How to Prep For Flooring Installation!

Hardwood floors are a timeless investment that brings warmth, beauty, and value to any home or business. But to keep them looking their best for decades, proper care and maintenance are essential. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we understand the pride you take in your floors—and we’re here to help you protect them. Here’s your ultimate guide to caring for hardwood floors, packed with expert tips to preserve their natural beauty and durability. Why Proper Hardwood Floor Care Matters Hardwood floors are durable, but they aren't invincible. Everyday wear and tear, moisture, dirt, and even sunlight can take a toll over time. Regular care and preventive maintenance not only enhance your floors’ appearance but also extend their lifespan, helping you avoid costly repairs or premature replacements. Daily and Weekly Care Tips A consistent cleaning routine goes a long way toward keeping your hardwood floors in top shape. 1. Sweep or Dust Daily Use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and grit. These tiny particles can act like sandpaper and scratch your floor's finish if left unchecked. 2. Vacuum Weekly Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces (without a beater bar) once or twice a week. Vacuuming pulls up fine debris from cracks and seams that sweeping might miss. 3. Mop Carefully While hardwood floors need occasional mopping, too much water is their enemy. Lightly dampen a microfiber mop with a hardwood floor cleaner—never use a soaking wet mop or steam mop, as excess moisture can cause warping. Protective Measures to Keep Floors Beautiful Taking proactive steps can prevent a lot of common hardwood flooring problems. 1. Use Floor Mats and Rugs Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture. Area rugs in high-traffic zones protect floors while adding style. (Just be sure the rugs have non-slip pads that won’t discolor your floor.) 2. Protect Against Furniture Scratches Attach felt pads to the bottom of chairs, tables, and sofas. When moving furniture, lift instead of dragging to prevent gouges. 3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Climate Hardwood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes. Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% year-round to minimize gaps and cracks. 4. Minimize Sun Exposure Over time, UV rays can fade or darken hardwood. Use blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering window films to protect your floors from direct sunlight. What to Avoid When Caring for Hardwood Floors Even well-intentioned cleaning efforts can damage hardwood if you're not careful. Avoid: Harsh chemicals like ammonia or vinegar Wax or oil-based soaps unless recommended Wet mops or steam cleaners High heels or cleats that can dent the floor Deep Cleaning and Professional Care In addition to regular upkeep, professional deep cleaning is key to maintaining your floors' luster. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we recommend: Deep cleaning once or twice a year to remove embedded dirt and rejuvenate the finish Recoating your floors every few years to restore shine without full sanding Full refinishing only when necessary (like if the wear layer is significantly damaged) A professional assessment can determine the best course of action to keep your hardwood floors looking brand new. Trust Baldwin Family Flooring for Your Hardwood Needs From installation to maintenance advice, Baldwin Family Flooring is your trusted partner for all things hardwood. Our team of experts is here to help you get the most out of your investment—because beautiful floors deserve expert care. Contact us today to learn more about hardwood floor care services, refinishing options, or to schedule your free consultation!

When it comes to home renovations, choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not only does flooring affect the look and feel of your home, but it also impacts durability, maintenance, and overall value. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners in Franklin, TN, and surrounding areas find the perfect flooring for their lifestyle and budget. Consider Your Lifestyle Needs Different households have different flooring needs. If you have children or pets, durability should be a priority. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), tile, and engineered hardwood are excellent options for busy homes because they resist scratches, moisture, and everyday wear and tear. For a more comfortable feel in bedrooms or family rooms, carpet flooring is a great choice for added warmth and noise reduction. Prioritize Maintenance & Longevity Some flooring materials require more maintenance than others. Hardwood flooring adds timeless beauty but may need refinishing over time, while laminate flooring and LVP offer a durable and low-maintenance alternative. If you want something truly hassle-free, tile flooring is one of the most durable and easy-to-clean options available. Budget Considerations Flooring costs can vary significantly based on material and installation. Carpet and laminate flooring are typically more affordable, while solid hardwood and natural stone tile are premium options. However, Baldwin Family Flooring offers high-quality, budget-friendly solutions so that you can get the best flooring without breaking the bank. The Right Flooring for Each Room Each area of your home serves a different purpose, and the flooring should match that functionality: Kitchen & Bathrooms – Waterproof options like LVP, tile, or waterproof laminate Living Room & Hallways – Durable, stylish options like hardwood or LVP Bedrooms & Playrooms – Soft, cozy choices like carpet Basements – Moisture-resistant options like LVP or tile Professional Installation in Franklin, TN The best flooring in the world won’t look great if it’s not properly installed. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we provide expert flooring installation services in Franklin, TN, ensuring your new floors are installed with precision and care. Contact Baldwin Family Flooring today for a free consultation and expert advice on finding the perfect flooring for your home!