We just installed a new couch into our rented townhome and left the soaking wet plastic wrap (it was raining) on the floor for over an hour. Stupid, I know, but we were moving in. When we finally lifted up the plastic and mopped up a bit of water, we noticed these little striations on the floor. The floor appears like the grains of the wood are suddenly lifted. The floor is now definitely dry, but the striations remain. There is no bubbling or peeling or anything else.

What do we do? Is it best to just sit tight and wait and hope that the striations will shrink back down once it 'dries'? Or, do we have a big project ahead of us? By the way, we are not sure whether the wood is laminate or a true wood floor.

Thanks in advance!

I think you must have an engineered "true" wood floor rather than a laminate, by your description of the problem. It MAY be that the moisture penetrated the finish and caused the top layer of wood veneer to swell a little bit. This may return to normal after awhile. Do nothing for now. Wait a few weeks. If it does not return to normal, a "screen and recoat" will most likley remedy the problem.

Great! Thanks so much! By the way, I used to live near Antioch. I grew up in Livermore.

Thanks again!

Ah yes, Livermore. Great little town! Well, it USED to be little. Now very much "gentrified", yes?

Oh yes! My parents still live there. I moved away several years ago. The floor is appearing to be better this morning. Thanks for your help! By the way, will the grains always appear or will they reduce over time completely?

Sounds like it raised the grain. Like sitting a glass with condensation on a finished wood table.

Mr. Campbell,

The floor may return to 90% or 95% of original appearance, which is good.
If the floor is buckling or delaminating; then you have a problem.

This sounds like it will be self correcting as it dries. Please don't make it "hurry up".. just give it some time.