Most creaks and squeaks are caused by wood rubbing on wood – it’s a simple mechanical problem of too much material stuck in too small of a space. Many Hardwood flooring manufactures use a natural, organic material that expands and contracts as temperatures and humidity levels change. If individual planks don’t have enough room to expand, they’re forced to fight for space with the neighboring planks. For this type of “side-to-side” creaking, powdered graphite can often used to lubricate the contact areas. Simply apply graphite powder generously over the squeaky seam, place a rag or towel over the area, and work the squeak over and over until the graphite powder penetrates and the sound becomes silent. This method may take a few applications. When you’re finished, clean up the excess graphite powder with a damp towel, and enjoy the silence.

Another, more difficult squeak is one which develops between the hardwood flooring plank and the wooden subfloor. It’s always a good idea to use a quality underlayment material during the installation to help reduce this issue. If an underlayment hasn’t been used, it may be necessary to nail of screw the squeaky areas more securely to the subfloor. If nailing, be sure to pre-drill the floor plank, but not the subfloor. Apply pressure to the plank while nailing, for the most secure fit. If using screws, pre-drilling planks is a MUST! This will help prevent cracking. Always use screws with square drive heads – common Phillips screws slip too easily. Be sure to lubricate the screw with a little soap or wax, apply pressure to the plank, and drive until the screw head sits just beneath the plank surface. Finish by applying wood filler over the screw head.

In addition to using an underlayment during install, it is important to leave at least ¼” between the wall and the first plank in each row. This extra space allows the wood to expand without obstruction. The small gap can easily be covered by a quarter round or decorative molding. Remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions to a T, and always consult with a licensed contractor before any DIY install.

Boston is a marketing specialist with QualityFlooring4Less a leader in
Hardwood Flooring.

While money may not be flowing in right now, some consumers see this downward economy as an opportunity to make a purchase when other consumers aren’t.  This tactic could give you a bit of wiggle room and act as a pretty good bargaining tool when shopping for products.

Consumers who are taking advantage of the dip in the economic climate and are looking to purchase new flooring materials may also be toying with the notion of installing the new floors on their own.  While many consumers are fully capable of installing new floors and have done it many times throughout their lives, some homeowners may be in over their heads if they try to tackle this job alone.

Installing new flooring, weather it’s carpet, tile, wood or laminate is something that you want to make sure you do right the first time.  Improperly installing floors is only going to make the process more difficult and cost you more money in the long run.

Anytime you purchase new floors, talk to the sales associate and see what specials they are offering.  Oftentimes sales people will throw in installation for free if you meet the minimum purchase price for the materials.  Some stores run specials on installation, and it is always a good idea to ask.  Don’t be afraid to use your bargaining and negotiating skills.  Sales associates and managers have more wiggle room than they lead on.

If you can’t seem to find a cheap installation price, or you’re determined to install the floor yourself, there are a few things you will need to do before you begin. Before you get started, running out to the book store and buying a book on floor installation (aimed at the material you are installing) can be a life saver.  Installation books will tell you what tools you need, how long the process will take, and give you a step-by-step guide to properly installing floors.  Laying carpet and tile will most likely require tools you may not own, such as a knee kicker or a tile cutter or tile saw, which you can rent or purchase from local hardware and home improvement stores.

Different flooring materials will obviously require different installation techniques.  Tile will need to be cut and installed on a clean surface.  While it is usually laid on subflooring – otherwise known as plywood – there is mortar available at your local hardware store that allows you to install tile on top of tile which can save you the hassle of ripping up the existing tile before installing the new material.

Always remember to take your time and use your best discretion.  If you just are not a handyman or handywoman, you may want to seek out some help from a friend or family member who has experience with installing new floors.  You’ll be much happier with a clean, properly installed finished product than a new floor that doesn’t look professionally installed.

