The Moments in Wooden Flooring 3- A Home’s Guardian

I kneel on the floor, repeatedly wiping the mold-covered wood with a cloth. The damp sea breeze seeps through the window cracks, carrying a salty scent. This pine floor has warped, its edges tinged with dark green mold, much like the age spots on my grandfather’s hands.

When I was three, Grandfather laid these floors himself, with me handing him nails. Back then, he was vigorous, squatting down, meticulously sanding each wooden plank. “Pine is soft, comfortable to walk on,” he always said, “but it needs regular care—waxing, oiling, no shortcuts.” But now, Grandfather has been bedridden for over half a year. I glance towards the inner room, hearing his suppressed cough. Since he fell ill, no one has cared for the floors as he did. The island’s humidity creeps everywhere, and mold thrives in the wood joints.

“Child…” Grandfather’s weak voice echoes from the room. I quickly stand up, but then hear a “crack” under my feet—a floorboard has split open. From the crack oozes black mold, like an ugly scar. I crouch down, trembling fingers touching the crevice. “Grandfather, I want to replace the floor,” I say as I walk into the room and grasp his frail hand. He leans against the headboard, his gaze cloudy but still stubbornly shaking his head. “This wood… It’s good.” I gently explain, “Engineered hardwood floors now use multi-layer construction, alternating horizontal and vertical layers of thin wood. This structure stabilizes effectively, reducing expansion and deformation due to humidity changes. And now, with balanced drying technology, we control the moisture of engineered wood flooring. The 4mm solid wood veneer provides the same texture and feel as solid wood flooring. We’ve evolved from Chanx solid wood flooring to engineered wood flooring lines, establishing the Kelaiwood brand…” I play the Kelaiwood production line video for Grandfather, and he remains silent for a long time before finally nodding.

On the day of construction, I deliberately pushed Grandfather’s bed into the living room. He watched as the workers pried up each moldy pine floorboard. Tears glistened in his cloudy eyes. After laying down the new Kelaiwood oak 4mm veneer oak engineered flooring, I pushed Grandfather’s wheelchair every day, letting him glide slowly on it. “Indeed… It’s no longer damp. This locking technology truly seals the boards seamlessly.” He touches the smooth floor, revealing a smile long absent. Sunlight streams through the window, casting a warm halo on the new floor.

I know, some memories will never be replaced, just like what Grandfather taught me: a home needs careful nurturing. And now, I can finally protect this home in my way.