InforMATION

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Once your flooring has been installed, whether it is unfinished hardwood, prefinished hardwood, solid or engineered, Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile, Laminate, or Composite flooring, it is the homeowner's responsibility to learn about their new flooring in order to ensure its longevity in your home. Factors to consider are as follows: 

1. Temperature and Relative Humidity: 

Per the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), wood flooring is a hygroscopic material subject to dimensional change as a result of variations in moisture, temperature, and humidity in the surrounding environment. That being said, as a general rule, with geographic exceptions, wood flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range of 30 to 50 percent and a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Indiana is a climate that has extreme temperature and humidity changes over the course of a year, so clients should expect a certain degree of expansion (during the summer months) and contraction (during the winter months). 

While this is most relevant to hardwood flooring, temperature and relative humidity in a home can affect LVP/T and laminate, as well, so please take the time to learn about your new flooring.

2. Cleaning Products: 

Finding a cleaning product that doesn't leave streaks, doesn't make foggy footprints appear, and doesn't dull your finish is even something that we have struggled with in our own homes! So after much research and even more trial and error with numerous hardwood floor cleaners, this is what we have found to work for us:  

Water based cleaners are the safest and easiest cleaners to use on a well-finished floor. And the best cleaning agent for a new floor finish is a PH neutral cleaner. The lower  PH  cleaners (more acidic like vinegar)  will work on dissolving hard water and mineral deposits, but cleaning agents with a higher PH will better clean grease or dirt better.   

But the most important factor is to check with the manufacturer of your specific product to learn which products they recommend.   

Most hardwood cleaners offer a rejuvenating and/or wax cleaner that does help extend time between cleanings. However, once you use a wax or oil based solvent on your hardwood  floors, they cannot be resurfaced - they MUST be sanded down to raw wood and then refinished.   Also, there are numerous other cleaners out there that say they are safe for hardwood floors as long as they are diluted.  Mr. Clean, for example, does work , but if not diluted properly will leave your hardwood sticky, soapy, or with a film over it. If you are using other products, ensure you read the labels and follow directions carefully to keep your hardwood floors looking great! 

Note for our refinish clients: If you recently refinished your hardwood, you MUST ensure your new finish has cured before cleaning with anything other than water.  Oil based polyurethane finish can take approximately 3 weeks to cure while most water based finishes take only 1 week to fully cure.   

3. UV Rays: 

UV Rays (sunlight) can wreak havoc on any type of flooring by fading or darkening your hardwood in areas light shines consistently.  Most manufacturer's do NOT warranty their products against UV damage, so please ensure you are drawing blinds or sheer curtains or shifting rugs around to avoid UV damage.  

Q: When can we walk on the floors?

A: On average, you can tread lightly, with stocking covered feet only,  approximately 12 hours after the job is complete and regular shoes after 24 hours. To avoid indentations in your hardwood, we recommend allowing 2 days after completion before walking on the floors in heels.

Q: How long does it take for the floors to cure?

A: It will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks for oil based finish to cure and 1 week for water based finish to cure, depending on weather and ambient conditions both inside and outside the home. 

Q: When can we put area rugs back down?

A: About two weeks is the suggested amount of time you should wait to put area rugs back down.

Q: How long will the finish last?

A: Varying lifestyles of those residing in the home, including pets, determines how long the finish will last. With regular maintenance and using the correct hardwood floor cleaner(s), as well as preventative care measures, a floor’s finish can last several years. 

Q: Should I use plastic or felt tips on my chairs to prevent scuff marks?

A: Industry experts say felt tips on chairs, barstools, and other furniture are a better option than plastic, which can mark floors.