Although the list of available flooring materials is a lengthy one, there are a few tips you may want to know before updating or adding new floors in your house or business. Following these few tips may save you precious time, and most of all, precious money.

Tip Number One-Avoid Putting Carpet in a Bathroom

This first tip might sound obvious to you, but you’d be surprised at how many newer homes are being built and how many homes are being remodeled that have carpet installed in the bathrooms. What may sound like a dated practice is yet again rearing its ugly head to keep costs down. The problem with carpet in a bathroom is that, well, it gets wet and stays wet most of the time. This can cause odor, discoloration and the dreaded mold. Once mold starts growing, the carpet, padding and oftentimes subflooring will have to be replaced. If the mold grows on the walls, you’re looking at a massive (and expensive) repair. Save yourself a headache and hit to the wallet and always use a material that can tolerate constant moisture (ceramic tile is still a personal favorite).

Tip Number Two-Don’t Skip the Wood Floor Treatments

Wood floors are an investment that can increase the price of your home and give your home a warm and pleasing atmosphere. While wood floors are beautiful and a great additional to a home, maintaining the look and quality of the floors is essential. There are many different treatments available for all types of wood flooring. Find a treatment that works best for your needs and apply it as directed. This may sound inconvenient, but it will save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Tip Number Three-Be Sure to Seal Your Tile

Laying tile is a fairly easy process that many home owners do themselves. One mistake that many people make is not sealing the tile once it has been installed. The sealant acts as a protective layer that gives the tile a safety shield against staining, cracks and damage. Sealing the tile also makes cleaning a breeze. The grout of unsealed tile often turns black and is very difficult to clean. Adding the sealant keeps your tile clean and saves your body from a tough workout.

Tip Number Four-Have Carpet Professionally Cleaned

If you have carpet in your home, it’s a good idea to either call in a professional cleaning company or rent a steam cleaner once in a while. Keeping your carpets clean will increase the longevity of the floors and save you money in the long run. If you can’t afford to pay a company to come in and clean your carpets, many home improvement stores rent out steam cleaners to the general public for a reasonable price. How often you clean will depend on how much traffic your carpet gets. Find a cleaner or rental service you like and stick with it. Your carpet will look better and your wallet will be happy.

My husband and I workout on a weekly basis. He does much more weight training than I do. I tend to do more cardio and stretching exercises than he does. But, between the two of us, we both use our home gym almost every day.

We have a very large home gym setup at our house that we keep in the garage. We currently have an all-in-one system, a weight bench, free weights, various dumbbells, medicine balls, jump ropes and equipment for plyometric workouts. It’s a great little gym.

Keeping the equipment in the garage is a nice way of having a gym at our home and keeping it out of site when guests come over. The only problem with the setup is that the concrete garage flooring is hard, cold and dusty. Not to mention it is a pain in the butt with the dumbbells rolling all over the floor and the loud clanking that the weights make when you drop them down.

We were looking for a product that would cut down on dust, noise and the cold, hard look and feel of our gym. We scoped out various products before we finally made our decisions.

We were lucky enough to come across some heavy duty rubber gym floor mats from a company called Treadall. These mats are incredible. They have changed so many aspects of our home gym and the flooring. The garage/home gym looks great and feels great when we are working out. I highly recommend these gyms floor mats from Treadall to anyone who is looking for a new flooring material for their home gym or any other high traffic outdoor area that needs a little update.

A word of caution about moving these mats. They are roughly four-feet-by-four-feet and weigh around 40 pounds. The size and the weight of each individual mat makes it awkward to move them around, but once you get them in the area you want, installation is a breeze.

The mats have interlocking sides that fit together perfectly. The mats are designed to fit together seamlessly in any surface. Many of the mats have flat edges that allow you to slide against the wall to get a nice, flush fit. I recommend grouping the mats prior to laying them down so you know what sides go where.

