If you have wide plank floors, are you regularly checking your floorboards for signs of wear and tear? As the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure, and this route is also much less expensive.
You can try spotting the signs and confirming for yourself whether the end is near or your wide plank floors are still good for a few years more. If you’re unsure, now might be the time to call in the a hardwood professional to evaluate the situation and explore ways to restore or refinish them.
So read on to help determine whether your floors are beyond repair and if not, how to prevent them from getting this way.
Spot the signs of wear early
It’s a good idea for you to try spotting the signs in your wide plank floors as early as you can and this can only happen if you regularly check your floor. Of course, some wear and tear is perfect if you have a distressed wide plank floor, but if you’re not going for that distressed or rustic look, wear and tear is simply distressing.
Some signs of wear and tear and their possible causes could include the following:
- Scratches and dents from dragging heavy furniture
- Scratches from the accumulation of gritty substances
- Discoloration due to the direct heat from the sun
- Peeling of the finish caused by moisture in the environment
- Dried pet stains that have not been cleaned for a long period of time
- Large gaps between individual plank boards due to weather-related expansion and contraction.
- Cupping, crowning, or buckling boards on the wide plank floor
Certain things just can’t be fixed without replacing the floorboards, such as deep scratches and dents. Other things like surface scratches can oftentimes be easily buffed out by a professional.
Call a professional
Wood floors generally last around 25 to 30 years on average, but this is contingent upon the treatment they receive from the home occupants. If your floorboards are showing excessive signs of wear and tear, they may need to be either refinished or removed and replaced depending on the extent of the damage. If you’re unsure whether you can fix the damage yourself, it’s time to call a professional to get their opinion.
Refinishing and replacing your floorboards should be handled by a professional because the process can be extremely dangerous if not performed properly. If you need a recommendation for a professional hardwood floor contractor, contact us at (877) 697-5265
Prevention is the best cure
What measures can you take to prevent your floors from getting worn down in the first place?
By adopting a few simple habits, you’ll be well on your way to preventing excessive wear and tear in your wide plank floors and keeping them looking great for a long time. Here are some examples:
- Remove all footwear at the door before entering your home
- Put down doormats outside and inside of all doorways to help prevent grit and dirt from being tracked into your house, which can damage your floor finish
- Avoid dragging heavy objects like furniture across the floor
- Place area rugs or protective furniture pads under heavy objects to prevent floor scratches
- Regularly vacuum your floors to remove grit that may cause scratches
- Use a mop that is not too wet to clean the floor and finish off with a dry mop to absorb any excess moisture from the floor boards
- Do not use cleaners or detergents that are harsh or abrasive to clean the floor
The list above is definitely not exhaustive and you may come up with something that may be unique to your floor, depending on the type of wood and finish used.
In summary
If your wide plank floors are showing signs of wear and tear try and spot the signs as early as is possible.
You can then make an informed decision on whether your they can either be sanded and refinished or removed and replaced after calling in a hardwood professional.
It is advisable to take appropriate preventive measures to protect your investment as given time and usage, your wide plank floors are bound to exhibit some signs of wear and tear.