the event of an "accident." Always follow the instructions as stipulated by the manufacturer's stain-removal products.

Clip your pet's claws to reduce scratching the surface of hardwood floors. Clear water spills and urine right away "” don't leave messes to sit. Damage (dents, scratches, stains, etc.) caused by pets is not covered by warranties.

Appearance and Sunlight

When choosing your hardwood flooring, samples may not always match exactly, as it is a natural product.

Exposure to sunlight may bring about significant changes depending on the species of hardwood. Area rugs and furniture should be occasionally relocated to provide even change in shading. This is not a defect.

Felt Pads and Floor Protectors

Felt pads or floor protectors are required under furniture to minimize scratches. Certain types of wheels may damage your floor. Use barrel-type caster wheels or wide flat glides to protect your hardwood flooring investment.

Defect Tolerance

Hardwood floors may have a few natural defects. Accepted industry standards permit a defect tolerance of 7% to 10% depending on the product. The defects may be from natural or manufacturing causes.

High Traffic Areas

High traffic areas will show signs of wear first. You may see a decrease in the lustre level of the wood floor in these areas. Protect hallways with a runner and entrances with a mat. Runners and Area Rugs are in stock at End Of The Roll! Also, be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood floor.

Hardwood Floor Care

Caring for your hardwood flooring has never been easier. With modern advances in wood flooring stains and finishes, regular maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristled broom or vacuuming with soft floor attachments. Periodically, it is also recommended that you clean your floors with a wood floor-cleaning product available at your local End Of The Roll store.

A Few More Tips

Don't damp mop and never clean your wood floor with water and/or vinegar. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water, such as oil soap. This may result in loss of warranty. Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the wood. Only use cleaners approved by the manufacturer. Vacuum regularly using a felt or soft brush head on your vacuum's wand attachment as small stones and dirt tracked in from outside can scratch the finish of your wood floor.

Use mats at entrances to keep grit and moisture from being tracked in. Do not use rubber, foam back or plastic mats, as they may discolour the floor.

Wipe spills immediately. When a liquid is spilled onto the wood floor, use a slightly damp white cloth or paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the affected area.

For more tips on Hardwood Floor Care, visit your chosen Manufacturer's website.

If you want, you can download this information to your computer: Hardwood Flooring - Facts and Floor Care PDF File