Category: Home Improvement

Home Improvement

How to Complete a Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

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Kitchen Remodel Richmond VA can be as simple as a cosmetic refresh or as involved as a total gut. Regardless, the timeline will depend on the scope and objectives of the project.

Fabricating countertops, altering a room’s footprint and changing or adding electrical wiring or plumbing will add time to the process. Permits are also required for some work, and may require additional wait times.

Cabinets are a major part of your kitchen and have a significant impact on its overall design. They provide ample storage space, help establish a focal point in the room, and can add a great deal to your home’s value.

The cost of cabinetry accounts for 30% to 40% of your remodel budget, making it one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. That’s why it’s so important to weigh the options carefully and avoid impulsive splurges that may not add value in the long run.

New cabinetry is available in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes. For example, a slab cabinet is simple and affordable but can be transformed with unique paint colors or hardware. A shaker cabinet, on the other hand, offers a more traditional look and can be elevated with a modern finish.

Custom cabinets are a great option for homeowners who want to take control of the design process and create a truly unique kitchen. They’re more expensive than stock or semi-custom cabinetry, however.

If you’re not ready for a complete overhaul, a less-expensive upgrade option is to replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This can drastically change the appearance of the kitchen without requiring any major construction. Additionally, it’s a green alternative as less material goes into landfills.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most noticeable features in your kitchen and can dramatically affect your overall kitchen design. Whether your old countertops are damaged or just plain outdated, upgrading to new and stylish materials adds both functionality and aesthetic value.

Counters are typically made from stone, tile, laminate or wood. Natural stones like granite and marble are beautiful and luxurious, but they can be quite expensive. Tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns and are very durable and inexpensive. Laminate is another affordable option that provides the look of wood or stone but is easier to clean and resists stains.

When it comes to choosing materials, consider the overall look of your kitchen and your budget. If you’re planning on selling your home soon, lower-end finishes may be more appealing to potential buyers. However, if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, investing in higher-end materials will increase the resale value of your kitchen.

One practical upgrade to consider is a waste disposal hole in your countertop to conceal and make trash cleanup easier. This can be easily done by ordering countertops that have this feature pre-drilled or simply boring a hole into the top of your existing countertops.

When installing your new countertops, it’s a good idea to have plastic sheeting up around the house to keep dust from spreading into other areas of your home during the remodel. It’s also a good idea to have appliances in place and to have your counters professionally measured before installation so that they match perfectly. This helps to ensure that your kitchen is as functional as possible during the entire renovation process.

Appliances

The appliances are typically the largest line-item on a kitchen remodel budget and they can have the biggest impact on your new kitchen. However, not all appliances are created equal. You should always focus on choosing appliances that fit your kitchen remodel style while also being practical and functional. For example, if you are going with a modern, contemporary look you may want to choose a panel-ready refrigerator or a built-in cooktop with custom panels that match your cabinets. Similarly, you should consider energy efficiency when selecting appliances. Some appliances like dishwashers and microwaves are now available with an energy efficient option.

Having the right appliances can add value to your home and help it sell faster should you decide to move. Additionally, be sure to choose a brand of appliance that is well-known and popular for its quality and durability. Lastly, if you do opt to splurge on a higher-end appliance be sure to ask your repair man about warranty coverage. Many brands offer extended warranties for appliances that are more expensive than their counterparts.

If your current kitchen appliances are not broken or in need of immediate replacement, you can save some money by simply keeping them until the remodeling is complete. However, you will likely need to find a way to store them for the duration of your kitchen remodel. Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may need to move them to another room in the house or at least keep them as far away from the construction area as possible to avoid scratches and damage.

Lighting is not a big cost factor in most kitchens but it can be an easy way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look. Consider a mix of different lighting options including dimmable LEDs for a warm, inviting glow in the evening and recessed lights or a pendant for a focal point.

Fixtures

A kitchen remodel isn’t complete without essential fixtures like faucets, sinks and lighting. These are often easy to change and don’t require tearing out walls or ripping up floors, making them a budget-friendly way to make a big impact. Choose styles and finishes that coordinate with your new kitchen theme and design aesthetic to tie everything together.

Backsplashes are a great way to add style and personality to your kitchen. They protect the wall behind the countertops from water, grease and other icky stuff while adding visual interest. They also offer an opportunity to add a pop of color or pattern to your kitchen. Keep in mind that installing a backsplash will increase your overall project costs, particularly if you choose a material with a complex design.

