 | Doug Brennon has been in the carpet/flooring industry for 20 years. He has been the corporate store manager for Derailed Commodity for the last 6 years. For more information please call 620-395-2141 or visit www.derailedcommodity.com. |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2012-06-01 15:48:56
Preventing scratches on wood flooring
Q: We just had hard wood floors put in through our house. I have 5-year-old twin boys. Two words: Damage prevention?
A: You are probably thinking I will answer in two words—lost cause. You would be wrong though. Even though two boys can be tough on just about everything, your hard wood floors are actually quite durable and a match for even the most “busy” homes.
However, steps should always be taken to protect even durable surfaces if you want them to have a long and beautiful lifespan. Here are a few ways to keep damage and scratches down to a minimum.
1. Use plenty of rugs and make sure to cover high traffic and high usage areas. Be certain to choose rugs that do not have a scratchy backing as they may cause damage while they move with walking. Have kids use the carpeted areas for activities that involve floor play.
2. Use furniture tabs under the legs of tables, chairs, and sofas. While dining room chairs are not heavy, they do cause a lot of damage with regular moving along the floor. Small felt tabs would prevent accidental scratches or gouging.
3. Weigh out the advantage of polyurethane or other floor sealer. While the seal does provide a hard coating that prevents damage, they may also detract from the beauty of the floor and make it difficult to resurface later, should you need or want to.
4. Keep your pet’s claws clipped. Pet’s claws dig in deep to wood surfaces so preventative measures are a great idea. The best way is by keeping the claws clipped to a length where they do not touch the floor as they walk. Another is to consider trying the “fake nails” available in pet stores designed to prevent claw damage.
5. Kick off the shoes. From cleats to cowboy boots, kick them off at the door and you will save a lot of wear on your new floors. Most people assume that sneakers are safe because of the soft, flexible bottom. In actuality, sneakers cause significant damage as little rocks and particles get trapped in the tread then dig in to the flooring.
Hardwood floors are an investment, and it is wise that you want to protect that investment. Remember though, the floors were also created for fun and living, so take plenty of time to just enjoy.
