Laminate or Good Old Hardwood Flooring ?
Hardwood floors, old or new, can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.For example, some pre-cut hardwood floors come with an almost permanent finish and it is best not to use a floor cleaner at all. To be safe, it is always best to take your questions to the pro at the store. These good folks can provide excellent care tips and steer the less experienced homeowner away from products that can cause problems.
Many older homes were built with great hardwood floors or laminate techniques , a common practice in years when good, custom-cut hardwood was readily available. Some cleaning solutions and waxes work better than others with these floors. Again, it would be wise to consult with a home improvement/flooring expert or go to one of several Web or library sources for wood care. Some cleaners and chemical strippers will indeed clear the surface right down to the wood, but it will then be necessary to provide protection again with the right finishing product.
Keep in mind that wood is a natural product and some scratches and spots just won’t be removed by any method. Homeowners who insist on restoring older wood floors to their new state often find they create more problems and ruin some areas of the wood. It is best to do what you can, with some expert advice, then leave well enough alone. Fine, natural wood floors will take years of wear, but will not stand up to abuse from uninformed cleaning and refinishing. Whether the floors or old, treasured and original, or new and shining, the right maintenance and cleaning will help the floor provide a lifetime of enjoyment and family use.