Choosing a new sink and faucet can dramatically affect your kitchen’s appearance. Choose a size that suits your storage and workflow needs while factoring in maintenance and care preferences. Then, decide whether you prefer a stainless steel or granite composite material and installation type that matches your budget and style.

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and lighting will reduce your energy consumption while improving your home’s comfort and efficiency. Look for ENERGY STAR ratings when shopping and consider options like LED lighting that uses less electricity or tankless hot water systems that only heat water when it’s needed.

Changing your kitchen’s fixtures can add a fresh, modern feel to any home. If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel, focus on the most outdated components and replace them with modern versions. By focusing on what’s important and staying within your budget, you can enjoy your upgraded kitchen for years to come.

Flooring

Flooring is a significant part of any kitchen remodel. It can affect the aesthetic of your space, and it is an important decision because it has to last a long time.

The best choice for your home depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget. Working with a qualified design-build general contractor team can make this decision easier and help you find the perfect product.

One popular option for flooring is hardwood. Wood can add an elegant touch to any kitchen and has a natural look that many homeowners love. However, it is not ideal for areas that experience a lot of moisture. Wood can be damaged by water, which can lead to rot or mold. To prevent this, you can use a waterproof sealer to protect your floors from moisture.

Another durable option for kitchens is tile. This material is easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. There are also many options for tiles that mimic the appearance of other materials, including marble and travertine.

If you are going with a tile floor, it is recommended to install it after the cabinets. This is because installing it before the cabinets can cause damage to the tiles from the weight of the cabinets and other items stored on them.

Some people prefer to install the cabinets first, which can work well if you plan on making changes to your kitchen in the future. However, this method can waste the flooring material as you will have to cut around the cabinets and appliances. It can also be difficult to access plumbing or electrical wiring that may run underneath the cabinets without removing them.

Home Improvement

How to Go About Cabinet Refinishing

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San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a great option for homeowners and investors who want to update their kitchen without spending money on brand-new materials. However, it requires a serious time commitment and if not done correctly can be extremely messy.

Refinishing is also only possible if you’re happy with the style and finish of your existing cabinets. If you would like to change the style profile of your doors a refacing project is a better choice.

Paint

If you are in love with the style of your cabinets, but they are outdated, simply painting them can give them a fresh look. Repainting involves keeping all components of the existing cabinetry and changing the color without chemically stripping or extensive sanding. Most professional painters apply a coat of primer-sealer to the entire cabinet, which reduces the need for sanding and helps the new finish adhere well to the old paint. This step is optional for homeowners.

The first paint-prep step is usually filling holes, dents and dings with spackling or wood filler. This is especially important on older cabinets, which may have accumulated many tiny indentations over time. Once the spackling dries, it is best to wait 24 hours (or even several days) before you try to reattach the cabinet doors and drawers, to ensure the paint has had time to cure into an enamel-like finish.

There are a variety of applicator options for cabinet repainting, including spraying, rolling and brushing. Choosing the right one depends on how much of the cabinet surface is being painted, and your personal style of working. For example, a spray gun is great for large areas of flat-front doors, but a quality brush is better for detailed work like on routed panels and other architectural features.

While high-gloss enamel paint was once the preferred finish for kitchen cabinets, water-based finishes are now gaining in popularity because they are easy to clean and less toxic. Regardless of which type you choose, the final product should be durable and resistant to stains and water damage.

Before you decide on a specific color, experts recommend applying a sample coat of the color to a piece of poster board or an inconspicuous area on your cabinet door to test it out. This will help you to see how the color works in your space and how it will look with your backsplash and appliances, so you can be confident that you’re happy with the results before committing to a full application.

Reputable cabinet painting companies will carry liability and workman’s compensation insurance, as well as provide warranties on their workmanship. This is an excellent way to guarantee you are hiring a qualified and experienced professional.

Stain

Unlike paint, stain seeps into wood’s grain and enhances its natural beauty. It also helps hide dirt, fingerprints and minor wear, which can help your cabinets stay looking new for a longer time.

Stain tends to cost less than paint, though customized options can add up. It’s a good option if you’re remodeling a rental property or don’t want to spend a fortune on new cabinets.

To get the best results from your stain, it’s important to choose the right color and type of stain. It’s a good idea to purchase a sample or consult with a professional. They can help you select a finish that complements your home’s decor and highlights the unique characteristics of your cabinetry.

