Q: How do I care for and maintain my hardwood floors?
A: - Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating and scratching the finish.
- Mop the floor with plain water (10 parts water) and vinegar (1 part vinegar) or a manufacturer's recommended no wax cleaner.
- Place doormats outside and rugs inside at every entrance of the house, again to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating on the floor.
- Place a rug in front of the kitchen sink, kitchen working stations, and the dishwasher to protect the floor from dropped kitchen accessories and from water or oily detergent spills.
- Use adequate floor protection (wood floor protector pads) under all furniture and chairs legs, in order to ease their movements and to prevent scratching the floor.
- Keep "high heel" shoes in good condition. Damaged or worn high heels may expose a metal tip which will certainly damage your hardwood floor.
- Protect your floor against direct sunlight or any intense source of artificial lighting. Over time, intense light will discolor exposed surfaces. This phenomenon with wood surfaces is normal and natural. The lighter the color of the natural wood, the more apparent this phenomenon will be.
Q: Are there different types of flooring that are better for the dry climates in Colorado?
A: There are certain types of wood that are better than others for the extreme humidity fluctuations. These humidity fluctuations are common in Colorado and some exotic woods from South and Central America are very stable in this environment. However, some wood (such as maple) are extreamly prone to excessive movement during periods of climate change, thus causing gaps or cupping of the wood flooring. Q: What type of floor should I choose when I have pets and children?
A: - Laminate Floors have the look of wood, but are not the real thing. However, these floors are dent and scratch resistant. In addition, laminate floors are stain resistant and will not fade from ultra-violet sunlight. Laminate floors are very durable, but they still can be damaged Pre- finished floors have a slight bevel on the edge of each board and tends to prematurely tends to wear on the edges. by large breed dogs or careless moving of heavy furniture across the floor.
- Pre-Finished hardwood floors usually takes less time to install and produces less dust than site finished floors. These floors are more durable than site finished floors but less than laminate. Generally they have 7-10 coats applied and are very wear resistatant. However, pre- finished floors have a slight bevel on the edge of each board and tends to wear on the edges.
- Site Finished Floors in most applications have the best look, because the floor is sanded smooth creating a flat even surface. Although the edges don't wear on site finished floors, the overall wear is quicker than pre finished and laminate. However, you can select a high end finish which will help wear, but is more costly. In addition, once wear does occur on the floor, pre-finished and site-finished floors can be sanded and refinished. This process can not be done on laminate floors.
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