Dull worn paths through the middle of the room

A visibly duller lane where everyone walks — hall to kitchen, door to stairs — while the floor under the furniture still has its original sheen. Hold a light low across the floor and the boundary is obvious.

What causes it

In rough order of likelihood. Each one has a tell — the observation that separates it from the others.

1. 1

   The finish is thinning in the traffic lane

   How to tell: Duller but still sealed — water beads rather than soaks in.

2. 2

   The finish is gone and the wood is exposed

   How to tell: Water darkens the wood instead of beading. Different problem, more expensive.

3. 3

   Residue build-up making it look dull

   How to tell: A cloudy film across the whole floor rather than a defined path, usually after repeated 'restorer' use.

What it actually means

This is the most useful early warning a hardwood floor gives you. While the finish is thin but intact, the fix is a screen-and-recoat. Once it is through to bare wood, dirt gets into open grain and it becomes a full sand — several times the cost and disruption.

Caught at the dull-but-sealed stage: abrade and one or two coats, one day, no dust, and the floor is good for years. That is the difference the water test decides.

• Do the water test: a few drops in the dull area. Beads means you are in the cheap window. Soaks in and darkens means you are not.
• Mats at entries and a rug over the worst lane while you decide.
• Stop using polish. It builds a layer nothing will bond to and turns a recoat into a full sand.

• Worn or bare patches on stair treads
• Scratches that show up white