Hardwood flooring is durable, attractive, and long-lasting, making it an excellent investment for homeowners. But how long exactly will your floors last? As resilient as they are, hardwood floors require consistent upkeep to minimize everyday wear and tear. The guide below explains what affects the longevity of hardwood and how you can prolong the life of your floors.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Hardwood Floors?

Solid hardwood can last several decades. In fact, it can even have a life expectancy of 100 years or more. However, the actual lifespan of your floors will depend upon many elements. The first factor is the installation process itself. A professional flooring company will recommend the best wood for your home, have plenty of knowledge and experience with hardwood installation, and will complete the job correctly. Improper installation can damage the wood, lead to loose floorboards, and shorten the lifespan of the material, so it is important to do your research and choose the right contractor.

How well you take care of your hardwood can also affect its longevity. Keeping up with regular maintenance and cleaning is key, but abrasive elements like moving furniture, improper cleaning products, and sharp pet nails can wear down your flooring.

How Can You Extend the Life of Your Flooring?

With proper maintenance, hardwood flooring will last you a lifetime. Stick to a regular cleaning regimen to keep your floors in top shape. Sweep with a soft-bristle broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner to remove debris that can scratch and stain. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically made for solid hardwood. Avoid wax-based and oil-based products that will break down the finish of your floors over time.

To prevent scuffing up or scraping your hardwood, attach felt pads to the feet of your furniture. This will also make it safer and easier to move your furniture around when you need to clean the floors. You should place rugs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, entryways, and the living room, to protect your hardwood flooring from spills, dirt, and debris. Implementing a no-shoes policy will prevent dents from heels and keep people from tracking outside particles indoors. Energetic pets that love to run around the house can scratch the surface of your floors, so trim their nails often. When you combine these care strategies, your hardwood will shine for years to come.

Maintaining your floors can be difficult, so let the experts at JT’s Floor Refinishing restore the shine to your hardwood. Based in Springfield, MA, this company provides professional hardwood flooring repairs and refinishing services, as well as installations when you’re ready for a brand new floor. Their experienced team completes each job with speed and precision, and if you need advice, they will happily give care recommendations to help your hardwood last. Call (413) 788-6149 today to receive a free estimate. For more information about their services, visit their website.