Hardwood is a popular flooring option here in Austin, and not just because it’s beautiful to look at. It’s also low maintenance, and it can maintain its appearance amid constant activity for decades when cared for properly. This makes hardwood a sensible choice for high-traffic areas.
But that doesn’t mean hardwood isn’t vulnerable to scuffs, scratches, or stains. Dust, debris, and other particulates can also build up over time, which can lead to other forms of damage.
Of course, there are different types of hardwood flooring, some of which are more durable than others and each type requires specific cleaning tools. Here are a few variations of hardwood flooring along with how to keep each one in pristine condition:
Engineered Hardwood
If you want the appearance of traditional, solid hardwood flooring with a lower price tag, you might consider engineered hardwood. And let’s just clear the air early here by confirming that “engineered” is not a synonym for “fake.”
You see, engineered hardwood has a top layer of real, premium hardwood, with lower layers of other woods, like plywood. This makes engineered hardwood more durable and easier to maintain than traditional hardwood. All you need to clean it is a broom, a vacuum, and a dry microfiber mop to pick up any remaining dust or debris.
You should never wet mop or steam clean engineered hardwood, nor should you use any ammonia-based cleaners. Stick with a simple, natural cleaning product like diluted white vinegar.
Laminate Wood
Laminate mimics the appearance of hardwood and is easier to maintain. Laminate is also much cheaper than hardwood, and you can get your laminate to look like virtually any type of wood you can imagine.
However, laminate requires very different cleaning methodologies than wood. There are cleaning solutions designed exclusively for laminate, or you can use a mixture of water and unscented clear dish soap. A teaspoon of baby shampoo in a gallon of water will also do the trick.
Along with ammonia-based cleaners, you should avoid using polish or wax on your laminate floor, both of which can damage its appearance.
Hardwood
In terms of appearance, hardwood is tough to beat. It’s significantly more expensive than the previous options but it’s more durable over time. With proper care, hardwood floors can last well over 100 years. Unlike laminate, hardwood can be refinished to address minor scratches and cosmetic damage. If you have pets, you can apply a scratch-resistant finish to your wood flooring for extra protection.
As for cleaning solutions, there are many floor cleaners for hardwood, some of which are specifically formulated for a certain type of wood, like hickory, maple, or oak. If you don’t feel like taking a trip to the store, a few drops of dish soap and water and a microfiber mop should be just fine.
Though each of these three options has pros and cons, there really is no wrong choice. So, come by our showroom to look and touch each option firsthand. With our selection, we’re confident we can achieve any style of flooring you want and choose the perfect material for your space. Give us a call and make an appointment today.