Oct
Engineered hardwood flooring is a great option for homeowners who want the look of real wood without the hefty price tag. Its unique construction makes it incredibly durable. It also resists warping, cracking, and buckling, making it ideal for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where moisture can be an issue.
What’s even better is your variety of options. Engineered hardwood comes in various colours, finishes, and wood species, so you can find the perfect match for your style, be it classic, modern, or something in between. Plus, it’s more affordable than solid wood, giving you the same beautiful look without breaking the bank.
In addition, engineered hardwood is eco-friendly. This is because it uses less solid timber, making it a more sustainable option. And when it comes to maintenance, it is easier to take care of than solid wood flooring.
However, the engineered hardwood flooring in your Toronto home will need some maintenance to keep it looking new and shiny. Let’s look at some simple tips.
Maintenance Guide to Engineered Hardwood Flooring in Toronto Homes
If you plan to get engineered hardwood flooring, it’s important to understand what it is and how it’s made.
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood flooring looks identical to solid hardwood on the surface thanks to its thin top layer of real wood, often called the wear layer. This top layer displays the colour and grain pattern you see and feel. But underneath, engineered wood flooring has a plywood or composite core that adds extra strength and stability.
So, how is engineered wood flooring made? It consists of multiple layers of wood pressed and bonded together, referred to as lamina. Depending on the product, three to twelve layers are stacked and glued to form a sturdy plank. This unique construction increases dimensional stability, meaning the floor is less likely to warp or buckle when exposed to moisture or temperature changes.
The core of engineered wood flooring is typically made of softwood, high-density fibreboard (HDF), or plywood. This middle layer (the central core) supports the wear layer. The cross-layered design within the core helps the floor resist movement caused by changes in humidity, making it more stable than traditional hardwood floors.
Below the central core, engineered wood has a backing layer that further reinforces the plank, giving it extra strength and durability. This balanced, multi-layer structure makes engineered wood flooring a versatile and adaptable option, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, where humidity levels fluctuate.
Overall, engineered wood flooring combines the natural beauty of hardwood with modern construction techniques, creating an attractive floor designed to last for many years.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Once you have chosen the perfect engineered hardwood floor for your Toronto home, keeping it beautiful doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Once you develop a simple routine, maintaining your floors can be quick and easy. This not only keeps them gleaming but also extends their lifespan. Here are some tips for making your beautiful engineered hardwood flooring last longer:
1. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
The foundation of your cleaning routine is simple: sweeping or vacuuming regularly. This removes the loose dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris that inevitably accumulate throughout the day. A soft-bristle broom works well for sweeping, but if you prefer vacuuming, avoid using one with a rotating bristle bar or beater bar. These can scratch off your floors over time. Instead, opt for a vacuum with a bare floor setting or a floor-brush attachment.
How often you need to sweep, or vacuum depends on how much traffic your floors see. Sweeping daily or every other day is a good idea in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways. Rooms with less foot traffic may only need to be swept once a week. Regular cleaning prevents dust and dirt from scratching your floors and keeps allergens from building up.
2. Mop Occasionally
While daily sweeping takes care of most of the dirt and dust, you’ll also want to mop your floors periodically to maintain their shine. Mopping removes any grime that sweeping can’t handle. Mopping once a week is ideal in rooms with heavy foot traffic, while less-used areas may only need a good mop once a month.
When mopping, it’s important to remember that engineered hardwood, while more resistant to water than solid hardwood, is still sensitive to moisture. Always use a slightly damp mop rather than a soaking wet one. You want the water to evaporate quickly – within minutes – to avoid moisture seeping into the wood. If you see any standing water after mopping, dry it with a soft cloth.
Additionally, if your floors start to lose their lustre, it might be a sign that they need a more thorough cleaning. In that case, you can use a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors, but avoid harsh chemicals. Stick to products made for hardwood or engineered flooring to ensure you don’t damage the finish.
3. Protect Your Floors from Scratches and Sunlight
While daily cleaning is essential, you can also take a few other steps to protect your engineered hardwood floors and keep them in excellent condition. First, consider using felt pads or soft coasters under furniture legs and houseplants. These pads prevent scratches and nicks from moving furniture around or from plant pots scraping the floor’s surface.
Another tip is to protect your floors from the sun. Engineered hardwood, like solid hardwood, can fade or discolour when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Pull the blinds or curtains to shield your floors from UV damage during peak sunlight hours. This will help preserve their colour and beauty for years to come.
4. Add a Little Polish or Oil for Extra Shine
Applying a little oil or polish can make a big difference in bringing out the natural beauty of your engineered hardwood floors. Just be sure to check if your floors have a lacquered finish before you start. If they do, you’ll need to sand the veneer first. Otherwise, a bit of polish can breathe new life into dull floors and make them shine.
After cleaning, apply a small amount of wood polish and wipe it along the grain of the wood. Start with small sections to make sure the whole surface is covered evenly. Let the polish dry for about an hour before walking on it, and give it a full day before moving the furniture back.
Remember that less is more, as too much oil or polish can make your floors slippery. A light coat goes a long way, so testing a small spot first is always a good idea.
Whether you’ve just completed an engineered hardwood floor installation in Toronto or are maintaining an older floor, this approach will help keep your floors looking their best.
Quick Tips for Keeping Floors Clean
These tips will help you maintain their beauty with minimal effort:
- Sweep or dust before mopping. Removing as much dirt and debris as possible before mopping will prevent scratches and help your floors shine.
- When mopping, always follow the grain of the wood. This ensures that dirt is removed from cracks or crevices along the grain.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed and filed. This reduces the risk of scratches caused by your furry friends.
- Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home. Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid wood but still benefits from proper moisture control to avoid expansion or contraction over time.
- Be cautious with hard water. Living in an area with hard water can leave a dull film on your floors. Consider using softened water or special wood floor cleaners to keep your floors looking polished.
- Avoid placing electronics directly on the floor. The heat generated by electronics can damage the surface of your flooring over time.
By following these simple tips, you can preserve the elegance and durability of your engineered hardwood floors for years to come, all without the stress of intensive maintenance. Plus, after investing in engineered hardwood floor installation costs in Toronto, these easy maintenance practices can help protect your investment and ensure your floors remain beautiful and long-lasting.
Maintaining your engineered hardwood floors in Toronto doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can keep your floors looking beautiful for years with a simple cleaning routine and a few protective measures. Regular sweeping, mopping, and the occasional polish will help preserve their shine while protecting them from scratches and sunlight, ensuring they stay in top condition. By following these easy tips, you’ll enjoy the durability, elegance, and low-maintenance benefits that make engineered hardwood a fantastic choice for your home. If you’re looking for discounts on engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto, contact Home Care Supply for quality products.
