Abrasive particles of dirt and grit trafficked on to a finished wooden floor can be very damaging and seriously shorten the lifespan of any treatment. The floor’s surface will quickly become dull due to scratches and the wood may be affected by the ingress of moisture and stains. Matting placed at external entrances can be highly effective at prolonging the appearance and life of the floor whilst reducing the frequency of refurbishment. It is important that matting is of a type which allows abrasive particles to drop through it rather than remain on the surface, where it can then be tracked on to the sealed floor. Matting should be large enough, ideally, to allow two steps across it, but, as a general recommendation, the mat should be as large as is practical. Periodically matting should be thoroughly cleaned. A dirty mat is ineffective and can act as a ‘reservoir’ of abrasive particles. Pets can also traffic potentially abrasive dirt and grit into a floor. Pet claws should be trimmed regularly to reduce any scratches and indentations to the wood.