How to Protect Your Engineered Wood Flooring from Heavy Furniture
Engineered wood flooring brings warmth, elegance, and durability to any home. However, heavy furniture can potentially damage even the most resilient flooring if proper precautions aren't taken. At Advantage Flooring, we want to help you maintain the beauty of your engineered hardwood flooring for years to come with these practical protection strategies.\
Understanding the structure of engineered wood flooring
Before diving into protection methods, it's important to understand what makes engineered wood flooring different. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring consists of multiple layers - a high-quality wood veneer surface bonded to several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This construction gives engineered oak flooring exceptional stability and resistance to humidity changes, but it still requires protection from heavy furniture.\
Effective ways to protect your floors
Use appropriate furniture pads
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your engineered hardwood flooring is by installing furniture pads under all heavy items. These pads come in various materials:
- Felt pads: Excellent for frequently moved items like dining chairs
- Rubber pads: Ideal for heavier furniture that stays in place
- Plastic or nylon gliders: Perfect for furniture on carpeted areas that occasionally moves to hardwood
Remember to check and replace these pads regularly as they can wear down over time, especially on frequently moved pieces.\
Distribute weight evenly
Large furniture pieces with concentrated weight, such as entertainment centers or bookcases, can create pressure points on your engineered oak flooring. Consider using furniture coasters or floor protectors designed to distribute weight more evenly. For extremely heavy items, flat furniture cups can spread the weight across a larger surface area.\
Implement proper moving techniques
When rearranging your space, never drag furniture across your engineered hardwood flooring. Even with protective pads, dragging can cause scratches or gouges. Instead:
- Use furniture sliders designed for hardwood surfaces
- Lift furniture completely when possible
- Get help for moving heavier pieces
- Consider using a rolling platform for extremely heavy items
Consider area rugs in high-traffic zones
Strategic placement of area rugs can provide additional protection for your engineered hardwood flooring, especially in high-traffic areas or under dining tables where chairs frequently move. Be sure to use rug pads designed for hardwood floors to prevent discoloration and ensure proper airflow beneath the rug.\
Maintenance practices that extend floor life
Protection goes beyond just furniture considerations. Regular maintenance of your engineered oak flooring helps maintain its resilience:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit from scratching the surface
- Clean spills immediately to prevent moisture damage
- Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products
- Maintain optimal indoor humidity levels (35-55%)
Addressing existing damage
If your engineered hardwood flooring already shows signs of furniture damage, don't despair. Minor dents can often be addressed with wood filler products matched to your floor color. Deeper gouges might require professional attention, which brings us to our services.
Don't wait until damage occurs! Let our experts help you select and maintain the perfect engineered hardwood flooring for your home.
Advantage Flooring proudly serves Ottawa, Manotick, Nepean, Kanata, and Orleans, ON with our convenient shop-at-home service. Schedule your free consultation today and let us bring our showroom to you, or visit our Ottawa appointment-only showroom to explore our extensive selection of engineered oak flooring options. Contact us at (613) 604-0489 or visit our website to learn more about protecting your investment in beautiful floors.