tips Archives - Renaissance Hardwood Floors

A Guide to Using Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors

Renaissance Hardwood Flooring — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:01:19 +0000

It’s a fairly common practice for homeowners to place area rugs on their hardwood floors, as much for decor as for protection. But there are ways to use area rugs optimally, and there are ways that the rugs themselves could have unintended consequences for your floors. Fortunately, if you take a few precautions and place your rugs strategically, those rugs can add warmth and beauty to your space while offering maximum protection. The following guide tells you what you need to know.

Why Use Rugs on Hardwood Floors?

By adding rugs to your hardwood floors, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your rooms but also provide a layer of protection to your floors. Rugs help to prevent scratches and scuffs caused by foot traffic or furniture movement. They also add warmth to your space, making it feel more cozy and inviting. Furthermore, rugs act as a sound buffer, reducing unwanted echoes throughout the space.

Tips for Optimal Rug Choice and Placement

Determining where to place your rug largely depends on the room’s layout and function. In living rooms, a common practice is to center the rug under the coffee table, with furniture either all on or partially on the rug. For dining rooms, ensure the rug extends past the dining table so chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. In bedrooms, rugs are typically placed under the bed but should extend beyond the sides for a balanced look.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your rug should optimally complement the room and furniture arrangement. A small rug in a large room can make the room feel disjointed, whereas a rug that’s too large may overwhelm the space. For a single area rug, as a general rule, there should be 10-20 inches of bare floor between the edges of the rug and the walls of the room. You can also place small complementary rugs in different parts of the room for a more original or even “boho” look. And in most rooms, you can protect high-traffic walkways with longer, thinner “runners” that tend to look good in most spaces.

When it comes to shape, rectangular rugs work well in most spaces, but don’t shy away from round or oval rugs, especially in smaller spaces or to highlight certain furniture pieces.

Colors and Patterns

When it comes to colors and patterns, the possibilities are practically limitless. The rug should either complement or contrast with your furniture, and its color should enhance the overall look of the room. For small areas such as entryways, opt for lighter shades that won’t overpower the space. When choosing a patterned rug, make sure it complements but doesn’t compete with the other patterns in the room.

Tips for Preventing Damage

Ironically, without taking certain precautions, your area rugs can potentially damage the very floors they’re intended to protect. Let’s discuss some common-sense tips to prevent this from happening.

Use a Rug Pad

Rug pads are essential because they provide a barrier between the rug and the floor, preventing unwanted scratches and scuffs from rug slippage. Additionally, rug pads can add extra cushioning, making them easier on the feet.

Rotate Rugs (and Furniture, When Necessary)

If you leave rugs in place for a long period of time, you will likely begin to see a notable difference in appearance between the covered and uncovered areas of your floors. This is because the covered areas haven’t had the same exposure to daylight, foot traffic, etc. To avoid uneven fading or wear on your hardwood floors, it’s a good idea to periodically rotate your rugs, especially if they’re in a sunny spot or high-traffic area. By changing their position, you distribute the wear evenly over the floor. If your rugs are under furnishings, you may want to consider moving the furniture around, as well, for much the same reason.

Clean Rugs Regularly

Dirt and dust can collect under rugs, acting like sandpaper and potentially scratching your floors. Regular cleaning, both of the rug and the floor underneath, will help prevent this from happening. (Pro tip: If you use a vacuum with a beater brush on an area rug, make absolutely certain to keep the vacuum only on the rug itself. Don’t let the brush bristles touch the wood floor on the edges to avoid scratching the floor. (Better yet, just turn the beater off when vacuuming the area rugs.)

With the right placement, size, and care, rugs can enhance the beauty of your hardwood floors while preserving their quality and integrity. If you’re considering hardwood flooring installation in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Owasso, or other parts of Green Country, our team will be happy to provide a complimentary quote. Contact us here to learn more.

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Winter Is Coming: Are Your Hardwood Floors Protected?

