7 tips to prevent hardwood floors from scratching

Here are 7 tips to prevent scratches in your hardwood flooring. 

First, let me start by warning that ALL hardwood dents and scratches.  Anyone that tells you the hardwood flooring won't scratch, isn't telling the truth. It's just a matter of time. Yes, some woods are harder than others and yes, some have a bit more scratch protection than others, and some woods show the scratches more than others.  So given that all hardwoods scratch, here are 7 tips to MINIMIZE the scratches and prolong the life of your hardwood floors.

 

Overview:  By far, the #1 culprit of scratches is dirt/grit, so do whatever you can to minimize this.

 

1. Take off your shoes!  Often, this makes the biggest impact on how long the finish on your hardwood floors will last - even more so than pets (and kids!).  And, it is such an easy thing to change, and it doesn't cost anything.  I'm amazed at how much longer the floors last in homes where my customer remove their shoes. To make life simpler, add a plastic or rubber bin by the door to make it convenient for you and your guests to place their shoes. Even better, if there is room to add a bench near the door.  

 

2. Clean regularly to remove the dirt. Swiffers or similar products are ideal.  This will go a long way to preserving the life of your floors, plus of course, your house will be cleaner, so a win win.

 

3. Add entry mats at all of the doorways. Water (as well assnow/salt) can be hardwood's worst nightmare.  The doorways tend to wear down the fastest because of this and if you add area rugs, it will reduce the impact.  Get entrance mats - one for outside and one for inside the door. (And if you have an overhang above the front door that also helps).  

 

4. Avoid chairs with rollers. These chairs really scratch up floors as dirt and grit tends to get caught in the wheels. Either avoid them, or get mats for under these areas as they will destroy your hardwood floors.  You can use area rugs or vinyl or plastic mats. 

 

5. Add felt pads to the furniture, and get extras. The felt pads can make a big difference and they are especially important for chairs that move the most (e.g. chairs around the dinner table or dining room, or family room).  I advise my customers to buy extra felt pads as they tend to fall off often especially on chair that are moved frequently.  I would check them at least every 6 months, and idealy sooner.  If you are buying new furniture, you may want to ask the furniture store if they have recommendations on types that work better with hardwood floors.  

 

 

6. Add area rugs in spaces where chairs are moved often. These can be especially handy for dining rooms or other areas where chairs are frequently moved. Area rugs will also reduce the noise and they can be a wonderful decorative element.  

 

7.  If you have a dog, consider doggie socks!  I recognize that not all dogs like these, but some do, and it may be worth a shot, especially if it's cold outside.   Alternative, clipping their nails may also help.  You can read more here on types of hardwood floors that are good for dogs. 

 

Does adding an extra coat of polyurethane help prevent scratches? Well this depends. If your hardwood is prefinished, then, no this will actually make your floor more susceptible to scratches (as it will sand off some of the aluminum oxide) and it will void your manufacturer warranty. If however, you have hardwood that has been finished on site (i.e. it was sanded in the home), then, an extra coat can help reduce scratching.  But, going beyond 3 coats of poly will have virtually no impact and doing more can cause the floors to yellow and they will take much longer to cure.

 

If you live in Westchester County and would like help with your hardwood floors, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950.

 

7 tips ways to prevent scratches in hardwood floors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Gartner, "The Flooring Girl" and owner of Floor Coverings International Westchester NY

 

Angie's List Super Service Award winners for 4 years in a row.

 

You can download our free flooring guide.  Or, visit our flooring selector - 2,000 options.  We install hardwood flooring, carpet and runners, tile floors and backsplashes.  We also refinish hardwood floors.

 

Call us for a free estimate 914-937-2950.

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