Another benefit of stain is that it’s easier to touch up than paint. Touch-up markers are available at most big box stores, and even if there isn’t an exact match, there’s likely to be a shade that closely resembles your cabinetry’s stain. This can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

Generally, you need to sand down your existing cabinets before applying a stain. This can be a messy and time-consuming process, but it’s necessary to remove the old finish and make the cabinets ready for the staining process. If you’re doing this yourself, be sure to take proper precautions by using drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect your floors and countertops from stains and scratches.

Keep in mind that stain won’t work on all materials, such as thermofoil or laminate doors. If your cabinets are made of Thermofoil or laminate, refinishing isn’t an option for you. If your cabinets are made of real wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), then stain is a great option. MDF and wood are both porous, so they can absorb both paint and stain. However, it’s important to note that MDF and wood differ in durability, with MDF being more prone to scratching than wood. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to use a protective sealant over your stain. MDF can also warp if it comes into contact with water.

Glaze

Cabinet glazing is a way to add a second color into your cabinet finish. It’s done by adding a darker glaze to the top of your base coat and then wiping it into the grooves and details on your cabinets. This accentuates those areas and gives your finished project a more lived-in look.

Before applying your glaze, make sure that the cabinets are clean and free of dirt and dust. You’ll want to use a degreasing cleaner and wipe down the surfaces. This will help to remove any grease that might have built up on the wooden surface inside your cabinets and prevent a musty odor from developing.

After the doors and drawers have been cleaned, you’ll need to allow them to dry. This can take a few days, so you’ll need to be patient. Once they’re completely dry, you can reattach the doors and drawers to their tracks. Remember to use the numbered labels that you used to mark them. This will ensure that you don’t get your pieces mixed up when it comes time to reattach the hardware.

Once the cabinets have been glazed and dried, you can start to reattach the hardware and finish up any other finishing touches. This is also a good time to apply a final coat of clear sealer to protect your work. This is especially important if you are going to hang the cabinets in a humid environment, like a bathroom.

Refinishing your cabinets is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your home without spending a fortune. However, you should always consider the longevity of your work and whether or not it makes sense to spend the money on a full cabinet replacement. If you’re looking to upgrade your cabinets with modern features like soft-close hinges or under-cabinet lighting, a complete cabinet refacing might be the best option for you. Contact a professional contractor to find out more about your options. They can offer you a quote for the cost of a cabinet refacing or replacement project that will fit into your budget and lifestyle.

Finishing Touches

As a final step, apply a varnish to protect your work and add an extra layer of depth to the finish. This will also help the cabinets to resist water damage. You can choose between oil-based and water-based varnishes; be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Cabinet refinishing is a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look at a fraction of the cost and hassle of replacing them. By carefully selecting your paint color, stain color and gloss level, you can create a custom look that matches your existing home decor. This is a great option for homeowners who have already invested in modern upgrades such as soft-close hinges or under-cabinet lighting and don’t want to pay for a full replacement.

The biggest benefit of refinishing is the improved aesthetics. The fresh new coat of paint or stain will instantly make your cabinetry look brand-new, and may even increase the value of your home. The process is also much faster than replacing, so you’ll be back in your kitchen in less time.

Before you begin the painting process:

  1. Prep the cabinets by removing all doors and drawers, labeling them for position, and covering appliances with tarps or drop cloths secured with tape.
  2. Lightly sand the surface to prepare for paint, and be sure to use a higher grit sandpaper than you’d normally use on furniture to ensure smoothness and promote adhesion.
  3. Use quality paint and a good primer, as well as proper brushing techniques.

You should use thinner brushes for better control over short strokes and allow enough drying time between coats to avoid rushing the project.

Once the paint is fully dry, you can reattach the doors and drawers to their hardware. This should be a simple task as long as you numbered each piece and kept the hardware organized. You can also consider replacing the hardware completely to give your cabinets a high-end designer look.

It’s important to note that refinishing does not fix major structural damage or upgrade features such as soft-close hinges. It is also important to assess the longevity of your current cabinets compared to those you would like to replace them with. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of both options to decide which is right for you.

Home Improvement

The Benefits of Exterior Painting

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Paint is more than just a color; it offers more subtle benefits for your home than you may think. It can help protect the siding from rot, mold, insect and rodent infestation, and dampness.