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:02:53 +0000

As the weather changes with the approach of winter here in the Tulsa area, it’s time to start thinking a little differently about the care and protection of your hardwood floors. Wood flooring can certainly create the sense of warmth and coziness you desire during these months, but winter also brings a different set of circumstances that can create undue wear-and-tear on the floors. It’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure that they don’t get damaged. Let’s look at some common-sense ways to protect your hardwood floors during the winter months.

Limit Salt and Sand Exposure

When snowy or icy conditions exist, salt and sand magically appear on our roads and sidewalks. (Actually, it’s not magic, but you get the idea.) The problem with salt and sand is that they come into the house on our boots and shoes and corrode and scratch hardwood floors. You can limit this issue by putting hefty floor mats at every entrance–or better yet, leave the shoes at the door and wear comfy slippers inside.

Wipe Up Melting Snow and Ice

If someone comes in from the snow and tracks snow, ice, or even mud on the floor (i.e., they don’t take their boots off at the door like a good guest should), the moisture can damage the floors. If there is any salt mixed in with it, the floors can become corroded from it. Have paper towels or cloths on hand to wipe these messes up before they dry. (Same thing if your dog goes outside and tracks snow in before you can wipe its paws.)

Place Runners or Area Rugs in High Traffic Areas

With the holidays comes company—family, friends, gatherings, etc. It can be difficult to control incoming dirt coming in on so many feet, not to mention the occasional spill of something-or-other. To limit damage and create more peace of mind, try temporarily placing area rugs or runners over high-traffic areas of your home.

Create Extra Protection Around Christmas Trees and Fireplaces

Don’t forget—falling sap and needles from live Christmas trees can be murder on wood floors. So can the metal feet of artificial trees. Make sure you protect your floors by laying protective mats under your tree and limiting needle fallout when bringing your tree in and out. Additionally, we use our fireplaces more frequently during the colder months, so don’t forget to lay down a hearth pad or fire-resistant rug to catch stray embers.

Run a Humidifier

Finally, furnaces kicking into high gear during these colder months can dry out the air—and your hardwood floors along with it. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to run a humidifier in your home. This creates atmospheric moisture that will protect the wood from drying out and possibly cracking. (It will make you more comfortable, as well.)

By taking these extra precautions, you’ll have greater peace of mind during the holidays and beyond knowing that your floors are effectively safeguarded from winter. Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of installing wood floors in your home, Renaissance is here to help. For a complimentary estimate in Tulsa, Catoosa, Broken Arrow, Claremore, or other parts of Green Country, give us a call at 918-298-4477.

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Tips for Maintaining Optimal Humidity for Your Wood Floors

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:38:09 +0000

Here in Green Country, the moisture in the air plays a huge role in our weather, as well as the performance of our wood floors. Wood is a naturally porous material that responds to humidity. When there’s more moisture in the air, wood expands. When the air is dry, wood contracts. That’s why sometimes you’ll notice occasional cupping of your wood floors during periods of low or high humidity. In most cases, your floors will adjust, but if the changes in humidity are extreme, it can cause permanent damage. So what can you do about it? How can you maintain optimal humidity in your home to protect your hardwood floors? Let’s go over a few tips that can help.

Invest in a Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a device that measures humidity. Hygrometers range in price from a few bucks for a small, digital version to a few hundred for a fancier, wall-mounted unit. Whatever your preference, if your home in eastern Oklahoma has hardwood floors, get one. Pay attention to it. The optimal humidity range for your wood floors is between 35-55 percent. Occasional fluctuations outside that range won’t hurt your floors long-term, but if you notice it’s particularly humid or dry for more than a day or so, you might want to take steps to control the humidity inside your home.

Pay Special Attention in the Winter Months

The climate in and around Tulsa is considered “humid subtropical,” with moisture frequently coming into our area from the Gulf of Mexico. Under normal conditions, our humid summers rarely have a negative effect on wood floors. Winter, however, is another story. Not only is there less humidity in the colder air, but our heating systems and furnaces tend to dry out the air inside our homes. In short—winter is the time when damage to your hardwood floors is most likely.

