Scuffs on the hardwood? 4 ways to prevent against heavy foot traffic

Hardwood flooring adds value to any home. It gives a beautiful, classic look that will never go out of style. However, such classic beauty does come with its downsides. The biggest downside of owning hardwood floors is that they do tend to show wear-and-tear very quickly if they are not well maintained. If you’re struggling with the upkeep of your floors, there’s no need to worry. We’ve assembled four tricks that will help protect your floors from heavy foot traffic and other ways your floor might get damaged.

Take Your Shoes Off!

One of the easiest ways to protect your floors from foot traffic is to take your shoes off before entering the house. Shoes drag in dirt and other debris from the outside that makes it easier for your floors to get scuffed up over the years. Socks or bare feet will prevent this from happening and you will be shocked by the difference shoeless entry will make for your flooring. However, socks and hardwood floors can be a dangerous combination, so don’t be careful when going up and down stairs.

Buy Entry Mats for Your Doors

Entry mats are designed to keep the outside, outside. Having entry mats on the inside and outside of your entrances will help keep water from getting too far into your home, thus it will prevent your floors from suffering from water damage.

Clean Your Floors Regularly

The amount of time you spend cleaning your hardwood floors will vary on how many people come in and out of your house. Cleaning your floors will prevent dirt and grime from building up. Too much dirt building up can make it easier for your floors to start scratching even from moderate foot traffic.

Put Padding on the Bottom of Your Furniture

Taking your shoes off and cleaning your floors can only do so much if your floor isn’t protected from your furniture. Luckily, companies make three different types of padding to put on the legs of your furniture to prevent them from scratching the floor.

Nail-on Pads

Nail on pads are pads that you nail to the bottom of your furniture. While they may be a sturdy option that will last for years if tacked on properly. But, if you aren’t careful with their installation, you’ll end up with exposed nails or screws, which will then lead to scratches on your floor.

Self-Adhesive Pads

Self-Adhesive pads are the easiest to find because they’re available in almost every store. They’re good if you’re looking for a temporary fix, but they aren’t designed to be a permanent solution and will fall off after several months of use.

Slip on Pads

Slip on Pads are your best choice if you’re looking for padding that will last you for years without the risk of exposed nails. They are made to slide over the feet of your chairs.

Protecting your hardwood floors from wear-and-tear is the only way to guarantee a long life–for your floor. Following this four tricks to protect your floor will save you from costly repairs in the future and keep it looking new for years to come.