Helpful Tips On Hardwood Floor Care
Just like anything else in today's times, if you can't find it
on the internet, then it can't be had. That being said, if you
have spent the money to buy a good hardwood floor, then you are
going to want to learn good hardwood floor care to protect your
investment, and it is an investment since it can bring the
resale value up on your house by at least 10% if not more.
Hardwood floors are beautiful and depending on what type of
hardwood used, how much of an up keep and maintenance on your
hardwood floors. Here are some general tips on hardwood floor
care.
Solid hardwood flooring, like all solid wood, is a natural
insulator. The cleaners used in your hardwood floor care will
also help keep the natural insulation in the wood. It's made of
microscopic hollow cells and these air spaces produce high
insulating values. It would take 15 inches of concrete to equal
the insulating qualities of just one inch of wood. Appearance
alone can often determine the grade of each hardwood flooring
piece. All grades are equally strong and serviceable in any
application. Flooring generally free of eye catching blemishes
is known as "Clear", though it still may contain burls, streaks
and pinworm holes. "Select" is almost clear, but this grade
contains more of the natural color variations and
characteristics such as knots and other marks.
The "Common" grades, No. 1 and No. 2, have more markings than
either of the other two grades and are often specified because
of these widely varied natural features and the "strong"
character they bring to floors. Grades are sometimes combined
(i.e., "Select & Better"). Product combinations, such as short
pieces or specific grain direction, Quartered and/or Rift, may
also be separated by the manufacturer. When you purchase your
hardwood floor, be sure to ask them about this specific hardwood
floor care, for the type of floor you are getting.
It's the surface finishes that are very popular since they
protect hardwood floors, their durable, water-resistant and
require minimum maintenance, a good finish will determine how
tough or easy your hardwood floor care will be. Most are made of
synthetic resins and are often referred to as urethanes or
polyurethanes and give hardwood surfaces a protective coating.
These resins come in high-gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes.
In order to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful for
years, your floor needs to be dust mopped, swept, or vacuumed
regularly. Only use a manufacturer's recommended cleaner and
sand, buff, and recoat your floor when the surface no longer
shines after cleaning. Depending on the amount of traffic your
floor gets will decide how often it will need to be refinished.
As long as you use good hardwood floor care techniques your
hardwood floors should last a few good years before you need to
refinish.