Consider Humidifiers

In particularly dry conditions (like the winter months), you might want to invest in a humidifier to inject more moisture into the air. Since it can be cumbersome to place small freestanding humidifiers all over the house, consider buying a whole-home humidifier that connects to your HVAC system. Look for one with its own blower control (so it doesn’t just run when the furnace runs). A whole-home humidifier is one of the most effective ways to maintain optimal humidity levels in the home because it will turn on and off automatically as needed to keep humidity levels consistent—just like your thermostat maintains temperature.

Open the Windows on Mild Days

Another way to balance the humidity levels of your wood floors with the outside world is to open the windows once in a while on mild, comfortable days. You won’t see too many of these days in the summer, but they can be quite frequent in the fall—and even in springtime in the days following a storm. Take advantage of days like these, not just for your floors, but also to freshen the air in your home.

Do I Also Need a Dehumidifier for My Wood Floors?

If humidifiers are recommended when the inside air is dry, is it also helpful to have a dehumidifier when the air becomes too humid? It can be helpful, but not usually mandatory. Under normal conditions, Tulsa’s humidity levels won’t harm your wood floors even on the muggiest days. The only time you might be concerned is during long periods of heavy rain or fog when the humidity stays above 80 percent for days on end. In those cases, running a dehumidifier for a couple of days wouldn’t hurt.

Maintaining optimal humidity levels in the home will ensure your wood floors stay beautiful and functional for many years to come. Looking to install new wood floors in your home? Give Renaissance a call at 918-298-4477 for a free estimate or fill out our contact form here and we’ll get back to you.

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5 Key Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 21:27:21 +0000

With proper care and maintenance, a well-laid hardwood floor can bring beauty to your home for decades. But time and nature take their toll on everything, and at some point, your floors may show some irregularities or signs of wear. Some of this may be the natural process of aging, and an aged floor can even add character to the room. But when these “irregularities” are due to damage, it’s time to have your hardwood floors refinished to protect and preserve them for the next season. How do you know when it’s time to refinish your hardwood floors? Look for any or all of these five signals.

Lots of Scratches

For most hardwood floors, some scratching is inevitable over time. You can opt to refinish or repair scratched areas, although in some cases, a little scratching adds character to the wood, especially with distressed finishes. However, if you notice the floors take scratches more easily than they used to, or if you notice deep scratches that go through the finish and expose fresh wood below, it’s a sign that your polyurethane coating is wearing thin or is compromised, and you’ll want to refinish and re-coat the floor to prevent further damage.

Fading

Direct sunlight on the wood eventually causes some fading of the color. When the fading becomes especially pronounced or noticeable, it may become distracting. You may want to refinish and re-stain the floors at that point to restore them to a consistent color.

Discoloration/Greying

Grey floors are in fashion right now, but if you notice floorboards greying and that wasn’t the original color, it’s generally a preliminary sign of water/moisture damage, not age. Graying floors mean the polyurethane coating is thinning or wearing off, and it’s time to refinish the floors. If you let it go too long, the grey will eventually turn darker until it’s black. At that point, replacement becomes your only option.

Cupping/Warping/Splintering

A little bit of cupping and crowning is normal with wood floors as the boards respond to changes in humidity and temperature. However, if you notice significant cupping or warping of the panels or cupping that doesn’t resolve, it’s a sign of water damage. Another sign to watch for is splintering along the panel edges. All of these are indicators that the protectant coating is worn out. If the damage is severe, you may need replacement, but for mild cases, refinishing the floor will do the trick.

You Want an Updated Look

Sometimes, we just get tired of the same old look of our floors year after year. Perhaps you have added new furniture that doesn’t match the flooring, or maybe you just want a change. As long as the floor is in good condition, refinishing them gives you the opportunity to create a whole new look for your space without having to replace the floors.