Painters Wilmington DE can revitalize your house and make it look brand new. However, proper preparation is essential for a high-quality paint job.

Your home’s curb appeal is critical to its value, as it provides a first impression to guests and potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint can make a significant difference in the way your home looks, and it also protects the exterior from damage caused by rain, wind, sun, and other weather conditions. When your home has good curb appeal, it is much more likely to sell quickly and at a higher price.

Curb appeal is a term used to describe the overall appearance of a house from the street, including the front yard landscaping, the type and color of house siding, and other decorative elements. Adding curb appeal to your home can be as simple as making small improvements, such as painting your porch or replacing the house number on the front door. You can also add more decorative features, such as a new planter or a herringbone pattern walkway. The curb appeal of your home can be increased with a professional paint job, and your local painting contractors can help you choose the right colors for your home.

While you may have a unique architectural style, exterior painting companies can provide ideas for improving your home’s curb appeal that can be applied to any home. For example, using contrasting colors to highlight certain parts of your home’s exterior can show off its lines and enhance its architectural details. Many exterior painting contractors can even use their knowledge of the local environment to recommend the best color and finish options for your home.

Another way to increase your curb appeal is by enhancing your front yard with an attractive and colorful garden. The color, shape, and size of the plants you choose can make a big impact on how your yard looks. Make sure to plant flowers and shrubs that bloom throughout the seasons for a continuous supply of beauty.

A final way to boost your curb appeal is by sprucing up the front entrance to your home. This can be done by adding a welcoming touch, such as a fresh-smelling wreath or brightly colored flower pots. You can also add a doormat and welcome mat to help your guest feel at home as they enter.

Durability is a key element of any painting project, but it is especially important for exteriors. This is because the paint on exterior surfaces is subject to a variety of weather conditions that can cause damage and degradation over time.

Humidity, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, rain and snow can all take a toll on the surface of the building and the paint that covers it. The right paints can help combat these factors, protecting the structure and improving its lifespan.

The best way to ensure that your paint job lasts as long as possible is to hire a professional. A reputable painter can provide the proper preparation and application methods necessary for a durable finish that will stand up to years of outdoor wear and tear. They can also advise you on the best color choices to maximize durability.

While it may seem counterintuitive, lighter paint colors are often more durable than darker shades. Darker paints absorb more UV rays, which can break down the pigment and fade the paint color over time. Lighter paints, on the other hand, reflect more of the sun’s rays and protect the surface from discoloration.

Another way to increase the durability of your exterior painting project is to choose a latex-based paint that is formulated for use outdoors. This type of paint is less likely to crack and peel over time, which can lead to costly repairs. Additionally, latex-based paints typically emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil-based alternatives. VOCs are hazardous to your health, so it’s important to limit your exposure to them.

One last tip for maximizing the durability of your exterior paint job is to allow sufficient curing time. The length of time that it takes for your new coat of paint to fully cure depends on the weather conditions and temperature at the time of application. It’s best to paint in warm, dry weather to avoid the risk of premature chipping and peeling.

The longevity of your exterior painting project is largely dependent on how well it is prepared and the quality of the materials used. The right preparation process, a high-quality primer and paint, and a bright, well-chosen color can all contribute to a long-lasting, durable finish.

Your home’s exterior is the first thing guests and passersby notice, so it’s important that it looks inviting. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances the appearance of your house, but it can also increase its value. However, it’s important to choose the right color and style for your house. Not only does this reflect your personal taste, but it can help attract potential buyers down the line if you decide to sell your house.

During the painting process, it’s essential to use high-quality paint in order to get the best results. Cheaper paints will produce lackluster results and deteriorate over time. By contrast, quality paint will last for years and improve the overall look of your house.

Another reason to invest in a high-quality paint is that it will protect your house from harsh weather elements. Rain, snow, and sunlight can all damage your home’s exterior over time. A fresh coat of paint will provide a protective barrier against these elements and help keep your home looking new and attractive.

Exterior painting can also help to improve the structural integrity of your house. By repairing any cracks or gaps in the structure before applying a new coat of paint, you can extend the life of your home and avoid costly repairs down the road.

If you’re considering painting your home’s exterior, it’s important to consult a professional in order to ensure that the job is done correctly. A professional will be able to recommend the best paint for your needs, as well as advise you on the best way to prepare the surface for painting.

