Care And Maintenance Tips For Oak Floors

By Author: Vikram Kumar
Total Articles: 9798
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There is no mistaking the beauty of oak floors. As one of the most popular choices of wood species for flooring, oak offers many advantages over other types of flooring. The first thing that many people notice is how beautiful these floors are. The coloring, the grain, and the knots in the wood all combine to create a hardwood floor that is simply stunning. However, oak is also durable, accepts stain well, and can last several decades with the proper care and maintenance.
The proper care and maintenance of solid oak flooring is essential to keep them looking fantastic year after year. After all, solid oak flooring is an investment and one that will help increase the overall value of your home. Many of these floors will last up to forty years and the right care of these floors doesn't require much of your time at all.
One of the most important things to remember is that water is a true enemy of oak floors. Any spills or accident should be cleaned up immediately. In addition, solid oak flooring should not be installed anywhere where moisture is a potential problem, such as the bathroom or the kitchen. Water will cause ...
... the flooring to expand, which can cause crowning or cupping. This can damage the edges or corners of the wood planks.
A couple times a week, the floor should be swept or vacuumed, but use care with the vacuum. The brushes, if hard enough, can scratch the floor. Vacuuming can remove the dust, dirt, and debris that often gets caught in the cracks and crevices in your floor. If you must mop the floor, use only an approved cleaner. Some of the other cleaners can damage the finish. Avoid using a mop sopping with water. If there is wax on the solid oak flooring, then apply new wax according to the flooring manufacturer's recommendations. It may require refinishing before the new wax is applied.
When refinishing solid oak flooring, you should remove everything from the room. The oak floors should be swept and vacuumed carefully. Using the recommended sanding equipment, remove the old finish or wax. You will need to use several different types of sandpaper. Once finish, swept the floor and remove any dust with a damp mop. Apply the new finish or wax as required, allowing the proper amount of time for the sealant and wax to dry completely between each coat. Once the floor is finished, step back and admire your work.
Should any part of the oak floors become damaged, you should have it repaired immediately. This will help prevent further problems, especially if the damage was due to water. Solid oak flooring can be repaired by replacing the affected board. Engineered oak flooring will usually require a bit more work.
In closing, if you're looking for exceptional beauty and durability in a floor, then oak is the natural choice. You'll love the look and feel of the room, but you'll also know that this floor is made to last.

Author Bio

French Timber Direct offers high quality Solid Oak Flooring at exceptional prices. Straight from the forests of France, Germany, and Belgium, these Oak Floors are sure to add elegance and beauty to any room.