You've finally installed the hardwood floors you've always wanted and now you're spending all your time trying to protect them from scuffs and scratches. Learning to properly maintain your boards’ natural beauty and luster can take time. Fortunately, there are many practical ways to prevent damage, as described in the guide below.

How to Protect Hardwood Floors From Scratches

1. Use Furniture Pads

Furniture pads are an inexpensive and invaluable solution for keeping your hardwood floors free from scratches and scuffs. Designed in a variety of styles, including slip-on, tack-on, and stick-on, they provide a soft, lightly padded surface that adheres to the legs and feet of heavy furniture to prevent nicks, gouges, and scratches caused by shifting. Easy to find at most home improvement stores or online, furniture pads typically come in large packs to ensure adequate coverage for your entire household. 

2. Invest in Area Rugs

Both stylish and functional, area rugs are an excellent way to protect your hardwood floors. Place area rugs beneath heavy furnishings, such as couches, tables, and bedroom furniture, to add personality to any room while also preventing deep gouges and scratches. Use in high-traffic areas to protect against pets and daily wear-and-tear.

3. Remove Your Shoes

Not only is it sanitary to remove your shoes upon entering your home, but it can also extend the life of your hardwood floors. The bottoms of your shoes can track in sand, stones, water, and debris which can create scuffs, scratches, and lead to warping on the surface of your wood. High heels and soccer cleats should be especially avoided indoors, as they can create dents.

4. Always Lift Your Furniture

While it might feel faster and easier to drag furniture when redecorating, deep-cleaning, or moving, it can easily cause damage. If possible, enlist the help of a friend or relative to help you safely lift your furniture or consider hiring professional movers to assist.

5. Keep the Floors Clean

Similar to the debris your shoes can carry in, food and drink spills, as well as everyday grit, can also damage hardwood flooring. Sweep and vacuum regularly followed up by mopping with a moist microfiber pad. Wipe up spills as quickly as possible to avoid warping or harming your wood finish. 

If your hardwood floors have been damaged, contact the professionals at Carl Bohlmeyer Floor Sanding in Lincoln, NE. For over 50 years, their talented staff have breathed new life into aging and damaged wood floors with their cutting-edge floor buffing technology that removes scratches and marks while restoring your wood flooring to its original luster and beauty. For a free estimate, contact them today at (402) 423-7225, or visit them online to learn more about their services.