You’re in the process of deciding on and selecting hardwood flooring for your home. Maybe you’re a little concerned because the salesperson told you your beautiful hardwoods most likely will fade over time.

How much? What can you expect?

And will you like the look now and for years into the future?

Remember, hardwood flooring is a natural product. And as such, they will change over time. For hardwood flooring, changes include the color of the wood. Some species of woods will fade lighter whereas some will darken with age.

Sometimes the changes can be so subtle, you’ll barely notice the changes.

Sometimes even the slightest change can be a big concern. To prevent this natural fading process, you must first understand the two factors that cause flooring to change:

1. Exposure to sunlight

2. Stain and finish application

Sunlight is harsh on just about any material. The best way to keep your hardwoods safe from sun exposure is to cover your windows during the heat of the day, especially if sunlight ever streams into your home. Blinds, drapes, or shutters all work well. You can also upgrade your windows to low emissivity glass or apply a window film to keep out UV rays.

Oil based finishes bring out rich color on your floor, but will yellow over time. For some finishes, this may add to the final look. But if you want the original color, you might prefer a water based finish instead, which essentially remains clear the entire time.

If they’ve already faded, you have the choice of sanding them down and refinishing them, or installing new flooring altogether. A professional can help you make your final decision.