5 Common Myths About Hardwood Flooring Debunked
Are you considering hardwood flooring for your home, but worried about the myths surrounding it? You're not alone. Don't let misconceptions hinder achieving your dream flooring; let's debunk these common myths and discuss some hardwood flooring facts.
Myth 1: Hardwood Flooring Is Too Expensive
While it’s true that hardwood flooring can be an expensive choice, it is also important to understand the long-term benefits that come with installing wood flooring.
A quality hardwood floor lasts for decades, and its durability reduces maintenance costs since it does not need to be replaced nearly as often as other options.
Furthermore, most homeowners often replace carpets because of wear and tear before switching out their hardwood floors.
Additionally, a quality hardwood floor can increase your home's market value and make your space more desirable to buyers. Therefore, while the initial cost may be high, the longevity of hardwood floors will save in future replacement costs.
Myth 2: Hardwood Flooring Is Difficult to Install
One of the most common misconceptions about hardwood flooring is that it’s difficult or impossible to install. However, with the right tools and some work, homeowners can easily install hardwood floors with beautiful results. The most important first step is to ensure that your subfloor is level by using a 4-foot level before you begin the installation.
Once your subfloor is level, you’re ready to install your hardwood flooring. It’s essential to read the manufacturer's instructions on which type of adhesive should be used, as this will vary based on the wood used.
After ensuring a secure bond between the wood and the subfloor, it's time to lay down pre-finished wood planks. This process entails cutting each plank individually and fastening them into place using nails or staples, depending on the installed wood type.
Finally, once all planks are in place, you can use a nail punch or hammer set to countersink any remaining nails to flush with the boards and eliminate any potential tripping hazards. With these easy steps, anyone can easily install their beautiful hardwood floor, which will look gorgeous for years to come!
Myth 3: Hardwood Flooring Is Not Durable
Do hardwood floors fade is a question that many people ask, and the answer might be surprising to some. Hardwood flooring is one of the longest-lasting options available, but many people wrongly assume it is not durable. In truth, hardwood can last decades, provided it is installed, maintained, and cleaned properly.
That said, while it is a good choice in high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens, it can be bad in areas with high amounts of moisture or water because that can damage the material.
When properly cared for, hardwood floors are resistant to staining and scratching but can be scratched by moving furniture or pet claws. It’s a good idea to use protective coverings on furniture and keep pet claws trimmed to extend the life of your hardwood flooring.
Additionally, there are different levels of hardness among wood species that you should consider when selecting a wood floor; some woods are more resilient than others. For example, Douglas Fir tends to dent easily, and hickories ding easily under direct pressure from chairs and tables when applying felt pads fail to protect them from scratches.
Myth 4: Hardwood Flooring Is Hard to Maintain
While a certain level of maintenance is required to keep hardwood flooring looking its best, it’s easier than many homeowners think.
First, an annual professional cleaning and/or buffing will help maintain the lustre and beauty of the flooring. But that doesn’t mean you can avoid doing anything in between cleanings.
Regularly, use a dust mop or vacuum without a brush or beater bar attachment to remove any dirt and debris from the wood surface. This should be done weekly or more frequently if you have a pet.
For laminate hardwoods made from synthetic materials on top of a particle board substrate, you can use a damp mop with an appropriate cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. However, with solid hardwood floors, you should only use products specifically designed for them, as regular cleaning products can damage the finish over time.
Can Hardwood Flooring Get Wet?
Even though hardwood flooring is durable, there are some hardwood flooring mistakes you want to avoid. Take extra care not to wet-mop frequently, as excess water seeping into the seams of planks can cause them to swell and warp; when needed, instead of mopping, try using steam cleaners that the manufacturer has approved, as they typically do less damage while still giving good results.
If something should spill on your hardwood floors, be sure to address it right away by blotting up any liquid or popping off crumbs and solids quickly before they sink deeper into wood grain; and always remember never to drag furniture across the floor since this will cause scratching that may require sanding or refinishing down the line.
Myth 5: Hardwood Flooring Is Not Suitable for All Areas
Contrary to popular belief, hardwood flooring is suitable for many areas in your home. For instance, it can be installed in the kitchen and serve as an aesthetically pleasing and practical surface in high-traffic areas while providing an excellent buffer against moisture and dirt.
When considering hardwood flooring, these are some things you should keep in mind:
Make sure the wood type you choose suits the area of your home you will be installing (crucial for high moisture rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens).
Look for wood with a coating that protects against moisture, scratches, and abrasions.
Be sure to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your hardwood flooring pristine. To protect it against water damage, use a topcoat sealer or finish once every 1 to 2 years.
Hardwood flooring can be a beautiful addition to any room if you’re willing to put in the proper effort for upkeep. With the right design principles, correct installation procedures, and a regular care routine — hardwood floors are great for all types of rooms!
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that hardwood flooring is a great choice of flooring, and there is no need to be intimidated. If you’re looking for hardwood flooring in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place.
TEAM Hardwood Floor specializes in installing high-quality wood floors, and we’re looking forward to working with you. Contact us today at 416-879-8266.