How to Protect Your Floor from Furniture and the Elements

Floor Protection from Furniture

You’ve just got your flooring done by FLOOR, and it looks amazing. It’s dry and ready for use. Before you start placing your furniture back, take a moment to consider these precautions to keep your floors looking great. Follow these dos and don’ts for effective floor protection and to maintain the pristine condition of your hardwood floors.

Do’s

• Use Floor Protectors: Place floor protectors on the legs of your furniture. This works best if the end of the furniture leg touching the floor is flat. Otherwise, with constant sliding, the protectors might slip off even if glued. For wooden furniture, consider cutting or sanding the legs flat so they adhere properly to the floor protectors. For furniture with metal legs, thick knitted booties can be effective. Choose a suitable colour and, if you’re creative, knit them yourself or ask a friend to help. Check and replace them regularly as they wear out.
• Use Rubber Liners: For furniture that doesn’t need to be moved, use rubber liners to line the bottom of the furniture legs. Trace an outline of the furniture feet, cut it out, and glue it to the bottom of the legs.
• Plan Ahead: If you’re in the planning stages of flooring, consider using stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles in high-traffic areas like doorways and hallways, leaving the rest of your house with beautiful hardwood.
• Use Heavy Rugs: Place heavy rugs in areas with high foot traffic or rooms used frequently. This helps prevent wear and tear on the hardwood.
• Place Welcome Mats: Position welcome mats outside your door to act as shoe sweepers, removing small rocks and debris before they can be brought inside. Consider a shoe shelf outside or on the porch to keep outdoor shoes outside, protecting your floors from dirt.

Don’ts

• Don’t Use Strong Chemicals: Avoid using strong chemicals to clean your hardwood floors. They can strip the stain and leave your floors looking dull. Always follow the hardwood manufacturer’s instructions on suitable cleaners. Even a mild vinegar solution can harm your floor.
• Don’t Leave Spills, Dirt, or Dust: Clean up spills, dirt, and dust immediately to prevent them from rubbing and damaging the new finish.
• Don’t Delay Refinishing: Don’t put off refinishing your floor. When the protective coating wears off in some areas, it can become easily stained and more difficult to clean, similar to tough stains on clothing. Without refinishing, the floor becomes vulnerable to moisture and other elements.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your hardwood floors remain beautiful and last for many years. For more information, visit our homepage and explore additional resources.