When you decide to install hardwood flooring, you're making a decision that will bring your home beauty and warmth for decades, but only if you care for those floors properly. Traditional hard wooden floors are manufactured using wood from mature trees, and even though it is treated and finished, it is still wood and acts according. This means, for example, that water on the floor will cause it to swell and the material might become scratched if something is dragged across it.

Moisture

You should never allow standing water to pool on your hardwood floors. When water sits, even a small amount, the moisture can seep into the crevices between boards and cause the planks to swell. This can cause serious damage to the flooring, and even a small portion of water damage is highly noticeable. If you spill water or any other fluid, wipe it up immediately to protect the integrity of the wood.

Of course to clean your floors, the manufacturer might recommend damp mopping to remove smudges and dust. If this is the case, a damp cloth affixed to a mop can be used to wipe the floor, or you might use a special cleaner to polish and clean it. But be sure your mop is only damp, not fully wet as you don't want to leave drops or a puddle behind to damage the wood.

Scratch and Dents

Other common damages sustained by hard wood are scratches and dents from simply living on the material. For example, a woman in stiletto high heels can actually cause indentations in some types of wooden floors. Likewise, furniture legs can hurt over time by causing depressions.

You can protect your hardwood by using large area rugs under furniture and where individuals might be standing in the kinds of shoes dangerous to the floor. You should also use small pads under the legs of your furniture. This provides a layer of cushion and protection between the heavy pieces and your impressionable floor.

Some scratches and dings are inevitable, especially if you have a busy and full household. Most people with timber floors tend to feel these marks add character to the floors, and, in fact they do. Some even distress their hardwood flooring before installing it to give them a more unique look. But when you feel that there are too many blemishes on your floor, the best way to resolve the situation is to have it refinished.

Refinishing every five to ten years and being careful to protect the floors as much as possible will give you the best appearance possible. Rugs, pads and cushions and even things as simple as keeping your pet's toenails cut and avoiding moving any furniture, including office chairs, on the hardwood will keep it looking beautiful with very little trouble at all.