Some common mistakes people make when trying to protect hardwood floor include:
• Not sealing or re-finishing Hardwood floor frequently enough.
Protect Hardwood floor requires periodic re-sealing and re-finishing to maintain protection. If not performed regularly, water and damage can seep into the wood.
• Using the wrong type of finish.
General purpose polyurethanes or varnishes may not properly protect hardwood floors. Use products specifically designed for hardwood floor finishing. These will seal without compromising the wood.
• Not sealing wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms adequately.
Floors in high-moisture areas need additional protection like wax, epoxy or silicone sealants. Regular finish alone may not prevent water damage in these spaces.
• Not using protectors near entryways.
Floor mats, area rugs and shoe racks should be used near all entrances to absorb excess moisture, dirt and grit from shoes. Without this protection, tracked-in water and grit can cause scratches and damage over time.
• Placing heavy/sharp furniture on hardwood without coasters.
Protect heavy, sharp-cornered furniture like piano legs with felt pads, coasters or protective sliders. The weight and sharp edges of these items can dent or scratch hardwood floors without protection.
• Large pooled water exposure.
Exposing floors to standing water or very large spills allows more seepage and can cause warping, buckling and water damage. Wipe up any large spills immediately to minimize damage.
• Excessive dryness or humidity.
Both very dry and very humid conditions can cause hardwood floors to expand and contract excessively, leading to damage like cracks, gaps and cupping. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain humidity 40-50% for best results.
• Lack of vapor barrier for below grade floors.
Without a vapor barrier below ground-level wood floors, moisture can wick up into the flooring, causing damage, warping and buckling. Proper vapor and moisture barrier installation helps prevent this type of damage.
• Lack of expansion joints.
Allowing expansion joints and transition strips to expand too far or contract too tightly can lead the planks to buckle, warp or stain/finish to fade visibly.
