Expert Tips for Maintaining Engineered Timber Flooring

Engineered timber flooring is consistently making inroads in the market as more and more people select them for their flooring. The reason is pretty simple; they combine the style of real timber with ingenious construction to deliver the best results. It consists of two or more layers with the bottom layers being made of wood or even high-density fibre. Real wood, preferably hardwood, is used on the top layer. This configuration allows the flooring to withstand fluctuations of temperature and humidity that often affect solid timber flooring. Furthermore, these floors are guaranteed to last for decades with proper maintenance and cleaning. If you're a homeowner with engineered timber flooring, here are some tips to help maintain them.

Clear spills whenever they occur.

Engineered timber flooring isn't designed to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture. Water may eventually seep into the wood and undermine its outlook and integrity. Also, if left for long, some liquids could slowly work their way into the space between the layers of the flooring. The problem is compounded when the fluid in question is a staining liquid. The result is staining of the floor boards. Such boards then have to be replaced since cleaning them is no longer an option. Therefore, wipe the floor immediately when spills occur. When mopping, ensure the mop is damp and not soaking wet. Finally, dry the floor after you're done.

Proper repair and refinishing.

Over many years, the flooring will eventually show dull spots and other signs of wear. You can opt to bring back your floor's glossy look by refinishing. Lightly use sandpaper on the surface you want to work on then apply a water-based urethane dressing. Make sure you use an approved dressing to avoid flaking off after application. If in doubt, inquire the recommended dressings from the flooring manufacturer. In case of various nicks and scratches on your flooring, use colour matched filler sticks or any other effective method to repair them.

Protect high-traffic sections.

Even with its durability, high traffic areas such as corridors can undergo significant amounts of damage over time. For this reason, place rugs over such areas to protect them from hazards such as scuff marks and nicks. However, clean the area underneath them regularly. Trapped dirt and dust present may accumulate and act as an abrasive material whenever the rug is stepped on. This significantly increases the rate of floor damage. If uncovered, vacuum or sweep such areas regularly to keep them free from dust. Remember to use a soft-brush vacuum or a soft-bristle broom to avoid scratching your flooring.


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