MAINTENANCE & CARE

When you bring something beautiful into your home, it’s almost as if you want to freeze it in time so it will always be as beautiful as the day you bought it. That is one of the best things about Northern Michigan Hardwood’s plank flooring. You can maintain that beauty and even renew it occasionally, so you can enjoy it for generations to come.

Wood is “hygroscopic” meaning it will absorb moisture during periods of high humidity and it will release moisture during periods of low humidity.  When moisture is high, the wood will swell causing the boards to expand. When the air is dry, the wood will shrink causing cracks to open up in the floor. Cracks are normal and will appear and disappear between floor boards during seasons of high and low humidity. For best results keep the relative humidity in the home between 40 - 50% year round.

Wood is a natural resource - no two planks will be identical. Variations in appearance are completely normal. As your floor ages, some color changes can occur. This is normal, but can be minimized by limiting exposure to direct sunlight and periodically moving furniture and rugs. Wood floors will also show signs of wear over time. Put felt pads on the bottom of any furniture to minimize scratches and dents. Place rugs at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs which can discolor your floor. Avoid walking on your floors with cleats or high heels. By taking these precautions your wood floor will stay looking beautiful for generations.