Not sure whether your floors need to be refinished? We can help with a free in-home evaluation and estimate. If you live in Tulsa, Glenpool, Broken Arrow, Coweta or other parts of Green Country, give Renaissance a call today at 918-298-4477.

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Advantages of Installing Maple Hardwood Floors

admin — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:38:12 +0000

While oak wood flooring is one of our most popular sellers here at Renaissance, many homeowners and builders ask us to install maple hardwood floors, as well. Maple isn’t always the cheapest option, nor does it work in every setting. However, for the right home and the right aesthetic, customers couldn’t be happier with their choice. If you’re thinking to install new hardwoods this year, let’s talk about some of the basic advantages of choosing maple hardwood floors so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Dense and Durable

Maple is one of the hardest woods available commercially in the U.S., coming in at 1450 on the Jenka Hardness Scale. As such, it is quite dense and naturally resistant to scratches, wear and tear. This makes maple a good choice for rooms with lots of foot traffic or homes with kids and pets. And while you should always avoid exposing wood floors to excessive moisture, maple is a bit more resistant to damage from spills because the moisture takes longer to penetrate the wood than other hardwoods. All told, maple is very durable and can last for generations with proper care.

Sophisticated Beauty

Maple is a naturally light-colored hardwood, and although it can be stained darker to most preferences, it’s typically a great choice for warming up dark spaces. It also offers a more consistent and less pronounced grain pattern than other hardwoods, providing a smooth-looking surface that does well with polished or fine finishes.

Cautions with Maple Wood

While maple is a great choice all around, it’s not right for every home. Some factors to consider:

Scratches and scuffs may show up more easily. Despite its hardness, maple’s lighter appearance makes scuff marks easier to spot, so it requires a bit of upkeep to maintain its appearance. In addition, although it’s not easy to scratch, if you do manage to scratch the floor, those scratches will be more visible with maple and more difficult to buff out.
Not the best choice for darker shades. Maple’s hardness factor causes it to accept stains and dyes less easily, and natural inconsistencies in the wood may make the stain appear blotchy and spotty in places. If you choose to stain the wood, you’d be better off hiring a professional than trying to do it yourself. And if you truly prefer a dark shade, you might find it easier just to select a different species than maple.
Prone to fading. Maple tends to be responsive to sunlight, so areas of the floor that are exposed to direct sunlight might experience bleaching over time. You may want to pull the drapes at certain times of day or cover those exposed areas with a rug.

All told, with proper care, maple hardwood floors can provide durability and lasting beauty to your home. If you’re considering installing maple hardwood floors among your other flooring options, we are happy to help. For a free estimate in Tulsa, Catoosa, Claremore or other parts of Green Country, give Renaissance a call today at 918-298-4477.

(Photo credit: Boa-Franc/Flickr)

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Live Christmas Tree? Take These Steps to Protect Your Hardwood Floors

admin — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:50:57 +0000

For millions of households across the country, there’s just no substitute for putting up a live Christmas tree at the holidays. The aroma of fresh-cut pine often evokes deep memories of childhood. For others, it’s the thought of having a living tree inside the home, or the family tradition of tromping into the woods to chop down your own tree. But whatever the case, live Christmas trees and hardwood floors don’t always get along. Not only can your floor get scratched by falling needles or scraping, it could also be damaged by water runoff or dripping tree sap. If you’re not cautious, you could decorate the most festive tree ever, only to find irreparable damage to your floor when the holidays have ended.

The good news is that preventing this kind of catastrophe is relatively simple. Take the following precautions to keep your live Christmas tree from ruining your New Year.

Clean the Floor First

Regardless of what protective coverings you use, placing a tree on a dirty floor is a recipe for scratches. The dirt and dust particles trapped beneath can grind against the floor under the weight of the tree, and the first thing you’ll have to do after the holidays is have the floors refinished. To reduce this risk, vacuum the floor with a non-beating sweeper or run a soft Swiffer-type dry mop across the surface to remove dust and dirt before bringing in the tree.

