Once your beautiful hardwood flooring is installed, there are a few things that you will want to do to keep them looking and performing their best for years to come. Understanding each aspect of your new floor will also help you enjoy your new investment!
1. Controlling Temperature and Humidity Levels of Hardwood
First, it is important to recognize that regular maintenance may vary depending on use, wear and lifestyle.
Wood is a naturally porous product that will expand and contract as seasons change. Excessive moisture or humidity can cause buckling, cupping and gapping if not properly maintained.
Temperature: 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: 30-50 percent
Depending on the season, you may want to use a humidifier (dry/winter) to prevent shrinkage in wood floors due to low humidity or a dehumidifier (humid/summer) to maintain proper humidity levels. This will help protect your investment and assure that your floors last for years.
2. Color Fading and/or Darkening
Part of the natural beauty of real wood is the variation in grains, shades and colors that you get in the same piece of material. While extreme variances are rare, it is impossible to guarantee a perfect level of consistency in regards to grain, shading and color. Keep in mind, color fading and/or darkening is a natural occurrence caused by exposure to UV rays (direct sunlight) and is not considered to be a product defect. All species of wood will experience color change due to exposure to light and natural aging. It is important to discuss the characteristics of the floor species you selected with one of our designers before install, as some species will go through more significant changes than others.