Maintaining the rubber floor mats is as easy as it is to install them. Dirt doesn’t stick to the surface, which I originally thought it would because of the textured surface. After we had positioned all the mats and moved the equipment back in place, there was a good amount of dirt on top of the mats. I took our large push broom and brushed it right off. Couldn’t be any easier. The mats have been down for a little bit now, and I have noticed there has been a lot less dust and dirt coming in to the house from the garage. I couldn’t be happier about that.

I am very impressed with the overall look and feel of these mats. Treadall has done a great job with this product. The mats are available in a variety of colors, and can be used in your home gym, your garage, an outdoor area or any other place that needs a quick, easy, makeover that is extremely easy to install and maintain. Visit http://www.gymfitnessmatsusa.com/gym-weight-room/interlocking to find out more.

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are;

” Suitability of the tile
” Pattern /colour of the tile
” Size of the tile
” Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)
” Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save

This isn’t as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don’t get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres. Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles. The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, leveling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don’t rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.

Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don’t want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.

Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren’t usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You’ll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don’t leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you’ll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.

By: Manuel Kupka

About the Author: Learn how to Tile a Bathroom YourSelf & Profit from insider tips that will help you complete secure and reliable tiling in 5-easy steps. Get the FREE report “27 Insider Tiling Tips you want to know” , visit us at http://www.bathroom-tile-installation.com

Before you begin calling around to find an installer, there are a few questions you need to know to ask a potential installer in order to be sure you find a good one.

1. Are you licensed bonded and insured? Many states now require contractor certification. Even if your State does not require a license, always hire an installer that is bonded and insured.

2. What is your state issued registration number?

You can call the State and verify the status of his license and see if there have been any complaints filed against the installer.

3. How long have you been installing carpet? Always ask for references and require at least 5 years experience.

4. What type of experience do you have? (Apartment work, new construction, custom homes or remodeling?) You want to hire someone who is experienced with your type of work.

5. Do you use a power stretcher?

Good installers always use a power stretcher to install carpet properly.

6. How much do you charge per yard?

The going rate for apartment grade carpet varies in geographical areas. Don’t assume that the cheapest price is the best price. It can be wise to pay a little more for a job well done.

7. How long do you guarantee your work?

Most will offer a one-year warranty. Better installers will offer two years and some will even offer a lifetime warranty. If your carpet comes loose or develops wrinkles it is nice to know you can have it fixed at no charge.

8. How far in advance must I schedule you?

You need your carpets installed in short order. Your hope is to find someone who you can depend on to show up on time and finish on schedule.

9. Can you supply me with some references?

Ask for several from jobs similar to yours. Check references.

10. Will you measure how much carpet I need?

If you don’t know how much carpet you require, an experienced carpet installer is qualified to measure for you. Some installers charge for measuring but will refund the charge if you hire them to install your carpet. Proper measuring and seam placement is essential in saving money.

©2002-2005 Alan J. Fletcher

Be aware that large pieces of sand or rock can cause visible scratching. These are usually easy to catch by having floor mats and foot brushes at outside doorway entrances. Dirt which gets pass the mats and brushes can cause invisible scratching that eventually leads to dullness. So, vacuum and mop regularly to keep grit off the floor. For dry cleaning, vacuuming is usually sufficient. Microfiber pads are also quite effective and, if available, lets you avoid involving fluids. Never clean with abrasives, scouring powder or steel wool.

Damp clean laminate flooring using a vinegar or ammonia-based solution. For example, you can pour 1/4 cup of vinegar into a 30 to 32 ounce empty spray bottle filled with plain water for a quick solution. Then, dampen a terry mop or a Swiffer with water and mop, spraying the floor as you go along. When damp mopping, avoiding standing fluids so you do not saturate the floor. Wipe immediately! Other possible cleaning fluids that have been suggested include:

- vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water (equal parts)
- 1/3 white vinegar, 1/3 rubbing alcohol, 1/3 water, and 3 drops dishwashing liquid (1 quart total)
- Swiffer WetJet wood floor cleaner
- Windex

Here are some tips on spot cleaning: To remove oil, paint, permanent marker, tar, rubber heel marks, use a neutral cleaner on a clean light colored cloth. If needed, use alcohol or a nail polish remover containing acetone. To remove blood, fruit juice, wine, beer, soda pop, pasta sauce, use warm water. If needed use a neutral cleaner on a light colored cloth. To remove candle wax or chewing gum, first harden with ice and then scrape very gently. Wipe the rest with warm water on a clean light colored cloth.

