Furniture should not be put back into the room(s) for two to three days after the last coat of finish has been applied. Protect your flooring investment by using felt floor protectors on your chairs and furniture. Floor protectors provide an excellent buffer to keep chairs and furniture moving across the floor easily, reducing the possibility of scratching or marring. Felt protectors should be replaced when worn (approximately six month to one year depending on usage). Floor protectors are available to purchase in our showroom or over the phone and shipped.

Area Rugs

Area rugs should not be placed on your newly finished floor for at least 30 days after your last coat of finish has been applied. After the initial thirty days has passed, avoid rubber-backed or other non-ventilated rugs. Perforated rug pads should be placed under all rugs to allow the floor to breathe. Throw rugs are recommended in front of your sink, stove, and at each outside door to protect your floors from spills, sand, and grit.

Shoes

Keep high heel shoes in good repair. Heels that have lost their protective cap can cause indentations in any floor surface - even concrete.

Pets

Pet nails can scratch or mar the finish. Keep your pets nails trimmed regularly to avoid deep scratches. Clean up accidents immediately using a slightly dampened paper towel and hardwood floor cleaner.

Seasonal Changes

Please remember your new floor is wood, a natural product that is subject to seasonal changes. During the colder months of the year when your furnace is running, some separation in your floors is normal. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, in solid 2 1/4" wide strip oak floors, dry time cracks may be the width of a dime's thickness (1/32"). Wider boards will have wider cracks and the reverse is true. Humidifiers will help reduce the amount of separation that will occur. You may also want to use a dehumidifier, if you have excess moisture in your home to reduce cupping (individual boards with raised edges). Most separation that happens during dry seasons will close up during the more humid seasons. The suggested percentage of humidity in your home is 40% to 50% and suggested temperature in your home is 65° to 75°. In order to maintain the suggested humidity and temperature levels, avoid adjusting your thermostat when away from your home.

Cleaning

Wipe up food and other spills immediately using a slightly dampened cloth or paper towel. For regular cleaning, vacuum with a soft bristled brush attachment (vacuum heads with beater bars can damage the finish) or use an untreated dust mop to pick up dirt and large particles and then use a cleaner specifically for hardwood floors. Vacuuming or dust mopping regularly will keep the sand and grit off of your floor that may cause scratches or premature wear. Cleaning your hardwood floors once every 1-2 weeks is recommended, depending on the amount of traffic on your floors. The use of wax or other household cleaners, i.e., oil soaps, dust treatments, is not recommended on your hardwood floors. If wax or other treatments are applied, recoating may not be possible.  Hardwood floor cleaner and a hardwood floor cleaning kit are available to purchase in our showroom or over the phone and shipped.