Care & maintenance.
Somma floors are finished with durable, ultra-matte architectural coatings designed to highlight natural European oak character while protecting against daily living. A simple, disciplined routine will keep your floor pristine for generations.
Three golden rules for longevity.
Engineered European oak requires minimal effort when supported by proper ambient climate and gentle cleaning habits.
Gentle Cleaning.
Regularly sweep, dust-mop, or vacuum using a soft-bristle parquet attachment. When wet cleaning is needed, lightly mist a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner directly onto a clean microfiber mop head. Never pour liquids or saturate the floor.
Preventive Protection.
Apply dense wool or felt protective pads under all table legs, chairs, and heavy furniture, replacing them periodically as they collect grit. Place breathable natural-fiber walk-off mats at all exterior doorways to capture moisture, gravel, and salt.
Climate Equilibrium.
Like all authentic wood, your floor breathes. Maintain year-round indoor relative humidity between 35% and 55% and temperature between 65°F and 75°F. Use a humidifier during dry winter heating and air conditioning or dehumidification in summer.
Recommended Best Practices
- Sweep or dry microfiber mop regularly to remove abrasive surface dust and grit.
- Wipe spills and pet accidents immediately with a dry, clean microfiber cloth.
- Keep pet nails neatly trimmed to prevent surface indentation and micro-scratches.
- Lift furniture when rearranging-never drag heavy sofas, credenzas, or tables across planks.
- Use natural-fiber breathable area rugs in high-traffic hallways and beneath dining seating.
Practices to Avoid
- NEVER use steam cleaners or steam mops-pressurized heat forces moisture deep into joints, causing delamination.
- NEVER wet-mop with a soaking bucket or allow standing water to pool on wood surfaces.
- NEVER use ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or citrus cleaners, which erode the protective matte sealant.
- NEVER apply wax, oil soap, or silicone polish, as they leave a permanent dull film that attracts dirt.
- Avoid rubber-backed, vinyl, or non-ventilated rug pads that trap condensation against the planks.
Radiant floor heating guidelines.
Somma engineered hardwood is fully approved for installation over embedded hydronic radiant heat subfloor systems. To ensure long-term stability:
- Surface Temperature Limit: Never allow finished wood surface temperature to exceed 81°F (27°C).
- Gradual Transitions: Adjust thermostat settings gradually by no more than 2°F to 3°F per 24-hour cycle at the start and end of heating seasons.
- Continuous Humidity: Always operate an integrated whole-home or room humidifier to maintain minimum 35% relative humidity when radiant heat is engaged.
Feel the durable matte finish.
Order a curated physical sample kit to test our finish, scratch resistance, and natural character in your own home.