Wood floors are some of the nicest and long lasting floors you can install in your home. They create a warm living environment and are easily cared for in most cases. Follow these simple steps to selecting a wood floor that you will enjoy problem free for years to come!
Step 1. Find a wood you like.
When selecting the type of wood to install the first objective is to find a wood you like. This is the easy, fun part of picking out wood floors. Visit your local wood floor installer and see what kind of wood samples they have to offer. Be sure to visit a few installers and really check out your options.
Step 2. Consider the cost.
Cost is a major factor in narrowing down your choices. If the type of floor you are considering does not fit within your allowable budget, you can eliminate them form your list of desired choices.
Step 3. Determine how easy the flooring you have selected is to clean and maintain.
This final step is the single most overlooked step most homeowners take when picking out new appliances, fixtures, furniture and finishes for their home. Yet it is one of the most important steps you can take in selecting quality purchases for your home.
There are several things you can do to find out if the flooring your selecting is going to stand the test of time. If you have a cleaning service, chances are that they have seen that type of flooring already, and have cleaned that type of flooring many times. Ask them about your selections, show them your samples. Find out if they have had any major problems with the upkeep of the types of flooring you are considering. You are already paying them for their services, let their unbiased expertise help you in making your final decision. NOTE: Always ask professionals, they will have valuable advice and oftentimes it’s free!
Another factor you most definitely want to consider if the manufacturers instructions for cleaning the floors you are considering. Only the manufacturer will know how many people are trying to return the item and get a refund. Do ask for manufacturers instructions for properly maintaining the floors you are considering. Many homeowners ask this question after they have already purchased and installed the floor. You always want to know in advance of any potential problems with cleaning and maintaining your product selection in advance of installing the product, not after the fact. If the instructions the manufacturer gives for cleaning their wood floors involve only one option (i.e. the manufacturers product and PLEASE DON’T USE ANYTHING ELSE OR IT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY!), buyer beware!
On the other hand if they do not sound particularly concerned, and give you several options, including ways to clean them that don’t include further purchases from their company, it’s a much safer bet. One of the reasons they are not concerned is probably because they have had no major complaints about the upkeep and longevity of the wood floors that you are selecting.
As the owner of a cleaning service that has been in business over 25 years, it is most unfortunate when we see our customers select wood floors that we know many people have had problems with in the past and have had to replace because they just are not made to be cleaned. Any wood or appliance that requires strict manufacturers cleaning instructions (especially if the instructions limit your choice of products down to a dry rag or only one product that the manufacturer produces themselves) should be avoided. Everything in your home needs to be cleaned from time to time. Especially floors were dirt, dust, the oils from the bottom of your feet, pet hair and so forth, can accumulate. It’s best not to let sales people of these products persuade you that floors don’t really need to be cleaned. And you will be surprised at how many manufacturers suggest just that! It has been our experience that any product or floor type that come with such strict instruction for cleaning are often soon discontinued. One of the reasons they give such strict instructions for cleaning is because the manufacturer is already aware of the problems they represent and are getting tired of replacing these items.
But don’t let all this scare you! Wood is really an excellent choice for floors and are very beautiful and long lasting in most cases. Normal comments about the care of wood floors should be “Don’t use to much water”, “Vinegar and water are fine” (however we don’t recommend the use of vinegar to clean wood flooring) also if they suggest a product that they sell but tell you your not limited to the use of that product. These are all normal and reasonable manufacturers suggestions.
Similar Posts:
- How to Maintain Hardwood Laminate Flooring?
- Installing Laminate Wood Flooring – Instructions
- Cleaning Laminate Floors
- Laminate Flooring Manufacturer
- How Do I Remove Film From Laminate Flooring?
