Got kids? How to protect your timber floors from toddler damage

23 October 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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Kids brighten up any home, but they also come with lots of responsibility. After spending time changing diapers, picking up toys and preparing meals, you also shouldn't forget about your floors. Timber floors are warm, safe, and durable choices for your home. They're one of the best types of floors for kids because children can play around with a low risk of getting injured. And while timber is safe for children, children can cause damage to your floors if you don't practice proper maintenance. Here are some useful ideas for taking care of your timber flooring.   

1.    Install the correct grade of wood

Keeping your floors safe from child damage starts during the installation process. Consider timber grades that are durable in terms of chips, cracks and weight. Because toddlers are bound to scrape, write and jump all over your floors, a high grade of timber will be able to withstand punishment and still appear clean and authentic. A timber flooring contractor can help you explore available grades so you can make the best option for your home.

2.    Have them sealed

Sealing your timber floors is a must if you have young kids. A quality sealant will protect the actual wooden surface from daily wear and tear while giving off a characteristic shine. Sealed floors are also much easier to clean. After a long day of use, you can simply dust or mop the floors within a short period.

3.    Clean them regularly

Speaking of cleaning, you shouldn't neglect cleaning and sanitising your timber floors on a regular basis. Some grades of wood (especially darker grades) do an excellent job of disguising dirt. This means that they can be heavily used by kids and not give off an unattractive appearance.

However, failing to clean your floors for extended periods may cause them to chip and crack. Pebbles and dust can accumulate over time, making it easier for your kids to scratch the floors with their toys or while playing on the floor. Sanitising your floors will also keep your kids safer at home.

4.    Don't delay repairs

If your timber floors get scratched/chipped, you should prioritise having them repaired as soon as possible. A small chip on these floors can be made worse by innocent children as they play. Furthermore, chips with sharp edges can hurt your kids. Inspect your floors regularly to catch such issues before they get worse.  

5.    Make polishing a priority

Finally. Don't forget to polish your floors as necessary. Polishing will eliminate scratches that can gradually turn into chips and cracks.