Hardwood Care & Maintenance

Your hardwood floors are an investment in beauty, comfort, and long‑lasting style. With the right care, they’ll stay stunning for decades. Use these simple guidelines to protect your finish, prevent damage, and keep your floors looking their best year‑round.

After Your Floors Are Newly Finished

Give your floors time to cure properly so the finish can harden and perform the way it should.

• Walk lightly: Wait at least 8 hours before walking on your floors in socks, and 24 hours before wearing shoes. (Timing may vary by finish—check with our team if you’re unsure.)
• Furniture & pets: Allow 48 hours before placing furniture or letting pets back on the surface.
• Avoid water: Keep all moisture off the floors for one full week.
• Rugs & runners: Wait 1–2 weeks before placing area rugs so the finish can fully cure.
• Humidity matters: Maintain indoor humidity between 35–50% to help minimize seasonal gaps and protect the wood.
• Refresh the finish: Plan to have high‑traffic areas buffed and recoated every 2–3 years, and lower‑traffic areas every 3–5 years.

Preventative Maintenance

A few small habits make a big difference in protecting your hardwood.

• Add furniture pads: Protect your floors with Woodstock Floor Protectors, available in store. Clean and replace them regularly so debris doesn’t scratch the floor.
• Use walk‑off mats: Place dirt‑trapping mats at every exterior door to reduce grit, sand, and moisture.
• Choose the right casters: Barrel‑type rubber casters are best. Avoid plastic or ball casters, which can dent or damage wood.
• Wipe spills quickly: Clean up any moisture right away with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Watch your heels: High heels in poor repair can dent any hardwood surface—keep heel caps in good condition.