Common Myths About Hardwood Flooring Debunked

Have you ever heard that hardwood is cost prohibitive when it comes to upkeep and maintenance? We’d be surprised if you hadn’t, as this is one of many common myths about hardwood flooring. And as such, we hope you will be (pleasantly) surprised as we debunk some of the more prevailing myths surrounding our favorite subject. Particularly if you want hardwood but were put off by persistent falsehoods. Allow Classic Wood Floors to put your mind to rest.

Myth: Hardwood floors and kitchens do not mix

Yes, it is true that you will not be able to wet mop a hardwood floor as water and hardwood are not a happy combination. Repeated exposure can damage the surface and dull the color. That said, hardwood is ridiculously robust, which means it is more than up to standing the test of foot traffic coming in and out of your kitchen. Plus, hardwood rarely needs to be replaced, which gives you a lasting look that you can enjoy for years to come.

For cleaning, you will want to make sure the beater bar is removed from your vacuum (that fluffer thing that is used to pull up matted carpet). If you can’t physically remove the bar, there might be a setting on your vacuum that serves the same function. And while wet mopping is out, you can confidently mop with a damp mop or cloth. Insofar as products go, you will want to avoid soaps, waxes, or polishes, but rather rely on a neutral solution (pH level 7).

This might sound like a lot, but it’s no different than any other surface in your home. There will always be approaches you’ll want to take and others to avoid at all costs. The trade off here is a floor that will last a long time, can withstand heavy traffic, and look great while doing all the above.

Myth: Hardwood is easy to scratch

Let’s get real—any floor type is going to be susceptible to wear and tear. However, unlike the alternatives, hardwood can be beautifully restored quickly and effectively, as it’s often the finishing and not the wood itself that takes the brunt of the damage. All you really need to do is some light sanding and a finishing coat. If the scratch is deeper than that, you have a plethora of repair options, based on the type of damage.

Myth: Hardwood costs an arm and a leg

Okay, yes, we will admit that the upfront cost with hardwood is more significant than alternative flooring styles. The purchase is just one phase of your flooring’s lifecycle. One of the reasons hardwood flooring can be more expensive is the quality. Have you ever toured an old house with the original hardwood flooring? If properly cared for (which, honestly, doesn’t take too much), hardwood can maintain its function, aesthetic, and condition for a century or more.

Myth: Engineered wood is not the same as real wood

Yes, it is. Next.

All right, we’ll elaborate. Engineered wood is composed of layers of wood and wood veneers. The only part of the plank that isn’t wood would be the glue used to fix the veneers together and whatever finish you end up choosing. It’s real wood flooring made of real wood, therefore real wood flooring.

Myth: Kids and pets will destroy hardwood

As we’ve said, hardwood is extraordinarily durable. It is also, like all flooring options, meant to be lived on. Knicks, scuffs, even gouges can be fixed easily, and there are different breeds and designs of hardwood available to match what makes sense for your home and lifestyle. Paired with the right finishing, and you can impact the level of wear and tear the wood itself experiences.