Many homeowners do not know what their Hardwood flooring floors can handle or what to be aware of. Here are the 12 Do Nots of Hardwood Flooring

1. Do not use wood to floor a doggy dare care. Large dogs can scratch the floor.

2. Do not order the exact amount of square footage needed to complete a room. When laying wood floorng, you should order at least 10% more to account for installation waste and errors.

3. Do not install your wood floor the same day it is delivered. Wood needs 2-4 days to acclimate to your home's envorinment first, to prevent future damage or warping.

4. Do not store your flooring in a garage. The garage can change in moisture, and temperature levels very rapidly. Moisture is the number one factor that can damage the flooring.

5. Do not install the flooring one box at a time. Wood can vary in color from carton to carton, so it is best to use 3 or 4 different cartons at a time to help you make the floor look naturally beautiful.

6. Do not install the wood directly against the wall. When installing, there should be a 1/8-1/2 inch gap between the wall and the boards to allow for the floor to expand and contract - which it will do - without warping.

7. Do not use extra sealant on the top of your flooring. Sealants void the warranty and can often cause more damage than benefit. If you remove spills quickly the wood will maintain its beauty. 

8. Do not put furniture directly on the floor. Using some type of padding, like felt, under your furniture will keep the flooring looking new and prevent scratching.

9. Do not walk on any hardwood floor with high heels or cleats. Sharp objects can (we almost want to say will) scratch or dent the wood.

10. Do not clean wood flooring with a mop and water. This much water will actually cause the wood to warp, or damage the finish of the wood over time. Once the tree has been cut down, wood and water are not friends. 

11. Do not clean with harsh chemicals. Wood can take a beating, but using chemical like ammonia will cause the finish to deteriorate.

12. Do not use it as firewood. Ok, yes, you can indeed do this. But it's not good for your wallet.

Do you have any other tips?

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