How Do I Protect My New Timber Floors from Scratches When Moving Furniture in Melbourne?

So, you've just had your beautiful timber floors professionally sanded and polished by MyFlooring here in Melbourne, Victoria. They look stunning, feel incredible, and instantly uplift your entire home! Naturally, your next thought is, "How do I keep them looking this perfect?" A key part of long-term timber floor care is understanding how to manage scratches and, critically, how to move furniture safely.

The Critical Curing Period: Patience is Key!

The most important thing to remember after your timber floor has been polished is that the finish, while dry to the touch, needs time to fully cure and reach its maximum hardness.

• Initial Dry Time: You can usually walk on your new floor (in socks, not shoes!) within 24-48 hours for water-based finishes, and normally longer than 72 hours for solvent-based finishes.

• Light Furniture (After 72 Hours - 1 Week): You can typically start moving light furniture back after 72 hours to 1 week, depending on the specific finish used and environmental conditions (humidity, temperature). Always place protective pads before moving.

• Heavy Furniture & Rugs (After 1-4 Weeks): Heavy furniture, appliances, and area rugs should generally not be placed on the floor for at least 1-2 weeks, and for some finishes, up to 3-4 weeks. This allows the finish to fully harden and prevents "indentations" or marks from heavy pressure before it's completely cured. Your MyFlooring technician will provide specific curing times for your chosen finish.

How to Safely Move Furniture on Your Polished Timber Floors

This is where most scratches or dents occur! Never drag furniture across your newly polished timber floors.

1. Lift, Don't Drag: Whenever possible, always lift furniture completely when moving it, even for short distances. Get help for heavy items.

2. Use Furniture Sliders/Glides: For items that are too heavy to lift, invest in high-quality furniture sliders or glides.

   • Felt Pads (Essential): For everyday furniture (chairs, tables, sofas, beds), affix durable felt pads to all feet. Check these pads regularly for wear and replace them if they become flattened or dirty, as embedded grit can become abrasive.

   • Furniture Moving Blankets/Plywood: For very heavy items like refrigerators, washing machines, or large wardrobes, place moving blankets or thick sheets of plywood underneath the item. Slide the item over these protective layers. Never slide directly on the polished floor.

3. Empty Before Moving: Always empty drawers from dressers, contents from bookshelves, and dishes from cabinets before attempting to move them. This significantly reduces weight.

Proactive Strategies for Scratch Management

Prevention is always better than repair when it comes to timber floor scratch prevention.

1. Welcome Mats & Area Rugs:

   • Entryways: Place robust welcome mats both outside and inside all exterior doors. These act as the first line of defence, trapping dirt, grit, and moisture that can cause scratches.

   • High-Traffic Zones: Strategically place area rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways, living room pathways, and under dining tables. This protects the most vulnerable parts of your floor from constant wear. Ensure rugs have a non-slip backing that is safe for timber floors (avoid rubber backings that can mark or stick).

2. Shoe Rules:

   • Outdoor Shoes Off: Encourage a "shoes off" policy, especially for shoes with abrasive soles, heels (stilettos are notorious for denting), or embedded grit.

   • Avoid Cleats/Spikes: Never walk on timber floors with sports cleats or shoes with spikes.

3. Pet Paw Patrol:

   • Keep your pet's nails regularly trimmed and filed. Long, sharp claws can easily scratch even the most durable timber floor finishes.

4. Regular Cleaning Routine:

   • Sweep/Vacuum Daily: The most common cause of minor scratches is accumulated dust and grit acting like sandpaper. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment (never a rotating beater bar!) daily or every other day.

   • Damp Mop (Rarely): Only use a slightly damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for timber floors. Never use excessive water or harsh chemicals.

5. Sunlight Protection:

   • Over time, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause timber to lighten or darken unevenly, and can even compromise the finish. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window films on windows exposed to intense sun. Rotate rugs and furniture periodically to ensure even exposure.

MyFlooring: Your Partner in Long-Term Floor Beauty

At MyFlooring, our commitment doesn't end when your timber floor polishing in Melbourne is complete. We provide expert advice on timber floor maintenance to help you protect your investment. By following these simple yet effective guidelines, you can ensure your beautiful, newly polished timber floors remain a stunning feature of your Melbourne home for many years to come.

If you have any questions about specific cleaning products, furniture protection, or further timber floor scratch repair or timber floor recoating in the future, don't hesitate to contact MyFlooring. We're here to help you preserve the brilliance of your floors.