Use the Right Kind of Barrier

It’s obvious to most people that setting a metal tree stand on a bare hardwood floor is asking for trouble—but sometimes their solution to that problem can be just as harmful. You do need a barrier between the tree stand and the floor—but it needs to be the right kind of barrier to protect the floors. Towels or blankets are not a good idea because if they get wet, they can hold moisture against the floor and cause cupping or warping. Instead, go with a water-resistant Christmas tree mat, or possibly a large drain pan (similar to what you might put under a washing machine). Whatever floor covering you use, try to make it wider than the widest part of your tree to catch pine needles or any stray sap that might drop from the branches.

Bonus Tip: If you are putting up an artificial tree, you’ll still want some sort of barrier to keep the tree stand from scratching the floor. Typically some sort of sheet or floor mat will suffice in this case—just something to keep the stand from making contact with the wood floor.

Shake off Loose Needles Before Bringing in the Tree

Falling pine needles are an unavoidable issue with most trees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t limit how many needles you’re dealing with. The fewer falling needles you have, the fewer opportunities for the floor to get scratched. So before bringing the tree inside, give it a nice shake to dislodge any loose needles.

Wrap the Tree Before Moving It

You can also reduce needle fallout on your wood floors by wrapping the tree up in plastic or a sturdy blanket before carrying it. This is helpful not only when bringing the tree in, but especially when removing it (since there will likely be more loose needles as the tree dries out).

Vacuum Up Loose Needles Often

Pine needles can scratch your hardwood floors just the same as loose dirt or sand. While the tree is in your home, cleaning up these needles may be an ongoing battle. Be sure to vacuum up loose needles when bringing the tree in, when moving it out, and on a regular basis while the tree is up in your home (preferably daily).

By taking these precautions, you and your family can enjoy your live Christmas tree without risking damage to your hardwood floors. If you do need your floors fixed or refreshed during or after the holidays, Renaissance is here to help. Give us a call at 918-298-4477 for a free evaluation and estimate. Merry Christmas!

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Protect Your Hardwood Floors from the Summer Sun and Humidity

admin — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 15:46:56 +0000

As summer gets underway here in the Tulsa area, our minds naturally turn to things like vacations, outdoor grilling, cold watermelon, family gatherings, water sports, and so on. Your hardwood floors are probably the last thing on your mind right now, but the summer sun and humidity can actually leave your floors vulnerable to damage. As the summer heat builds in Green Country, here’s what you need to know about the dangers of direct sunlight and high humidity, and how to protect your hardwood floors.

Summer Sunlight

The sunlight streaming through the windows onto your wood floors may look gorgeous, but that doesn’t mean damage isn’t being done. Summer is the time of year when the sun’s rays are most intense and direct, and the ultraviolet light can break down chemicals in the wood, causing a fading effect—similar to the way the sun “bleaches” your hair. Over time, you may begin to notice the wood by your windows growing lighter, causing the overall look of your floors to be uneven and blotchy.

High Humidity

The increase in humidity during the summer months is indirectly related to the sunshine, but no less dangerous to your floors. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air can. If the humidity in your home is not properly regulated, the wood planks will begin to absorb the moisture and expand, sometimes causing warping and cupping. This effect often corrects itself when humidity returns to normal levels, but in extreme cases it can permanently damage your wood planks.

Tips to Protect Your Hardwood Floors

The good news is by taking a few precautionary measures, you can safeguard your floors through the summer months so you don’t have to think about them anymore. Here are some tips to help.

Keep the drapes or blinds closed during periods of direct sunlight. By far, this is the easiest way to reduce sunlight exposure.
Install “low-e” windows. This is a more expensive option, but if you prefer keeping your drapes or blinds open, low-e windows will filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays from the sun, making the sunlight safer for your floors.
Rotate furnishings. Sometimes thoughtfully arranged furniture or a strategically placed rug can cover your wood floors in the parts of the room that get exposed to sunlight.
Keep the A/C running. Cooler air naturally holds less humidity.
Buy one or more dehumidifiers for the home. Optimal humidity levels inside the home should be between 35-45 percent.

