Hardwood flooring is one of the best amenities that you can add to your property. It spikes up your home’s resale value and makes jaws drop as they enter the room.
However, there are many misconceptions and “myths” out there in the marketplace about this flooring option.
Perhaps people believe that hardwood flooring is too good to be true. They think that there has to be a downside to something as beautiful as hardwood.
Whatever the case might be, this article is here to shut them down. Here are some of the most common hardwood flooring myths and reasoning for why they’re untrue.
1. Scratch or Faded Hardwood Floors Need to Be Replaced
As with any other material, hardwood will start to lose a bit of its coloring as the sun beats down on it over time. You might also notice that your hardwood floor has gained a few scars (scratches) from Lucky, the house dog.
The myth here is that your only resolution for getting rid of the scratches or faded color is by replacing the flooring. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
Hardwood flooring can be refinished and look as brand-new as the day that you first had it installed. In fact, you can refinish the same hardwood floors up to 10 times before they need to be replaced.
Many people doubt the strength and endurance of hardwood flooring. Be sure to inform yourself on everything you need to know about hardwood lumber.
2. High Heels Won’t Damage Hardwood Flooring
Ladies, you’ve probably had someone tell you that those high heel shoes you wear aren’t going to damage your hardwood floors.
But the truth is that any item that puts a heavy amount of pressure on a specific point (such as spiked heel in your shoe), will more than likely cause damage.
Every step that you take will put an excessive amount of force into a square inch of your flooring. That kind of pressure can severely damage the hardwood lumber that your floor is made out of over time.
That’s not to say you can’t ever wear high heels if you were to install hardwood floors.
Just try to be sparing about the number of times you wear them and try not to walk across the same room more than once or twice while wearing your go-to pair.
3. Hardwood Flooring won’t Scratch or Dent
Technically speaking, this myth has already been debunked in this article with the first paragraph.
However, it’s worth repeating so that customers won’t get a preconceived notion before their flooring is installed.
While it’s true that hardwood flooring can take quite the beating and will hold up nicely as it ages, no flooring material is entirely impervious.
Especially considering the high-traffic areas of your house, such as your kitchen, living room, and hallways, which take a much workload to keep its form.
Your hardwood flooring is bound to gather a few scratches and maybe even a dent or two. The important thing to remember is that it can be refinished!
Unlike many other flooring materials, hardwood allows you to make it look as good as new 8 to 10 times in its lifetime.
4. They Shouldn’t Be Used in Kitchens
This myth is utterly ridiculous. In fact, most hardwood flooring experts agree that a kitchen is one of the best places to install hardwood flooring in your house.
Because of how durable hardwood is, it can stand up to many different spills and can withstand the high level of traffic that kitchens attract.
They can provide a beautiful aesthetic to your kitchen while providing a much comfier flooring option over tile or other hard materials. It has just enough give to help your feet have more support as you walk.
If you plan to keep your kitchen looking as nice as possible, then proper kitchen maintenance is of the utmost importance. Hardwood floors are perfect for your kitchen maintenance. As long as you keep up with it, the floor will keep its shine!
Be warned, however, that continually mopping the hardwood floor can do more damage than good. Instead, try taking a microfiber cloth to it when it needs to be cleaned.
5. Fading Color is a Sign of Defective Hardwood
Many people confuse the discoloration or fading of their hardwood as a sign of defective materials.
No matter how high-quality the hardwood you purchase is, the color is going to inevitably fade over time. As has been pointed out in this article already, refinishing your flooring can bring that color back easily.
The faded color is not a sign of a defective floor. In fact, not even cupped or warped wood is a sign of defective hardwood. It’s just a natural part of the process.
Be sure to move your furniture around frequently so that you can prevent significant fading over a few certain areas.
Consider it like getting a tan: if you keep your sunglasses on too long, you’ll have a skin tan with an imprint of where your glasses were.
Have Your Dream Hardwood Flooring Installed Today!
Now that you’ve seen the debunking of several common hardwood flooring myths, it’s time to receive a quote for getting yours installed!
Be sure to read this message from our CEO on the details of installing hardwood flooring during the pandemic and why we’re continuing business as usual.
For more inquiries, please begin by reaching out via our online contact page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!