Engineered wood flooring offers the beauty and warmth of hardwood with added durability. However, heavy furniture can pose a threat, causing scratches, dents, and even permanent damage. Fortunately, proactive measures can safeguard your investment and ensure your floors look pristine for years to come.
Why homeowners should be careful when moving heavy furniture across their flooring
Heavy furniture exerts concentrated pressure on a small area of your engineered wood floor. This can lead to:
- Scratches and Gouges: The legs of heavy furniture can easily scratch or gouge the surface of your floor, especially if they are rough or have sharp edges.
- Dents and Impressions: Over time, the weight of heavy furniture can create permanent indentations or impressions in the wood.
- Splitting or Cracking: In extreme cases, heavy furniture can even cause the planks to split or crack, especially if the subfloor is uneven or the wood is dry.
Practive hardwood floor protection strategies
Use furniture pads
This is the simplest and most effective way to protect your floors. Place felt pads, rubber pads, or self-adhesive pads on the bottom of furniture legs. These pads create a barrier, preventing direct contact between the leg and the floor. Choose pads that are thick enough to provide adequate cushioning for the weight of the furniture. Regularly check and replace worn-out pads to ensure continuous protection.
Lift, don’t drag
When moving heavy furniture, always lift it instead of dragging it across the floor. Dragging can cause deep scratches that are difficult to repair. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to lift heavy pieces, or use furniture sliders designed for hardwood floors.
Use area rugs & runners
Strategically placed area rugs and runners can provide an additional layer of protection in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture pieces like sofas, dining tables, or pianos. Choose rugs with a non-slip backing to prevent them from sliding and potentially causing more damage.
Check your furniture’s wheels and casters
If your furniture has casters or wheels, ensure they are made from soft materials like rubber or nylon that won't scratch your floors. Regularly clean the casters to prevent dirt and debris buildup that can cause scratches.
Maintain proper humidity levels
Engineered wood flooring is sensitive to fluctuations in humidity. Dry conditions can cause the wood to shrink and become more prone to cracking, while excessive moisture can cause it to expand and buckle. Use a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer to maintain a relative humidity level of 40-60%.
Additional Tips
- Trim Pet Nails: Keep your pet's nails trimmed to minimize the risk of scratches.
- Clean Up Spills Promptly: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent moisture damage.
- Avoid High Heels: High heels can easily dent and damage wood floors.
Preserve the beauty of your engineered hardwood floors
By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your engineered wood flooring from heavy furniture and ensure it remains beautiful for many years. Regular maintenance and proactive protection strategies will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your floors looking their best.
Contact Couch Potato Carpet & Flooring in Hummelstown or Goldsboro, PA. With over 30 years of experience, we can help you select the perfect hardwood flooring in Harrisburg, PA for your home and provide expert guidance on care and maintenance. We proudly serve the areas of Harrisburg, York, Carlisle, Hershey, and Lancaster, PA.
