Floorcare Essentials

What To Do
  • Vacuum or sweep floor regularly. General cleaning once every week is recommended.
  • Remove spills promptly using your Bona® MicroPlus™ mop or MicroPlus™ Floor Cloth and Bona® Swedish Formula® Floor Cleaner.
  • Place mats at exterior doors to trap sand and grit. Use area rugs in high traffic pathways, at the ends of steps and near doorways. Avoid rubber backing or non-ventilated rugs.
  • Use protective pads or caps such as Bona® FloorGards™ on “feet” of furniture.
  • Renew worn surfaces with Bona® Swedish Formula® Hardwood Floor Refresher before the bare wood is exposed. Not for use on Hard Surface floors.
  • Maintain a consistent humidity level between heating seasons in all living areas. Excessive swings in humidity levels will cause hardwood floors to swell, shrink, cup, crack and show excessive gaps between boards. The use of a humidifier, and/or dehumidifier systems is recommended where inconsistent humidity levels occur.
What Not To Do
  • Don’t let sand, dirt or grit build up. They can act like sandpaper and actually abrade and dull your floor finish.
  • Don’t damp mop hardwood floors. Too much water can cause the floor to swell or warp.
  • Don’t let your pets’ claws go untrimmed. Proper claw trimming helps avoid scratches and gouges.
  • Don’t walk on your hardwood floors in high heels, and keep heels in good repair.
  • Don’t use wax, oil soap or other household cleaners on polyurethane finished wood floors. They can dull today’s floor finishes and make refinishing difficult.

    • What are the benefits of wood floors?
    • No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty, and value of wood. Wood flooring enhances the decor of any room, and provides timeless beauty that will increase in value throughout the years. In fact, in a national survey of real estate agents, 90 percent said that houses with wood flooring sell faster and for higher prices than houses without wood floors. That’s money in your pocket!
    Easy To Maintain
    Maintenance of today’s wood floors is easy! No more waxing! New technology in stains and finishes call for regular cleaning that takes little more than sweeping and/or vacuuming, with occasional use of a professional wood floor-cleaning product. See our tips on wood floor care below.
    Ecologically & Allergy Friendly
    Wood floors are ecologically friendly. Since it is a natural resource, wood is both renewable and recyclable. Many of yesteryear’s old wood ships, warehouses, barns, and other structures often find a second life in wood flooring. And, because wood does not collect dust and other allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home.
    • Affordable
    Today’s wood floors are affordable. Over time, wood floors maintain their value. When other flooring options are looking tired and worn out, wood floors will still look beautiful and timeless.
    Variety of Styles & Species
    Wood floors have come a long way in the past few years. Today, there are more styles, colors and species of wood flooring available than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Oak, rustic Hickory Pecan, exotic Tigerwood or trendy Bamboo, you’re sure to find a color and style to fit your decor. The possibilities are endless!
    Create A One Of A Kind Floor With Design Elements                                                      
    Borders create a frame effect in a particular room or area, and usually contrast to the main area of the room. For example, a simple installation of a medium colored wood such as strip white oak might include a border outlining the room in a contrasting darker species of wood such as Brazilian Cherry.
    Medallions usually are installed in the main field of the floor, typically in areas such as foyers. Medallions can incorporate multiple wood species, and other mixed media, such as stone, metal and leather. Factory finished medallions can be routed into existing floors with minimal disruption. Visit us to see a variety to choose from.
    What Are Hand-Distressed Floors?
    Hand-distressing wood floors offers a unique look and antiqued appearance that appeals to many homeowners. Hand scraping, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming, is the most common distressing technique. Using tools such as chisels, planes, wire brushes, awls, ice picks and grinders, the installer will work with the wood to achieve a worn and distressed look. The end result will be a new floor that looks beautifully antiqued. Many flooring manufacturers also now offer this type of wood flooring in many pre-finished styles & colors.
    Can I Mix Wood With Tile?
    You can create a one-of-a-kind floor by mixing wood with other materials such as stone, tile, slate, marble, metal, and even leather. For example, highlighting a marble foyer with wood makes a dramatic entryway, while incorporating brushed nickel accents into your kitchen wood floor could accent your professional series appliances.
    What About Re-Finishing My Wood Floor?
    Existing wood floors can receive an entirely new look, affordably, with custom stains. Looking for a contemporary style? Light colored stains can give new life to an old wood floor. Want something more traditional? Consider restaining your wood floors to a warm, medium-toned color. Thinking about a more formal decor? Dark stains can give your floors a stately new look. No matter what your existing wood floor, chances are that you can achieve an entirely new look with color stains. Learn more about refinishing on dustless refinishing.