There are many problems that can occur with hardwood flooring. Some are caused by improper installation and/or sanding/finishing, poor jobsite conditions or manufacturing defects. Still, there are many other problems that are simply caused because maintenance procedures were not followed in accordance with either the manufacturer’s or NWFA’s guidelines. Proper hardwood floor cleaning methods are easy to perform, but a lot of damage can occur when the wrong cleaning products are used.

It is important to note that: In the absence of either installation or maintenance instructions from the source of the hardwood flooring, NWFA guidelines will apply.

Hardwood floors behave best in the same environment that keeps you healthy and comfortable.
In Illinois, the following ranges are recommended and should be maintained for wood floors throughout the year:
Temperature: 16 to 27°C
Relative Humidity: 35 to 55%

Here are a few examples of common problems that may occur with Hardwood Flooring
Cupping, Crowning, Gapping, Buckling, Cratering, Chatter, Splitting, Cracking, Chipping, Checking, Loose Boards, Squeaky Floors, Slivers, Splinters, Panelization, the Greenhouse Effect, Waves, Unevenness, Grading Problems , Sanding and Finishing Problems. I could go on.

Many of the problems concerning hardwood flooring are related to moisture. There may be a problem caused by the moisture content in the flooring material itself, the subfloor it is attached to, or the amount of humidity in the air above it.