Are you thinking about getting wood flooring installed in a new home or upgrading your existing flooring material to wood? If so, it is wise to understand how to take care of this beautiful flooring option because it requires specialized care. The care requirements should not deter you because wood is a durable material. It may last 100 years or more when properly cared for. The following points will help you better understand how to care for wood flooring.

Light Protection

Some types of wood flooring materials can fade when they are exposed to sunlight, and some are also at risk for fading when they are exposed to indoor lighting that is too bright. You can reduce the chances of your wood flooring fading by asking a flooring supplier or installer about whether or not the type of wood you are interested in is photosensitive. If it is, and you favor the wood based on its aesthetics, ensure that you install sun-blocking drapes. You also need to aim to use lights that are less bright in rooms where the flooring is used or choose a light fixture with dimming effects. 

Humidity Control

Excess humidity can cause wood floorboards to separate. The gaps that are formed are unsightly, and they may also impact energy efficiency. Protecting your flooring against humidity before it is damaged is the best option. You can attempt to control humidity by installing a dehumidifier, which will help with indoor humidity issues. 

Finish Protection

A protective finish will likely be applied to your wood flooring materials. Finishes are good defenses against the abuse that floors are exposed to, but eventually the integrity of the finishes might be compromised in certain areas. For example, the flooring finish in high-traffic areas may eventually look more worn than other areas. You can protect the finish in high-traffic areas by using rugs. You may also want to implement a home routine that requires your family to remove their shoes indoors. 

Refinish as Needed

Refinishing wood floors is a task that you need to expect at some point in the future. Exposed wood areas and fading are examples of signs that refinishing is needed. If you ignore signs that refinishing is needed, your wood floor might become severely damaged. 

A flooring professional or supplier are the best resources to use to determine whether or not wood flooring is ideal for your home and lifestyle. You may find that a combination of different flooring materials throughout your home is the best option. For example, you might want to choose linoleum or simulated wood in kitchen and bathroom areas that are moisture prone and choose wood flooring for other areas of your home.