Good Advise: Hard Wood Floor Purchasing Made Easy Using 3 Simple Guidelines

(Use these guidelines for any home improvement purchase you make in your home)

Wood floors are some of the nicest and long lasting floors you can install in your home. They create a warm living environment and are easily cared for in most cases. Follow these simple steps to selecting a wood floor that you will enjoy problem free for years to come.

Step 1. Find a wood you like: When selecting the type of wood to install the first objective is to find a wood you like. This is the easy, fun part of picking out wood floors. Visit your local wood floor installer and see what kind of wood samples they have to offer. Be sure to visit a few installers and really check out your options.

Step 2. Consider the cost: Cost is a major factor in narrowing down your choices. If the type of floor you are considering does not fit within your allowable budget, you can eliminate them form your list of desired choices.

Step 3. Determine how easy the flooring you have selected is to clean and maintain: This final step is the single most overlooked step most homeowners take when picking out new appliances, fixtures, furniture and finishes for their home. Yet it is one of the most important steps you can take in selecting quality purchases for your home.

There are several things you can do to find out if the flooring you are selecting is going to stand the test of time. If you have a cleaning service, chances are that they have seen and cleaned that type of floor already many times before. Ask them about your selections, show them your samples. Find out if they have had any major problems with the upkeep of the type of floor you are considering. You are already paying them for their services, let their unbiased expertise help you in making your final decision. I mean....who in the world wants to be stuck with a floor that is known to have problems with maintenance?! NOTE: Always ask professionals, they will have valuable advise and oftentimes it's free!

Another factor you most definitely want to consider is the manufacturers instructions for cleaning. Only the manufacturer will know how many people are trying to return the item and get a refund. Do ask for manufacturers instructions for properly maintaining the floors you are considering BEFORE you make your purchase. Many homeowners ask this question after they have already purchased and installed the floor. You always want to know in advance of any potential problems with cleaning and maintaining your product selection in advance of installing the product, not after the fact. If the instructions the manufacturer gives for cleaning their wood floors involve only one option (i.e. the manufacturers product and PLEASE DON'T USE ANYTHING ELSE OR IT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY!), buyer beware!

On the other hand if they do not sound particularly concerned, and give you several options, including ways to clean them that don't include further purchases from their company, it's a much safer bet. One of the reasons they are not concerned is probably because they have had no major complaints about the upkeep and longevity of the wood floors that you are selecting

It is most unfortunate when we see our customers select wood floors that we know many people have had problems with in the past and have had to replace because they just are not made to be cleaned. They do not hold up well (if at all!) through cleaning. Any wood or appliance that requires strict manufacturers cleaning instructions (especially if the instructions limit your choice of products down to a dry rag or only one product that the manufacturer produces themselves) should be avoided. Everything in your home needs to be cleaned from time to time. Especially floors were dirt, dust, the oils from the bottom of your feet, pet hair and so forth, can accumulate. It's best not to let sales people of these products persuade you that floors don't really need to be cleaned. And you will be surprised at how many manufacturers suggest just that! It has been our experience that any product that come with such strict instruction for cleaning are often soon discontinued. And with good reason! The manufacturer is getting tired of having to replace these items!

But don't let all this scare you! Wood is really an excellent choice for floors and are very beautiful and long lasting in most cases. Normal comments about the care of wood floors should be "Don't use to much water", "Vinegar and water are fine" (however we don't recommend the use of vinegar to clean wood flooring) also if they suggest a product that they sell but do not LIMIT you to the use of that product are all normal and reasonable manufacturers suggestions.