Walnut wood is a distinctive and durable flooring choice that provides a unique aesthetic for the home. It complements any style of design, offering a touch of warmth and luxury. Hardwood flooring even adds at least 2.5% more to the value of your home.
Installing walnut flooring makes quite a design statement but still needs proper maintenance. This will keep your floors functional and long-lasting for years to come. With the right tips and techniques, you can prolong your floor’s superior condition.
Follow this guide for the best ways to care for your walnut hardwood flooring.
Select the Right Flooring Contractor
This is the most important tip for having lustrous, long-lasting and well-maintained wood flooring. You’ll want to choose a skilled flooring contractor with satisfied customers and referrals. They should also specialize in installing walnut floor planks.
From here they can guide you in the different types of wood species best for your home project. As well as preferences on plank sizing and fabrication options.
Walnut wood flooring runs an average of $5 to $10 per square foot, not including installation. So be sure to factor this into your wood flooring costs. As you’re paying for high-quality products and installation techniques.
Installing wood floors is an investment that you want to be sure you are placing in the right hands. Many contractors also offer some type of warranty to stand by their quality of work.
A skilled flooring installer will also ensure there is perfect spacing between planks. This makes it easier for you to care for your wood floors and keep them in top shape. They may also recommend finishing options to increase longevity.
Black walnut is a hard and durable material for floors. But be sure to ask your contractor what to clean hardwood floor with, as well as special care instructions. As they may have you apply a wood oil after floors get installed.
Use Rugs for More Than Style
Rugs are an excellent way to anchor furniture around a room. But this is not only for making a design statement. Adding rugs to a room will also protect the floor from heavy furniture.
This is helpful in rooms with high traffic areas, like living rooms and bedrooms. A play mat or rug also works well in a children’s playroom, to keep their toys from scratching the floor. You may also want to consider adding a runner in hallways and on the staircase.
Felt protectors can also work in furniture areas without rugs. These help to keep indentations from occurring in the wood.
Use smaller rugs or placemats for areas like below the kitchen sink to catch water splashes. This will also make it easier for learning how to clean hardwood floors in busy areas of the home.
These mats should be well ventilated as not to trap dirt or moisture beneath the back of the mat. Also, place welcome mats near entryways. These help trap dirt, and chemicals from outside, keeping them off your floors.
Adopt a Special Cleaning Routine
When maintained the right way, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Begin your routine by sweeping or dusting daily. This will help keep dirt, dust, and debris from collecting on your floors.
You’ll also want to vacuum at least once per week. Be sure to use the vacuum’s hard floor mode or a floor brush attachment. Never use a breaker bar as this can cause damage to hardwood floors.
Cleaning often will help pull up any tiny dirt particles in the floorboards. As these can damage the finish on the floor over time.
Use a damp mop as needed, with a soft terry cloth head. A special cleaning mop is also the best way to clean hardwood floors. Bona is a great brand that gets recommended by professionals.
Their cleaning agents are safe to use on the hardwood. They don’t use harsh chemicals that can penetrate into the wood. Be sure to wipe up any extra moisture from the floor afterward.
Always clean up any spills right away. As liquids can cause water damage, or discolor or stain the floor. Don’t use a steam mop, as this can ruin the floor’s finish.
Keep a Healthy Living Environment
A healthy home will prolong the life of your wood floors and provide a safe environment for your family. Keep humidity levels no higher than 50% to maintain a balanced moisture level. As too much moisture can affect your floors, as well as cause mold growth.
It helps to open windows often to let in fresh air. Yet, be sure not to let too much sunlight in. As the UV rays can cause discoloration to your floors over time.
Consider designing a mudroom or entry area for your home. This is a place where the family can take their shoes off so they don’t track in germs, water, or driveway sealant. It’s also important to keep sports cleats and stiletto style heels off the floors.
If you have pets, keep their nails well trimmed so they don’t scratch the floor. Bathe and brush your pets often to keep fur and dander from accumulating on the floors.
Don’t Be Afraid to Refinish If Needed
Even the best care for hardwood floors may call for a refinishing service. Black walnut is a durable material for flooring, but damage can occur over time. This is often due to normal wear and tear from children and pets.
Refining can help to smooth out scratches, restore shine, and enhance the color of your wood floors. Yet, the job should get done in the hands of a professional for the best results.
A professional refinishing offers consistent quality and a quicker and smoother process. Here are a few more reasons to leave this job to the professionals.
Enhancing Your Home with Walnut Hardwood Flooring
Whether you plan to build new or renovate your existing property, walnut hardwood flooring adds style and elegance to the home. Its unique dark wood graining creates character and charm in any room of the house.
With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your floors in superior condition. Learn more about the installation process and sign up for a free consultation.