Keep the hardwood floors in your home looking pristine for years.

Unfortunately, wood floors can fade over time, causing the wood surface to look aged and worn.

What Causes Wood Floors to Fade?

White kitchen with wood flooring

Credit:Adam Albright

Direct Sunlight

Sunlight is one of the most common reasons for wood floors to fade.

Moisture

Moisture is another cause of fading and discoloration.

This can be due to small spills, leaks, flooding, or long-term exposure tohigh levels of humidity.

Once the wood is exposed, it is more vulnerable to sunlight, moisture, and stains.

Unfortunately, entering the home with a slurry ofice and salt on your bootscan damage the wood floors.

Age

The older a floor gets, the more likely you will see the wood fading.

Even with proper care and regular maintenance, floors gradually wear out with continued use.

How to Prevent Wood Floors from Fading

1.

UV radiation has a consistent damaging effect on wood, causing discoloration and fading.

Remain consistent with wood floor maintenance to keep the floor in good condition as long as possible.

This basic maintenance task protects the sealant and underlying wood floor from physical damage.

Thats why it’s necessary to take care of moisture-related issues as soon as they occur.

Protect the Wood Floor with Area Rugs or Mats

Area rugs and mats protect wood floors.

The padded surface blocks UV radiation and reduces the wear and tear the floor normally receives through regular use.

Additionally, its necessary to rotate the position of the rugs to equalize the UV exposure.

If the humidity indoors is too high, it can cause wood discoloration, warping, and buckling.

Similarly, if the indoor humidity is too low, the wood floors can crack and dry out.

Some dark woods may turn darker instead of getting lighter over time.

Foot Traffic

Wear and tear affect the condition of a wood floor.