Hardwood Floors: Guidelines for Kids

Many hardwood floor types have a classic appearance and with proper maintenance can stand up to kid wear and tear. When looking for hardwood flooring, make sure you choose one of the harder types. The hardness of wood flooring is measured by the Janka Scale which ranges from 0–4000 (0 being softest – 4000 being hardest). While harder hardwood flooring doesn't necessarily mean less chance of scratching, it tends to be a good indication of its ability to withstand everyday wear.

Pros

• Depending on its thickness, some solid and engineered hardwood floors can be refinished several times, which can help remove and repair scratches and stains
• Very durable when given a hard urethane finish (a protective coating)
• Some hardwood flooring finishes emits very few fumes

Cons

• Can be scratched by toys, etc.
• Pooled liquids can cause damage
• Hardwood flooring can be uncomfortable for kids to play on
• Hardwood flooring can be slippery
• Hardwood floor strips or planks tend to move with changes in humidity

Kid–Safe Flooring Tips for Hardwood Floors

• Clean up spills, dirt and debris immediately
• Protect the subfloor with a moisture barrier or underlayment such as cork or foam rubber
• Place non–slip rugs or mats in high–traffic areas where kids run or visit
• Select a more textured hardwood surface to help minimize slippage
• Choose a wood type that has a high Janka rating*

*Janka rating indicates the hardness of a particular wood floor. The higher the rating, the harder the floor.