How to Avoid Marking your Wood Floors

The species of wood used to make wood floors offer a high level of compression resistance. However, if the pressure exerted on a wood floor is greater than its compression resistance, marking will result. Pressure is determined by an object’s weight and the surface in contact with the floor. The smaller the contact surface for an equivalent weight, the greater the pressure.

Warning

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes on hardwood floors as they can mark the surface. Heel surfaces are so small that the pressure exerted can easily reach 3,500 pounds per square inch. Worn or broken heels can mark flooring even more. Avoid walking on flooring in footwear with cleats or metal-tipped soles.

Recommendations

Glue felt pads to the legs of furniture and chairs to avoid scratching flooring when objects are moved. Periodically examine the pads for wear and replace them when needed.

Avoid rolling chairs with casters on the finished surface. Put them on rugs or Plexiglas chair mats. Place floor protectors under narrow casters, or replace them with wide rubber or flexible polyurethane casters. Regularly trim your pet’s claws to prevent scratches and indentations.

Do not drag furniture or heavy objects across the finished surface. Lift any furniture to be moved or place it on a piece of plywood (to distribute the load) laid on a blanket in order to slide it along the floor.