If you’re anything like us, you love you a good hardwood floor (come on, who doesn’t?). It’s a wonderful flooring option that adds a ton of warmth and personality to any room throughout a home. But (just like every other type of floor), hardwood is no stranger to its fair share of issues.
Hardwood floors may do a lot for your home, but it’s not a one-way street type of relationship. If you want to get the most out of them, you have to give back in the form of proper maintenance, tender love, and care. Here are some common wood flooring issues and how you can solve them.
Related Post: Wood Floors Need Love Too!
CUPPING & CROWNING
In the presence of moisture, wooden floorboards tend to warp in different ways. Cupping, for instance, occurs when the edges of the floorboard raise higher than the center. Crowning, on the other hand, is when the center rises. Correcting these issues is all about mitigating the presence of moisture in your floorboards: sanding and refinishing are great options for dry, uneven floorboards, but the installation of a vapor retardant between the wood and subfloors is the best way to do this!
SMUDGING & SMEARING
Smudges and smears are annoying, but they aren’t anything that a nice coat of polish can’t fix!
LOOSE, NOISY BOARDS
Thin subfloors, uneven joists, foundation settling, and loose fasteners are to blame. To correct the sound, try sprinkling baby powder or baking soda over the affected area. Broom powder into joints, this will lubricate the boards and help eliminate squeaking. For stubborn or large squeaks, top nailing may be the best solution.
DENTS, DINGS, AND SCRATCHES
Unfortunately, these are problems from which no wooden floor is safe. From high traffic to the presence of furniture and pets, dents, dings, and scratches are to be expected! While polishing products are a great temporary fix, sanding and refinishing is the only absolute option for correction.
Wood Floor Refinishing: What You Need to Know
STAINS
Got pets? Then this one is for you! Some hardwood cleaner may do the trick but, like many of these wood flooring issues, the only real option is sanding and refinishing. For deep stains that will not budge with sanding, we can replace the individual boards affected to match the existing hardwood floor!
Wood floors are a popular flooring option among homeowners everywhere, but the beauty and warmth that they provide come at a cost. Unfortunately, all owners of hardwood must be prepared for the eventuality that they’ll go through some problems at some point.
If these DIY tips for reversing common problems don’t cut it, call Carpet Tech! We’re experienced with professional hardwood cleaning, refinishing, and even installation. Click below to learn how we can solve all of your most serious wood flooring issues with ease!