If your laminate is scratched, see if you can buy a touch up stick from your manufacturer. The area you repair will look, hold up to traffic and wear just like the rest of the laminate floor.

In case of more severe damage, which is unlikely to take place in most of the homes, a trained professional can be called to replace a plank. The new plank should be almost indistinguishable from the rest, if done properly.

By: E. Timothy Uy

About the Author: Laminate flooring enthusiasts unite! Installation, maintenance, selection, e.g., Harmonics, Pergo, Shaw, Mannington – you name it, we are talking about it. Join us at http://laminateflooring.oncloud8.com

If you do try to attempt installing vinyl flooring yourself, here?s some tips that might help your installation look like it was done by a pro:

1) Take time to do the appropriate prep work. With vinyl flooring, it is vital that the subfloor underneath is free from debris and also has no divets or holes. Both of these can cause holes in the vinyl floor over time. Make sure you remove anything that sticks up, fill in anything that is indented and clean the floor thoroughly before starting the install.

2) Remove as much stuff as you can. Remove all the furniture and any appliances that you can. Take out the moldings ? this will make the edges of the flooring look much better when you put them back on after the install. Be careful when putting the appliances back in since dragging the across the vinyl can rip your newly installed floor!

3) Measure twice, cut once. Measure the room properly so that you get the right amount of vinyl. Don?t forget to add in for any jogs in the room. Make a template of the exact floor using builders paper and transfer that template onto the vinyl using washable pen. This way you can get a pretty close cut that you can just fit in.

4) Let your vinyl acclimate. Let your new flooring sit in the room for 24 hours before you install it.

5) Follow Instructions. Follow the manufacturers instructions for laying the floor. Typically, you will apply adhesive to half and roll that out, then do the other half. Use a roller to make sure it adheres well ? roll from the middle out to the edges.

6) Refrain from walking on your new floor for 24 hours.

By: Lee Dobbins

About the Author: Lee Dobbins is contributing writer at http://www.flooring-info-online.com where you can find out more about how to choose flooring for your home.

You’ve decided to install hardwood flooring in your home which you know, will add warmth and elegance, as well as increase your home’s value. The next decision you have to make is whether you are leaving the wood unfinished or to put a finishing and protecting seal on it.

Unfinished hardwood flooring is an excellent choice when it comes to hardwood flooring and some of the benefits include:
* Unique finish
* Natural characteristics show

Some of the disadvantages of choosing unfinished hardwood flooring, versus prefinished, include:
* Long installation time
* Health risk due to finishing dust and fumes
* Initial off gassing

Unfinished hardwood flooring, although time consuming to install and finish, is the most rewarding when it comes to hardwood flooring. There are two main reasons that finishes are applied to hardwood flooring are:
1. to protect the wood from damage
2. to accentuate the wood?s natural color and beauty.

There are also two wood floor finishes that are most commonly used:
1. penetrating sealer wood floor finishes
2. surface wood floor finishes.

Applied correctly, either of these finishes will give a satisfactory result.

When finishing hardwood flooring, penetrating sealers are the most commonly used wood floor finishes for residential flooring. As the name suggests, these sealers penetrate into the wood pores. Since sealers are thinned varnishes, they produce a low gloss or satin finish. One coat is of these wood floor finishes is enough but two and three coats will give even better protection. Sealers can be bought as slow drying or fast drying. Fast drying sealers are more difficult to use; brush marks and splotchy finishes can be a problem, consequently these finishes are recommended for expert use only. Slow drying sealers can be used by anyone and produce a high quality finish.

