Hardwood floors aren’t cheap, and they last a lifetime. But, as solid as your hardwood floors may feel, being flooded with sunlight for years on end can start to wear on your floors. If you have hardwood floors, you need to take steps to prevent your floors from fading in the sun.
Blocking out the sun
The last thing you want to do is to block out the sun. A home becomes warm, bright, and welcoming when you let the sunshine in. When we buy a home, the amount of natural sunlight is a big selling point. But, when it comes to wood floors, the sun can do quite a bit of damage over time. You need to find the right balance between letting the sun shine through and protecting your floors from damage.
Prevent fading
Over-exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discoloration. Over time, your floors may even start to warp due to too much sun. Wood is a living organism, and it will react to varying temperatures. Too much direct sunlight can cause too much heat, dry out your wood and cause the floors to shrink and warp. Sunlight can also cause the wood and the finish to fade and discolor.
Shade
What you need is to provide a bit of shade and protection from the sun. With light drapes, you can block out a bit of the sun, but still allowing the light to fill your home. Drapes and shades are like sunblock for your floors.
Switch it up
You can also create shade with furniture and plants. But, make sure you switch the furniture around from time to time. If the same spot of floor is always getting all of the sunlight, that spot will warp and fade, leaving your floors spotty and unevenly colored. By moving things around, you not only revitalize your home with a new design, but you can protect your floors from fading.
T&G Flooring is one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in Colorado. For inspiration or a free consultation with a hardwood flooring expert, visit our showrooms in Denver and Evergreen.