While the summer heat and humidity have the potential to wreak havoc on your floors, it doesn’t have to be a point of panic. Just take common-sense steps to protect your floors like the tips we mentioned above, and you can enjoy a worry-free summer focused on the things you love. If your floors experience damage, we’re here to help. For a free estimate on wood flooring installation or repair in Jenks, Glenpool, Tulsa, Sand Springs and Broken Arrow, give Renaissance Hardwood Floors a call at 918-298-4477.

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Will Installing Wood Floors Help Me Sell My Home?

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:16:44 +0000

Spring and summer are “peak season” for the housing market. It’s the time of year when home buyers are actively looking, and sellers are likely to get the best price. If you’re planning to list your home for sale this year, you might be wondering whether installing wood floors (or replacing existing wood flooring) is a good investment to help sell your home.

The short answer is “yes”—but there are a few qualifiers. Let’s explore the subject a bit more.

Sale-ability versus Value

Having wood floors will definitely improve your chances for a quick sale of your home. In fact, about eighty-seven percent of home buyers place hardwood flooring at or near the top of their priority lists when looking for a home. That said, installing brand-new hardwood flooring is a bit of an investment. While it will add to your home’s overall appraisal value, there’s not a lot of clear data as far as what your actual return on investment will be once you have the floors installed.

Try Refinishing Existing Floors First

If you already have wood flooring in at least a few rooms of the home, you may have an advantage already. Even if the floors are looking worn, refinishing the floors might be a better alternative financially to replacing them outright. Refinished floors can often be made to look new, and vintage flooring can actually be a strong selling point. An experienced wood flooring professional can advise you on whether your floors can be refinished.

Consider a Neutral Look if Installing New

If your current floors are too damaged for refinishing, or if you simply want to invest in hardwood floors strictly to help sell your home, you might want to go with a more basic look, rather than a custom design. Not only is this more cost-effective (custom floor designs can be costly both in labor and materials), but it creates a more neutral palate for prospective buyers to envision themselves living in the home. “Basic” does not mean “cheap-looking,” by the way. Even a simple, “no-nonsense” oak floor can be made to look stunning when installed the correct way.

Playing the Long Game

If you choose to install a more expensive wood or a custom design, you may increase the “wow” factor of your home for resale purposes, but the cost may cut into your profits a bit, at least in the short term. We install some great-looking custom floors, but for best results we recommend installing these floors for yourself and family first. Enjoy the floors yourself for a few years, take good care of them and let your home appreciate. When you do decide to sell, your floors will then be a powerful selling feature that can also boost your asking price.

In doubt about whether to refinish your existing floors or install new ones? We can help! Give Renaissance Hardwood Flooring a call today at 918-298-4477.

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Winter Sand and Salt: Protecting Your Wood Floors

admin — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 17:49:43 +0000

Having already had our first tastes of winter weather here in Tulsa, it looks like Green Country is set for a chilly winter season. When ice and snow become a problem, the sand and salt we use to clear the roads can get tracked into your home on shoes and boots—and that can be a problem for your wood floors. What can you do to be proactive and protect your floors when the driveways, sidewalks and streets are coated with salt? Let’s explore this question a bit.

How Salt and Sand Can Damage Your Floors

Why is it so important to guard hardwood floors against salt and sand? These elements can damage your floors in a couple of different ways:

The coarse grains can scratch the floor. When we leave salt or sand on the floor, the grains can scratch the wood and/or the finish when people step on them.
The chemicals are corrosive. The salts we use on roads have a natural high pH similar to the chemicals we might use to strip a floor of its finish. Ice melt products may also have other chemicals that can cause damage.

