Keep Hardwood Floors Looking Nice By Incorporating A Simple Annual Routine

You know those sunny spots on the floor that your pet loves to nap in? The same sunlight that keeps your bestie warm has an effect on hardwood floors over time. To prevent your floors from developing unsightly "tan lines," incorporate an annual rearrangement of furniture into your routine, so no one spot is exposed to sunlight for too long.

Just like humans get tan in the sun, the UV rays in sunlight cause wood to either fade or darken, depending on the hardwood floor color and type. For example, maple and oak floors tend to get lighter, while cherry gets darker. The finishes on the floor can react to sunlight as well.

These color changes are natural and not inherently bad. But they tend to occur unevenly, because only certain parts of the floor are exposed to sunlight while others are hidden by furniture or rugs — hence the tan lines. Once the floors have changed color, they can't be fixed without sanding and refinishing. So the best method is prevention. By regularly rearranging your furniture, the color changes will be more even and subtle, making them less noticeable overall.

Rearrange your furniture at least once per year to prevent stark, unevenly faded or darkened spots on your hardwood floor. If possible, aim for new arrangements that allow different parts of the floor to see the sun each time. Remember that the rearrangement process can itself damage the wood without proper caution. To protect your floors when moving furniture, carry items rather than dragging them and use sliders if needed. You can further prevent your hardwood floors from fading over time by using area rugs and rearranging them at the same time.

Additionally, you can protect your floors by minimizing the amount of direct sunlight that hits them. Use curtains or blinds, and consider installing a UV-protective film on the windows. Add extra shade, if needed, by installing awnings on the outside of your windows or adding trees or shrubs. There are also sun-resistant wood sealants available to help block UV damage and pigmented tints to make fading less noticeable. Avoid harsh cleaning products like bleach, which can accelerate fading by eroding the wood or finish.