Surface wood floor finishes are easy to apply and include polyurethane, urethane, aluminum oxide finishes, epoxy, wax, varnish, lacquer, and shellac. Polyurethane wood floor finishes are the most popular and have a high resistance to moisture, stains and spills, and wear and tear. Polyurethane wood floor finishes can be purchased as a high gloss or matte finish, and are either moisture cured or oil modified.

Urethane finishes come in two styles; Swedish finish (or acid cure) and water-based. Acid cure urethane is non-yellowing but has a strong odor, but should be applied by an experienced and skilled professional. Water-based urethane is also non-yellowing, dries quickly, and the mild odors go away quickly after the urethane dries in a few hours.

Aluminum oxide finishes are the latest in wood floor finishes. They offer durability and are longer lasting than traditional finishes. The finish is durable enough that it carries a 20 years warranty, but so far is available on prefinished wood floors only.

Epoxy sealant is a strong and durable flooring finish made of polymers. Hiring a skilled professional to apply this finish is advisable because it takes proper mixing and application for optimal success.

Wax is probably the oldest, and possible easiest to apply, wood floor finish. Wax over a penetrating stain gives you a beautiful finish, but you wear the wood rather than the finish, so more effort is required to maintain this style of finish. Shellac and lacquer wood floor finishes dry very quickly but are not as resistant to moisture or spills.

Varnish tends to be a generic term for floor finishes, though at one time it was a product unto itself. It is now based on alkyd, epoxy, phenolic or polyurethane resins, and is available in both matte and glossy finishes. This flooring sealant family tends to scratch easily, showing wear especially in high traffic areas. Varnishes tend to be more difficult to maintain because it’s harder to re-coat sections without the difference between the old and new finishes being obvious.

Shellac is an alcohol-soluble, clear to orange-colored resin derived from lac, a substance secreted by insects found mostly in India. Lacquer is a synthetic coating made by dissolving nitrocellulose, or other cellulose derivatives, with plasticizers in a mixture of solvents. Shellac and lacquer wood floor finishes dry quickly enough that more than one coat can be applied in the same day and used the next day. The thinner used in these products not only makes them faster drying but also explosive. These finishes are not as resistant to moisture, spills, and daily wear as other finish types. Those drawbacks contribute to these finish types not being used much today.

Now that you know what wood floor finishes are available the next step is actually finishing your hardwood flooring and there are a number of precautions that must be adhered to in order to obtain a perfect finish.

Dirt and dust will cause a rough surface so when applying your first coat of wood floor finishes it is essential that your hardwood flooring be clean. Dirt and dust should also be removed from the cracks in your flooring before you begin. Adequate ventilation is a must to ensure that all fumes are dispersed from the room to avoid affecting the person applying it and potential explosions. Non-toxic wood floor finishes can be purchased. Airing the room also rids the room of moisture so it doesn’t have time to settle and raise the wood grain.

When is comes to wood floor finishes, penetrating sealers can be applied using a clean mop. Generous amounts of this sealer should be used, stroking with the grain. Excess sealer can be wiped away with a clean cloth. Once the first coat has been applied it needs to be buffed using No. 2 steel wool. A second coat can be applied but it is not necessary. This is one of the easiest wood floor finishes to apply.

Polyurethane can also be applied with a brush, working with the wood grain. Once the first coat has been applied and had time to dry thoroughly, buffing with steel wool is required. Your hardwood flooring will then require dusting before the application of the final coat.

Varnishes are applied using a soft brush with an even, smooth flow along the grain. It is possible to thin the first coat so it will penetrate the wood. Once applied, the first coat should be sanded using fine sandpaper. Dusting is required before applying the next coat.

