Hardwood floors are gorgeous, elegant, and extremely durable, but everyday wear and tear will eventually damage the finish. While some scratches and scuffs are inevitable, there are a few steps you can take to keep your floors beautiful for years to come. Below are several tips for minimizing cosmetic damage to your hardwood floors.

How to Prevent Scratches & Scuffs

1. Never Drag Furniture

Dragging furniture across the floor is the leading cause of scratches and scrapes, so pick up your pieces instead of sliding them across the hardwood. Putting area rugs underneath chairs and other furniture that moves a lot will also protect your floors and prevent premature wear.

2. Take Off Shoes

The damage caused by hard shoe soles and the grit and grime they carry is subtle at first, but over time it will add up to deep scratches and a dull appearance. Making your house a shoe-free zone will preserve the sheen of your hardwood floors and make sweeping easier.

3. Use Entry Mats

Rainwater, road salt, and dirt are also extremely destructive, which is why areas around doors usually wear out first. Keep the elements outside where they belong by putting entry mats both inside and outside each door.

4. Avoid Rolling Furniture

Furniture with wheels and casters might seem like a reliable way to avoid dragging furniture across the floor, but they can cause even more damage. Dirt and grit build up in the wheels, creating a rough surface that will quickly destroy your beautiful hardwood floors.

Since 1972, Parker Floor Covering of Hamilton, OH, has been the leading supplier of hardwood flooring, offering amazing products at affordable prices. Their showroom includes the largest selection of options in the area, along with a highly trained staff who will help you choose the perfect materials for your project. Drop by their showroom to browse their fantastic inventory for yourself, and visit their website or call (513) 863-6767 with any questions.