How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Scratches

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Scratches

February 7, 2022  |  floor maintainence, Protection, Tips and Tools
A man wiping the hardwood floor with a cloth

Any homeowner will tell you that their hardwood floors are one of the highest value investments in their homes. Because hardwood floors raise the overall price tag of a home, homeowners must do everything in their power to protect their hardwood from wear and scratching. 
 

Wood is a strong material, true. But over time, even the sturdiest of hardwoods can be worn down.  

The best way to get the maximum amount of life from your hardwood is to take preventative measures to prevent daily wear and keep the scratches to a minimum.  

In this post, we will go over some of the most likely candidates to scratch your hardwood floors and how you can prevent damage.  

Stop Heavy Furniture from Scratching Your Floors 

Moving furniture legs over the surface of your floors will scratch them, especially if you are attempting to move furniture by yourself.  

Heavy furniture is one of the worst culprits when it comes to damaging your wood floors.  

Make sure when you are moving furniture, you get a partner to help. You should lift furniture completely when you move it to make sure the underside makes no contact with the floor.  

We advise you use furniture glider pads when moving especially heavy materials.  

Beyond major furniture moves, you need to be cognizant of daily minor shifts for your furniture. This is especially true for couches and chairs, they can often shift by upwards of two inches every time someone sits down.  

Consider permanently placing furniture pads under furniture that see heavy movement. Otherwise, cork pads are a wise investment as they will hold furniture in place.  

Shoes can Cause Big Damage 

Be cautious of shoes as they can cause a large amount of damage over time.  

Softer woods are especially vulnerable to hard shoes and can easily be scuffed.  

It is best to remove your shoes while in the house and especially watch out for high heels and cleats.  

Consider placing small rugs at entryways to give guests a place to remove their shoes and wipe away mud, rocks, and other debris.  

Prevent Pet Problems 

Pets can cause serious damage to your floors due to their rough nails and boundless energy.  

The best thing you can do to make your pets hardwood safe is to trim their nails regularly. Dogs should be taken on extended daily walks to burn off excess energy and cats should be given a designated scratching post to wear their claws on.  

Beyond that, be vigilant of your pets’ behavior. If you notice them scratching an area or that a regular path they walk has been worn down, make necessary changes to prevent long-term damage. 

Choose Protective Top Coats and Finishes 

One of the best ways to protect your wood is through a finishing coat. Here are some of the most popular options: 

 

  • Oil-based polyurethane.  

    A robust finish that you can apply at home. The chemicals used are volatile so you must wear a mask when applying this finish.  

  • Water-based polyurethane. 

    Easy to apply, water-based polyurethane can be applied without a mask. It is less effective than oil-based polyurethane.  

  • Moisture-cured urethane.  

    One of the hardest finishes on the market. Do not apply this yourself. It is for professionals only.  

  • Aluminum oxide.  

    Aluminum oxide is extremely durable. It can only be applied to new, pre-finished floors and it cannot be refinished if your floors sustain damage. You must replace the flooring entirely. 

Discuss with your sand and finish expert on what types of stains and or finishes work best for your family’s lifestyle.  

Protect Your Floors for a Healthier Home 

One of the most important aspects of keeping a healthy home is to prevent damage from accumulating on your floors. Floors are the base of your home, so if they are damaged, the rest of your home is too.  

The choice for healthy floors starts with you. You must choose the best floors for your home and ensure you keep after their health.  

If you are looking for the highest quality floors in the Cincinnati area, then look no further than a Step Above Flooring. Only a Step Above Flooring offers you the widest selection at a cost that cannot be beaten.