Wax wood floor finishes can also be applied. Liquid buffing wax wood floor finishes and wax paste can be used, but you must ensure that the wax you choose has been designed for hardwood floors. The wax wood floor finishes should only be applied after the finish coat has thoroughly dried and should be polished using a machine buffer. Applying wax wood floor finishes will give your hardwood flooring a beautiful shine and a protective film that will prevent dirt from penetrating the finish.

Finishing hardwood floors on site allows you to create your own unique finish and can allow for better uniformity. Finishing hardwood floor on site also makes it easier to match your hardwood flooring and finish with your existing hardwood flooring. You can choose the finish that suits you, and if you want to alter the appearance of your hardwood flooring, wood floor stain finishes can be applied before sealing the wood. Wood floor stain finishes can be purchased as water-based products.

Finishing hardwood floors on site can take on average a week to complete, due to the sanding and finishing process so many people may have to vacate their homes during application. Finishing hardwood floors on site can also cause health hazards if proper safety measures aren’t adhered to. Large volumes of dust are created during the sanding process and proper ventilation is required to prevent allergies or health problems caused by dust and fume inhalation. Non-toxic wood floor finishes can also be used to minimize any allergic reactions.

Although time consuming, finishing hardwood floors on site is a very rewarding process that allows you to create the desired effect for your home. Let’s face it, when it comes to your home, you want the best — don’t you?

You’ve taken the first step in transforming your home with wood floors. You’ve added warmth, elegance and a feeling of space, but how long will it last?

Installing hardwood flooring can indeed produce all these qualities, but in order to maintain them correct cleaning and maintenance ace required. Cleaning hardwood flooring and correct hardwood flooring maintenance are just as important as making the decision to install hardwood flooring. As the years pass you will see just how important it is.

Cleaning hardwood flooring using appropriate wood floor cleaners will help to improve the longevity of your hardwood flooring making sure that your investment lasts. So how do you go about cleaning hardwood flooring?

The first and most important rule when it comes to cleaning hardwood flooring is NO WATER. That’s right, no water. Water will damage your hardwood floor and all the time and expense will be wasted. Water spills should be cleared immediately, as standing water can seep into wood causing the finish to split and causing your floor to warp. Using water when cleaning hardwood flooring can also void your warranty. Contrary to popular belief, hardwood flooring can be used in bathrooms and other wet rooms such as laundries and kitchens, but extra care must be taken in these area and all water spills must be taken care of immediately.

When cleaning hardwood flooring, you should sweep with a soft, fine bristle broom daily to remove surface dirt and grit. Dirt and grit are your enemies when it comes to preserving your hardwood flooring. Just like sandpaper, they can cause scratches, dents and dulling, and can damage your hardwood flooring finish. Preventative measures include strategically placing mats and rugs around your home to trap the dirt and grit. Vacuuming is another way of cleaning hardwood flooring and should be carried out twice weekly with a soft brush attachment to minimize scratching. When it comes to washing your hardwood flooring a damp mop can be used. When cleaning hardwood flooring, you should avoid using oil soaps as they can leave a residue build up. Neutral pH wood floor cleaners are recommended. For tough spots and stains such as oil, markers, cigarette marks, paint, lipstick, or ink, you should use acetone or nail polish remover on a clean cloth ensuring you dry the area quickly afterwards. Wood floor stripper cleaners can also be used but it is advisable to check the manufacturer’s guidelines first before using any wood floor cleaners.

Cleaning your wood floor is not enough and preventing damage is also important. Some methods of preventing damage are using furniture guides which will help prevent scratches. It is also important to remember that direct sun light can discolor hardwood flooring and whenever possible you should close curtains and blinds to protect your hardwood flooring from direct UV rays.

Hardwood floors are among the easiest floors to keep clean and they will repay your care and attention with a lifetime of value. Hardwood flooring adds warmth, elegance, and natural beauty to your home, so why not keep it this way with proper care and maintenance.