Take Steps to Protect the Wood

Most of the time, we can stop salt or sand damage before it ever starts just by taking a few proactive steps. To keep your hardwood floors safe, try the following:

Leave boots and shoes in a tiled foyer or mudroom. The best way to keep salt from damaging the floor is never to let it get there in the first place. Have family and visitors remove footwear at the entrances to your home, especially in snowy or icy weather.
Place floor mats at entrances. If removing shoes isn’t your thing, floor mats are the next best thing. They can trap and keep most salt and sand grains before they enter the room. Similarly, try using runners and rugs to cover high traffic areas for more protection.
Clean floors regularly. If you see sand or salt particles on the floor, get them up quickly with a vacuum or hand vacuum. (You can also use a broom, but be cautious because broom brushes can also grind the salt into the wood.) If snow melt gets on the floors, dab it up with an absorbent cloth or towel.

Cleaning Salt or Ice Melt Stains/Film

If you miss an opportunity to remove salt or ice melt, you may notice a film on the floor when the moisture dries. This generally means the chemical has interacted with the finish and left an alkaline residue. To prevent further damage, try using a slightly moist cloth to clean the residue. If the film returns when the floor dries, try neutralizing the alkaline residue with vinegar mixed with water (one cup of vinegar per gallon). Apply the solution gently using a circular motion, then buff it dry immediately to keep the moisture from seeping into the wood. Always test on an inconspicuous corner first to make sure the vinegar won’t discolor the wood.

If you notice salt damage to your wood floors and have concerns about how to prevent further damage, Renaissance Hardwood Floors can offer solutions. Give us a call at 918-298-4477 or leave us a message here.

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How Often Should Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?

admin — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:18:12 +0000

With proper care, a well-built hardwood floor can last a lifetime, even generations. But over time, the wood inevitably starts showing signs of wear and age. Scratches accumulate, uneven coloring may occur (especially in areas where the floors are exposed to sunlight), and floors begin to appear dull. You can refresh your floors by refinishing them—effectively by having them sanded, re-stained and sealed. But at what point should you consider having your hardwood floors refinished?

There is no set answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of wood, foot traffic patterns, natural wear and your own personal aesthetic. Even with the best of care, most floors start showing their age after about 10 years. But for most households, simple wear-and-tear may cause the floors to need refinishing sooner than that. Here are a few signs and tips to help you decide when your hardwood floors need refinishing.

Excessive Scratches

These days, the “weathered” or “distressed” look is popular with wood floors, but that look is best achieved purposely by wire brushing evenly across the floor. For most of us, scratches don’t make the floor look “worn”—just scratched. Also, scratches can affect the integrity of whatever sealant may have been used, making the floors more vulnerable to the elements. A bit of scratching is natural, but deep or excessive scratches might need to be sanded out and refinished.

Discoloration

If your wood floors start to appear sun-bleached, it may not be a serious problem, but it can give your floors an uneven, unattractive look, and you may choose to refinish them just to recover an even coloring. If floorboards start getting a dull, gray hue, it’s a potential sign of damage from moisture over time, and you’ll want to refinish them to protect the wood from further damage. Let it go too long, and the floors will need to be replaced.

Areas of Dullness

A wood floor’s finish is as much a part of the aesthetic as its color, whether that finish is glossy, satin, matte or brushed. Over time, especially in high-traffic areas, you may start to notice the finish taking on a dull appearance compared to other parts of the floor. This inconsistency can make your floors look worn, uneven and even neglected. In most cases, refinishing will restore the floor to its consistent beautiful sheen.

A Note of Caution

Although refinishing your floors can make them look fresh and new, every time you do it, you’re removing a layer of wood. Solid hardwood floors can endure this process several times. Engineered wood floors can only handle it once or twice at most. But floors that get refinished too often can eventually get to the point where they lose beauty and just don’t look as nice anymore. For that reason, we recommend refinishing your floors only when it’s apparent that they need it, and not just for the sake of change.

If you’re unsure whether your hardwood floors need to be refinished, we are happy to come inspect your floors, whether or not we installed them. For answers to your wood flooring questions in Jenks, Tulsa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow and Glenpool, call Renaissance today at 918-298-4477.

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