Timber flooring is very durable and should last for years, if not decades, before any slats need replacing. However, the way you care for your floors over those years will greatly affect their overall appearance and their durability. To ensure your timber floors stay in good condition, note a few maintenance tips you'll want to remember and ensure you keep up on following your timber floor installation.

Know how it's covered

Some timber floors are covered with a wax coating, and others are covered with a polyurethane. A waxed floor needs a cleanser that will lift dirt and then also add a fresh layer of wax over the cleaned area, to ensure there are no bare or exposed areas of the timber. A polyurethane coating can be cleaned with vinegar and water, but avoid adding a wax coating to these floors, as the wax may not settle properly against the polyurethane. This can lead to a waxy feeling on the floors and can also allow that wax to capture dirt and dust.

Control humidity

Timber floors will absorb humidity and then expand and shrink, so it's good to control the amount of humidity in a room with timber floors. During the summer, unless you live in a dry, desert area, use a dehumidifier in your home. Be sure you have proper ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom, and any room where steam and humidity are created, so that this moisture doesn't settle onto the timber floors. Avoid cleaning the floors with a damp mop, but use a dust mop to remove dust and other debris and to add a slight shine to the floors.

It's also vital that you clean up water spills from your timber floors as quickly as possible, so that the wood doesn't absorb that moisture. If a liquid has been absorbed and has stained the timber, have that area sanded down and recoated as needed.

Avoid scratches

Scratches, nicks, chips, dents and dings to a timber floor aren't just unsightly; this damage can allow dirt and dust, as well as added humidity, to settle into the timber itself. Avoid cleaning the timber with rough brushes or a vacuum with a beater bar, and use only the soft dust mop mentioned above. If there is built-up dust or dirt that doesn't come clean with a dust mop, have the floor refinished. Avoid area rugs with a rough backing, and remove your shoes when walking on timber floors; wear socks, slippers or soft-soled shoes that won't scratch the timber.