9 Hardwood Flooring Myths You Should Not Believe

If you think that…

Hardwood flooring is expensive.

Hardwood flooring is difficult to maintain

Hardwood doesn’t add warmth to the room

You need to think again.

These are just myths that have been circulating for years.

And you are not alone in believing them. In fact, many homeowners still hold these misconceptions, which can impact their buying decisions and prevent them from making the most of hardwood floors.

Let’s walk through these common myths and uncover the facts that can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to your flooring needs.

Myth 1: Hardwood Floors Are Too Difficult to Maintain

One of the most common myths about hardwood floors is that they are hard to maintain. In reality, hardwood floors are relatively easy to care for, especially with the modern finishes available today. If you can keep a granite countertop clean, you can certainly handle the upkeep of hardwood floors.

Modern hardwood flooring is designed to resist scratches, dents, and everyday wear. For regular maintenance, all you need to do is dust or vacuum your floors weekly to remove dirt and debris. It’s important to quickly clean up spills to avoid moisture sitting on the surface for too long, but aside from that, maintaining hardwood floors requires minimal effort.

Use throw rugs in high-traffic areas to catch dirt before it can scratch the floor, and avoid over-waxing your floors, as this can lead to a dull appearance over time.

With just a bit of attention, your hardwood floors will stay beautiful and durable for years.

Myth 2: Hardwood Floors Aren’t Suitable for Homes with Kids and Pets

Some homeowners hesitate to install hardwood floors because they’re worried about their kids or pets scratching the surface.

Of course, some flooring is prone to scratches if not taken care of. The good thing is that you can minimize the risk by practicing some simple precautions.

First of all, use floor runners in areas that see heavy foot traffic. Request everyone to remove their shoes before entering the house. And make sure to keep your pets’ nails trimmed regularly.

If scratches do occur, wood polish and buffer can often restore the appearance of your floors.

Or you can choose a hardwood species with a higher density. It can help make the floor more resistant to dents and scratches. Many people find that with the proper care, hardwood floors continue to look great, even in homes filled with children and pets.

Myth 3: Hardwood Floors Are Cold and Don’t Add Warmth to a Room

There’s a common belief that hardwood floors can make a room feel cold and uncomfortable. But that’s nothing but a misconception. In fact, wood is a great natural insulator. It can help regulate temperature, thereby maintaining a comfortable environment year-round.  

Unlike other materials that can fluctuate with temperature changes, wood floors are stable and less prone to extreme heat or cold.

If you’re concerned about cold floors in the winter, underfloor heating systems can provide additional warmth while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of hardwood. With its natural insulating properties, wood floors can make your space feel cozy and inviting, no matter the season.

Myth 4: Engineered Hardwood Isn’t Real Wood

Keep in mind that engineered hardwood is a high-quality alternative to solid wood flooring.

The term “engineered” refers to the construction process, not the material itself.

Engineered hardwood is made from multiple layers of wood. These wood layers are bonded together in a way that increases stability and reduces the chances of expansion or contraction due to moisture changes.

Guess what? It is an eco-friendly product as it uses less wood than its traditional solid wood counterpart. You will get the same aesthetic appeal as solid wood with improved stability and durability.

Many homeowners find that engineered hardwood is a cost-effective and sustainable flooring choice that still delivers the look and feel of real wood.

Myth 5: Changes in Color or Fading Mean the Wood is Defective

Many people worry that if their hardwood floors change colour or fade over time, the wood is defective. This is not true.  

Wood is a natural material that reacts to light. That’s why it is likely to get darken or change its colour as it ages.

For example, species like American Cherry or Brazilian Cherry are photosensitive. This means that they will develop a richer, darker patina as they are exposed to light. This is a completely normal process and is not a sign of poor-quality wood.

To ensure the colour change remains uniform, move rugs or furniture around periodically to allow different areas of the floor to be exposed to light.

Over time, your entire floor will take on a consistent colour. Manufacturers do not offer warranties against these natural changes, as they are a part of the wood’s life cycle.

Myth 6: Gaps between Boards in Winter Mean the Wood is Defective

Another common myth is that if there are gaps between the boards of your hardwood floor in the winter, the wood must be defective.

In reality, this is a natural occurrence, especially when indoor humidity levels drop due to heating during the winter months. As wood loses moisture, it can contract. This contraction leads to small gaps between the boards.

These gaps will typically close back up when the humidity levels increase in the spring.

This seasonal shrinkage and expansion is a normal characteristic of wood and is not a defect. To minimize the effects of this, try to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. Using a humidifier during the dry winter months can help reduce the likelihood of large gaps appearing in your hardwood floors.

Myth 7: Hardwood Floors Aren’t Suitable for Kitchens

Many people assume that hardwood floors are not a good choice for kitchens because of the potential for moisture exposure.

However, hardwood floors can actually perform very well in kitchens when properly maintained. Hardwood is durable, easy to clean, and adds a beautiful aesthetic to one of the busiest rooms in your home.

The key to maintaining hardwood floors in the kitchen is to clean up spills promptly to avoid moisture damage. With a little attention to detail, hardwood floors can withstand the high traffic and occasional spills that are common in a kitchen.

Myth 8: Hardwood Floors Aren’t Eco-Friendly

Do you think that hardwood flooring is not an eco-friendly option?

Let’s debunk this misconception.

There are many hardwood flooring companies that source their wood from sustainably managed forests. But how to tell that? See if the woods have the logo or mark of organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC on them. These certifications ensure that the product comes from responsibly managed forests.

Moreover, hardwood flooring is durable and can last around 50-100 years.

This means that you don’t need to change them often, minimizing their environmental impact.

Myth 9: Hardwood Floors Trap Dust and Debris

In fact, hardwood floors have the “natural tendency” to resist dust buildup, unlike your carpets which easily trap debris, allergens, dust and pet dander.

If you see any of them on your hardwood floor, a simple sweeping or moping over them can do the trick.

Wrapping Up…

There are many myths surrounding hardwood floors, but as you can see, most of them are simply not true. From maintenance to suitability for homes with kids and pets, hardwood flooring is a durable, stylish, and practical option for any home.

Now that you are aware of these facts, you can make informed decisions when it comes to installing the right flooring for your living spaces.

Hardwood flooring accentuates your indoors and preserves the value of your sweet home for years.