Wood & The Home Environment

Sunlight and UV Sensitivity

As your wood floors age, some color changes will occur, especially with exotic woods. This photosensitivity is normal but can be minimized by limiting exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays. UV protection for windows can be extremely effective in slowing down the adverse effects of natural light and can block up to 99% of UV light. Periodically moving furniture and rugs is another great tip that will help the floor age more uniformly.

Indoor Humidity

Wood moisture content constantly changes to stay in equilibrium with the relative air humidity indoors. In winter months when the heating gets turned on, air humidity drops which usually will lead to wood shrinkage. Gaps that appear as result are normal, and will usually disappear again in summertime. To minimize the gaps and floor movement, we recommend getting a whole-house humidifier and keeping the humidity at 35%-40%. As the floor moves and adjusts between different seasons, some permanent gaps may appear. And the easiest way to treat them is to use colored wood putty sold at most big box stores. But, we only recommend filling gaps in the summer months.