Summer-Proof Your Floors: Smart Maintenance Tips for Hardwood in Bluffton, SC

Summer in Bluffton means more time barefoot indoors, sandy feet from beach trips, and maybe even a few popsicle drips along the way. If you’ve invested in hardwood flooring, summer is the perfect season to give your floors a little extra attention. A few small habits can go a long way in keeping your floors looking their best, not just through the warm weather, but for years to come.

Here are simple, effective maintenance tips to protect your hardwood flooring this summer.

Use Floor Mats at Every Entry Point

Tracking in grit, sand, and fine debris is a common problem in summer months. Even if you don’t live right on the coast, it’s easy to bring in tiny particles that act like sandpaper on hardwood.

Place mats outside and inside all entry doors.
Use boot trays or small rugs in mudrooms or laundry areas.
Ask guests and kids to remove their shoes indoors.

By stopping debris at the door, you avoid unnecessary scratches and scuffs.

Stick to a Soft-Cleaning Routine

It’s tempting to reach for all-purpose cleaners or overdo it with water-based mopping. But hardwood needs a gentle touch.

Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or use a microfiber dust mop daily or every other day.
Spot-clean sticky messes with a damp cloth—no soaking!
Use a wood floor cleaner approved for your specific floor type. Not all hardwoods (especially prefinished or engineered) react the same way to certain products.

You can find more about the types of hardwood and engineered flooring we offer here.

Control Direct Sunlight Exposure

Bluffton summers mean long, bright days, which is great, but UV rays can fade or discolor hardwood over time. Even high-quality wood with a solid finish can react to direct light.

Rotate rugs and furniture every few months to prevent uneven color changes.
Use blinds or curtains during the sunniest parts of the day.
If you’re away on vacation, cover larger exposed areas with throw rugs.

These steps help your flooring age more evenly and retain its original color longer.

Watch Out for Moisture From Summer Activities

Pool parties, beach days, or even a summer storm can lead to wet towels, flip-flops, or pet paws coming inside.

Keep a towel near the door for drying off feet or pets.
Avoid letting water sit on your hardwood—wipe up spills immediately.
Use coasters and trays under summer drinks to catch condensation on wood furniture and floors.

Summer messes are inevitable—but reacting quickly makes a big difference in floor protection.

Give High-Traffic Areas Extra Attention

Summertime often means more foot traffic, kids home from school, or guests visiting. Pay close attention to the spots that get the most use.

Lay down breathable area rugs in hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.
Use felt pads under furniture to reduce friction.
Check those pads regularly—dirt buildup can still scratch your floor.

High-traffic doesn’t have to mean high wear if you stay ahead of the game.

Ready for a Floor That’s Easy to Maintain All Year?

These summer tips will help extend the life of your hardwood flooring, keeping it beautiful through every season. If your floors are showing signs of wear—or you’re ready to upgrade to a hardwood or engineered floor that performs even better—our team at Old Town Flooring is here to help.

Contact us today to explore your options or request a quote. We work hard to make sure every floor we install is done right the first time, so you can enjoy your home without the stress.

DIY vs. Professional Flooring Installation: What’s Really Worth It for Your Bluffton Home?

Installing new floors can transform your space—but how you install them matters just as much as what you choose. If you’re debating between doing it yourself or hiring a professional, it’s worth weighing your options before diving in. At Old Town Flooring, we’ve worked with countless Bluffton homeowners who started with DIY ambitions but soon realized there’s a lot more to installation than meets the eye.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider so you can make the best choice for your home, budget, and timeline.

The Appeal of DIY Installation

DIY flooring has its perks. If you’re handy, have the right tools, and love a weekend project, installing floors yourself can save on labor costs. Click-lock vinyl plank flooring, for example, is often marketed as DIY-friendly. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and doesn’t require adhesives.

But here’s what DIYers often run into:

Subfloor prep surprises – An uneven or damaged subfloor can lead to creaks, gaps, or loose boards.
Incorrect measurements – A small miscalculation can throw off your entire layout and cause material shortages.
Time drain – Projects often take longer than expected—especially without prior experience.
Limited warranties – Some manufacturers only honor product warranties if the floor is professionally installed.

Unless you’re confident in your skills and have ample time, DIY can end up costing more in corrections than hiring a pro from the start.

Why Professional Installation Is Worth It

Flooring is a long-term investment, and the way it’s installed directly impacts how it performs over time. With professional installation, you benefit from:

Precision from start to finish – From moisture testing to exact cuts and tight seams, our pros ensure every detail is done right.
Efficiency – We know how to work quickly without cutting corners, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Tools and experience – No need to rent tools or guess your way through challenges. We’ve done this hundreds of times.
Stronger product protection – Professional installs often come with both a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer-backed product warranty.
Custom solutions – Not every room is straightforward. We’re prepared to handle tricky layouts, transitions, or unique materials like hardwood and tile.

At Old Town Flooring, we work hard to make sure every floor is installed correctly the first time—so it lasts longer, looks better, and performs the way it should.

Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind

DIY may look cheaper upfront, but there are often overlooked costs:

Tool rentals or purchases
Waste from errors or miscuts
Repairs from poor subfloor prep
Lost time if the job takes longer than expected

When you add it all up, professional installation often delivers more value for your money—especially for higher-end products or larger spaces.

Why Bluffton Homeowners Trust Old Town Flooring

We’re not just here to drop off boxes and disappear. Our team brings decades of flooring expertise to every job, making sure your floors are laid with care and precision. Need help picking the right material? We’ll bring samples to your home so you can see what works best with your lighting and layout. From consultation to clean-up, we’re your partner through the entire process.

Let’s face it—floors are too important to risk cutting corners. Our reputation is built on getting it right the first time, and we take pride in helping Bluffton homeowners love the floors they live on.