There are several different types of paint available for various purposes, including interior and exterior. Exterior paint is designed to withstand the elements, so it’s formulated to be more resistant to moisture and dirt than interior paint. It’s also typically thicker than interior paint, which helps to prevent moisture from seeping through the walls. In addition to these benefits, exterior paint can also be used to add texture to the surfaces of your home. You can choose from a variety of textures, including matte, satin and gloss.

In addition to enhancing curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint serves as a protective barrier against natural damage. It can prevent moisture from seeping into wood and causing rot, protect against sun exposure that can cause fading over time, and keep pests away from your home. The best way to keep your exterior paint in good condition is by identifying areas that may require touch ups and arranging to have them repainted promptly. A professional painting company has the equipment and experience to help you prolong the lifespan of your current paint job.

Inspecting your house regularly is also important for catching any issues before they can become major problems. This will allow you to maintain your home’s exterior without the need for costly repairs or replacements.

During your regular inspections, look for areas of wear and tear that may need to be touched up. Keeping up with this can prevent the need to repaint your whole home and save you money in the long run. Aside from addressing problem areas, it’s also a good idea to periodically wash your home with a mild soap solution to remove dirt and debris that can cause damage. If you live in a coastal area it may be necessary to clean more frequently to prevent the buildup of salt which can cause rusting and other issues.

A new coat of paint can make your home stand out in the neighborhood and attract potential buyers. This can increase your property value significantly, particularly if you are considering selling your house in the future.

While there are many benefits to having your house painted, it’s important to work with a professional contractor who can ensure the job is done correctly and safely. A professional painting company will have the proper equipment to handle any size of job, has experience in working with your type of siding, and can recommend additional services such as gutter cleaning and pressure washing to help extend the life of your new paint job. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your investment and enjoy a beautiful and well-maintained home for years to come.

Home Improvement

How Hardwood Floors Are Made to Last

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Whether you are designing a rustic farmhouse or updating your mid-century modern home, there is a hardwood floor to match your style. Hardwood floors come in various textures, grain patterns, and plank widths.

The first step in the hardwood flooring life cycle is raw materials acquisition. Hardwood Floor Refinishing NJ requires a great deal of energy.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardness is one of the most important factors in determining whether a hardwood flooring material will hold up to everyday wear and tear. Hardwoods with a higher Janka rating (the industry standard for measuring the overall hardness of wood species) are ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces. Those with lower Janka ratings are more suitable for areas that see less foot traffic.

Choosing the right hardwood for your space comes down to your needs and aesthetic preferences. If you have children or pets, a harder wood is the way to go, as it will stand up better to damage from heavy furniture and toys. On the other hand, if your design style leans more toward a natural or rustic look, you may choose softer woods like cherry, maple, or ash.

Other factors to consider include the grain pattern of the wood and its color tones. Grain patterns can range from straight to wavy, and some woods are more colorful than others. For example, hickory is a very popular hardwood choice due to its strong appearance and durability, while oak has a more subtle and traditional look.

When choosing a wood, it’s also important to understand how the type of grain you select can affect the overall look of your floors. For instance, live sawn planks are cut from a tree in perpendicular slices going bottom-to-top, while rotary cut boards are made from logs that have been cut across the grain. In addition, the way that a board is sanded can impact its appearance and how it holds up to normal wear and tear.

The most common type of damage to hardwood is water damage. This can lead to swelling, warping, cracking, and even rot. However, the majority of water damage is easy to fix and usually only requires a simple refinish.

Another common type of damage is sun exposure, which can cause the finish to deteriorate and change color over time. This can be a result of harsh UV rays that penetrate the surface of the wood and create uneven discoloration.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your hardwood flooring, engineered options are a good option. They use a portion of the waste and byproducts from other wood manufacturing processes and are much more environmentally friendly than solid wood.

Scratches on wood floors are an inevitable part of owning a home. It can be difficult to remove them completely, but there are a few different ways to fix scratches on hardwood flooring that can make your floor look as good as new.

The first thing to do when trying to repair a scratch on hardwood is to thoroughly clean the area. Start by using a soft brush to sweep up any loose dirt and debris on the surface. Then, use a commercial cleaning product that is safe to be used on wood floors. This should be free of waxes and other substances that would interfere with the process of refinishing your floors later.

