The Janka hardness test measures the ability of a wood species to withstand damage and degradation. The species' at the top of the list are harder and more durable.

• All Hardwood Floors regardless of how the floor has been finished, there are certain steps that must be taken to maintain the beauty of the hardwood floor.
• Every floor must be dust mopped, vacuumed or swept with a soft bristle broom daily, or as often as necessary, to remove grit and dust from the surface. Walking on dusty or dirty floor is the fastest way to damage a finish.
• Place walk-off mats at all exterior entrances. This will capture much of the harmful dirt before it even reaches the hardwood floor. Shake out, wash or vacuum mats and area rugs frequently.
  
• Floor protector pads of soft felt or similar material should be placed on the bottoms of the legs of the furniture. Floor protectors must be kept clean of grit and periodically replaced.
  
• Keep high heels in good repairs. An unprotected tip will dent any hardwood floor.
• Kitchen floors experience the most traffic in a home. To prevent premature wear of the floor, place an area rug in front of the sink and stove area. Shake out or vacuum the rugs frequently.

• Urethane Finishes Routine Cleaning - Use the finish manufacturer's or the pre-finished floor manufacturer's recommended cleaning system. If the manufacturer is not known or has no recommendation, use a cleaner that will not leave a residue that would inhibit bonding and recoating. NEVER wax a urethane finish. Do not generally wet a wood floor with water. When using any wood floor cleaner which requires mixing with water, follow mixing directions precisely. A cloth wetted with water and squeezed dry may be used to wipe up food stuffs and other spills, provided the area is buffed dry immediately. Heel or scuff marks and stubborn stains may be removed by lightly rubbing with a cloth and a wood floor cleaner.



•  Long-term Maintenance - Urethane finishes eventually will show wear patterns from surface scratching. When high traffic area begin to look dull it is time to recoat or restore the finish. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

1. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations (when known) for the proper care of a wood floor.
2. Know the type of finish on the wood floor. Follow the proper maintenance procedures for the particular finish.
3. Never wax a urethane floor. A majority of floors installed today have urethane finishes.
4. Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly. The only remedy in this situation is to sand and refinish the floor.
5. Consult with an installer, the finisher or the manufacturer if there is any doubt of the kind of floor finish.
6. Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
7. Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly.
8. Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
9. Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel (wipe dry).
10. For a wax floor, buff to restore shine. You may want to invest in a buffer.
11. Do not over-wax a wax floor. If the floor dulls, try buffing instead. Avoid wax buildup under furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session.
12. Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
13. Remember: cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
14. When moving heavy furniture, protect wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg with a heavy sock or half of a milk carton.
15. For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch sink splashes and cut down on wear.