Here’s How You Can Prevent Fading To Help Your Hardwood Floors Stand The Test Of Time
Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after home features. With a wide range of patterns, colors, and wood species to choose from, hardwood can be matched to practically any style or aesthetic.
Plus, it can be much easier to clean up messes and spills from wood than carpets.
Despite these upsides, though, hardwood can still fade in the long run, causing your flooring to appear aged or worn.
But don’t fear because there are some simple ways you can protect your hardwood and help it stand the test of time.
Why Wood Floors Fade In The First Place
Do you have a bunch of large windows in your home that brighten up your living space? While so much natural light is usually a large selling point for buyers and renters alike, direct sunlight is also the top reason why wood floors fade.
Too much exposure to ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light can result in color deterioration.
Additionally, discoloration and fading may be caused by various forms of moisture, whether there’s long-term high humidity in your home or leaks and flooding. Wood flooring typically has protective seals that are meant to ward off damage. But sealants can fade, particularly in areas that witness a lot of foot traffic.
Speaking of foot traffic, dirt, dust, and other debris may impact your floor’s appearance, too. Primarily, it could wear down the wood’s sealant and result in quickened fading.
bmak – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only – pictured above is a kitchen with a dark hardwood floor
Or, if your floor isn’t resealed on a regular basis, the original sealant will eventually wear down, exposing the actual wood. At this point, your flooring becomes more susceptible to damage from stains, sunlight, and moisture.
Last but not least is simply age. Despite keeping up with maintenance, wood flooring may fade the older it gets (and the more foot traffic it sees). How quickly your floor loses its luster will depend on how often people walk through certain areas of your home, as well as the kind of regular maintenance it’s been getting.
How To Keep Hardwood From Falling Victim To Fading
Since sunlight is such a common cause of fading, you’ll want to start by assessing the layout of your living space. You can move furniture and area rugs around, positioning them to protect your hardwood from direct sunlight shining through your windows.
On the flip side, closing your blinds or curtains during the day is a simple solution. Or, if you prefer to keep your home full of natural light, you can install window film that blocks ultraviolet light, which is the biggest contributor to fading.
Making sure your floor is clean and dry will ward off damage to the sealant and actual wood as well. Have a broom handy and sweep once a day to remove dust, dirt, and grit that could wear down your hardwood. Mopping every week or two is also ideal, depending on how highly trafficked certain areas are.
Similarly, always clean up any spills or leaks as soon as they happen because moisture may result in warping, swelling, or discoloration.
When it comes to humidity, keep in mind that wood flooring is designed for levels between 30% and 60%. Anything higher may lead to warping and discoloration, and lower humidity could cause your floors to crack.
Humidifiers will be your best friend if you’re battling low humidity, while dehumidifiers can help you manage high humidity.
Finally, wood floors should be resealed as needed, but every two to three years is a safe timeline. Flooring that’s already begun fading can be refinished, coated with a new stain, and resealed using a sealant that’s resistant to ultraviolet light and moisture.
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