Next, wipe down the area to make sure it is completely clean and dry. Try to avoid rubbing the scratched area because this can cause it to become more visible. After the floor is cleaned, sand down the area until it is smooth and then apply some fresh finish. This will cover up the scratch and help it blend in with the rest of the floor.

If you have a deep scratch or gouge on your wood floors, you may need to hire a professional, depending on how extensive the damage is. If you’re not comfortable hiring a pro, however, you can still repair your flooring by following these steps:

First, clean the area of the floor with a damp cloth to make sure it is completely clean and dry. If you want to be especially careful, use a tack cloth that is specially designed not to do any additional damage to your hardwood floors. You can also use a steel wool pad, such as a Brillo, to buff the scratched surface. Make sure to rub in the direction of the grain of the wood rather than against it.

After the scratch has been sanded down, mix up some pre-colored latex wood filler that closely matches your floor’s color. Apply the filler to the damaged area with a plastic putty knife, which is much softer than a metal one and less likely to do any additional damage to your hardwood floors. Once the filler is completely dry, tint it with a stain pen that is also a close match to your floor’s color.

Hardwood flooring can last a lifetime, and it is one of the most durable types of flooring you can have in your home. It can also be repaired easily. However, the type of wood you choose will have a significant impact on how well it holds up to everyday wear and tear. Some wood species are harder than others, and some can stand up to scratches better than other types of hardwood.

There are a number of things you can do to increase the durability of your hardwood floors. Choosing the right wood species is important, but the finish you choose will also have an impact. A polyurethane or oil-based finish will create an extra layer of protection that prevents moisture from penetrating the wood, preserving its durability and making it easier to clean and repair.

You can also add a protective barrier to your floor with a stain. This will not only help protect against moisture, but it will also protect the surface from scratches. Stain color is also an important consideration, as darker stains tend to hide scuff marks and scratches better than lighter stains.

The hardest commercially available hardwoods are Ipe and Jatoba, but these exotic woods are expensive. Domestic oak, maple, hickory, and cherry are among the best options for durability in hardwood flooring. Hickory is especially hard and has a varied grain pattern that helps conceal scratches. Cherry is softer but has a beautiful, rich color and warm hue that makes it a great choice for low-traffic areas in the home.

Preventing damage to your hardwood floors is a big part of maximizing its lifespan, so be sure to place doormats at entrances to trap dirt and grit and encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering. Use furniture pads or felt protectors to prevent scratches on the legs of your furniture, and keep pet nails trimmed to reduce scratching.

Both solid and engineered hardwood are more durable than carpet, but solid wood requires more trees to harvest than its engineered counterpart. If you choose to go with solid wood, be sure that it is sourced from a sustainable supplier and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Also, remember that natural wood is vulnerable to moisture, so you should avoid putting it in rooms that are likely to get wet, such as the bathroom or kitchen.

While hardwood floors are considered to be a durable flooring choice, they must be maintained well to ensure they last for a long time. Hardwood floors are prone to damage from spills, excessive sun exposure and pet stains. However, these problems are easily prevented with regular cleaning and proper care.

Sweeping or dusting your floors daily is one of the easiest ways to protect your hardwood from scratches, dents and other common damages. Make sure to use a vacuum with a brush guard, which helps to prevent the rotating bristles from scratching your hardwood floors. If possible, opt for a canister vacuum that has a special floor brush attachment.

Other simple steps to prevent damage to your wood floors include putting door mats or rugs inside and outside your home to catch dirt and debris that can scratch and stain your flooring. Encouraging your family and guests to remove their shoes before entering your home is another way to reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked onto your wood floors. If you have pets, trimming their nails regularly will help to minimize the amount of scratching they do on your hardwood floors.

Aside from protecting your wood floors from scratches, dents and other common damages, you can also prevent permanent damage by having them professionally refinished every three to five years. This will help to restore your hardwood floors to their original luster and keep them looking new.

If you do notice that your hardwood floor is starting to look dull, avoid using wet-mopping methods on it. Residual water can damage the wood, cause discoloration, and leave a greasy film behind. If necessary, you can use a dry mop or cloth to remove any residue and moisture.

While scuff marks are sometimes unavoidable, you can minimize them by installing furniture pads on the bottom of your chairs and other furniture pieces. These soft pads prevent the feet of your furniture from scratching your hardwood floors, and they are easy to install. Other preventative measures include installing low e-coating on windows to minimize the amount of sun that can cause your hardwood floors to fade or change color quickly.