Dear Rob:
We’ve installed a hardwood floor in our sun room which is loaded with plants. Other than using saucers to catch the water, is there anything else we can do to protect our new floor from water damage?
Thanks,
Dave
Dear Dave:
It sounds like you’re taking a good first step in protecting your wood floors from water damage by using saucers under your potted house plants. Remember to promptly dry up any liquid that get spilled when you water your plants, and keep an eye out for over flowing saucers shortly after watering. Placing your pots on a rubber backed rug, or a larger tray like this boot tray
In addition to water damage, there are a couple of other ways house plants could damage your hardwood floors. Soil from house plants can scratch your new wood floors. Remember to sweep up regularly around your plants to protect your finish. Try to avoid sliding your pots across the floor, and use felt furniture slides on the bottoms of saucers and trays to prevent scratches.
Finally, remember that certain plant pests like scale bugs can also damage the finish on your floor. These tiny insects secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that can be very difficult to remove from finished wood surfaces without sanding. Keep an eye out for insect pests and if possible, remove any infested plants to another part of your house until you get rid of the bugs.
I hope these tips help you get a lot of enjoyment out of your new floors!
-Rob
I am a huge plant lover and keep lots of them inside my home. My husband and I are buying a new home that has beautiful walnut flooring and I want to make sure that I don’t damage it with my potted plants (some of which are very large). I had not even thought about pests like scale bugs being an issue! Thanks, Rob, for mentioning that! I will keep that in mind.
I had read on one other site that using silicone bumpers between the bottom of the saucer and the flooring. This sounds like a good idea, but would like your professional opinion.
I agree.