Although living in a newly built home boasts plenty of perks, there’s a lot to be said for taking up residence in a historic structure. Often, the flooring in older homes is beautiful, high-quality hardwood. However, according to the team at American Floors, a hardwood floor specialist based in Riverside, RI, historic homeowners make some common errors with their floors.

Hardwood Floor Specialist Highlights Top Three Historic Homeowner Mistakes

1. Replacing Floors

Hardwood floors are designed to stand the test of time, which is why those in historic homes last for decades. Sometimes, when floors are in disrepair, homeowners opt to replace it with modern materials. However, most vintage hardwood, no matter how dingy, can be restored to a beautiful finish by professionals. Installing newer, inferior products like parquet or vinyl could hurt property value in the long-run. 

2. Not Considering Staining or Refinishing 

At some point, it’s natural to want to change the finish or color of hardwood flooring. Some homeowners believe installing a new floor is the only option to achieve the desired look. Applying a new stain or opting for refinishing are more cost-effective solutions, as they can change the look and texture of the surface while keeping the original floor intact. Even better, if you change your mind in a few years, you can refinish it again. 

3. Applying the Wrong Rug Pads

Using area rugs will protect historic floors from scuffs and scrapes. However, although adhesive pads will keep rugs from slipping and sliding, using the wrong ones can damage hardwood. To prevent discoloration, make sure the pads are made of felt and rubber, not plastics. 

If you want to breathe new life into residential flooring in a historic home, American Floors is known throughout Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts for its floor restoration, repair, and sanding services. To schedule a consultation, call (401) 433-0530 today. Visit this hardwood floor specialist online to learn more about their services, and like them on Facebook to see photos of their past projects.