By Natalie Mudd, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Knot and Grain
Many homeowners harbour misconceptions about wood flooring, especially engineered wood, often based on outdated information or comparing it to less durable alternatives. It’s time to sweep away the confusion and debunk five common myths, revealing why wood flooring is a fantastic, practical, and enduring choice for the home.
Myth 1: Wood floors are always cold and uncomfortable
Quite the opposite! Unlike stone or ceramic tiles, wood possesses natural insulating properties, making it inherently warmer underfoot – a significant advantage, especially in the cooler UK climate. Furthermore, engineered wood, with its innovative layered construction, is perfectly compatible with underfloor heating systems. This allows for consistent, radiant warmth throughout the home, ensuring spaces are always cosy and inviting, even on the chilliest days.
Myth 2: You can’t have real wood floors if you have pets
While no floor is entirely indestructible against very active furry friends, engineered wood is a highly practical choice for pet owners. Opting for a brushed/textured finish, can effectively help camouflage minor scratches that might occur. All of our wood floors can be textured to your specific requirements. Crucially, our oiled finishes allow for easy spot repairs, meaning you often don’t need to sand and refinish the entire floor for a small mishap. Plus, wood floors are far more hygienic than carpets, which can trap pet dander, allergens, and odours – making cleanup a breeze!
Myth 3: Engineered wood floors are prone to water damage
This is a common confusion! While no wood floor is truly waterproof (unlike some vinyl or tile options), engineered wood is significantly more stable and resistant to moisture and humidity fluctuations than traditional solid hardwood. Its multi-layered, cross-ply construction minimises movement, making it far less likely to warp, cup, or swell when exposed to typical household dampness, such as from wet boots in a boot room or occasional kitchen splashes. With proper care and prompt cleanup of spills, an engineered wood floor is designed to withstand daily life beautifully.
Myth 4: All engineered wood floors look the same
This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when you choose a bespoke option! Unlike laminate or vinyl tiles, which use digital imaging to replicate the appearance of real wood, wood floors are entirely authentic. No two planks of wood are ever the same. Far from being mass produced, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled customisation. You choose every detail: the specific oak grade (from clean Pristine to characterful Rustic), the plank style, unique colours, textures, and surface finishes. This ensures the floor is a unique reflection of the home and style, meticulously crafted to the buyer’s exact specifications, far from any generic look.
Myth 5: Wood floors are high maintenance and scratch easily
Modern wood flooring, particularly engineered wood with contemporary finishes, is surprisingly low maintenance and designed for everyday life. While solid wood requires more care against moisture, engineered wood offers greater resilience. The durability of oak, combined with our robust finishes, provides significant protection against daily wear. Lacquered finishes act as a strong barrier, prized for their ease of cleaning and minimal upkeep. Oiled finishes, while requiring periodic reapplication, offer easy spot repair. Plus, the ability to sand and refinish your engineered wood floor means that after years of enjoyment, it can be restored to its original beauty, giving you a fresh start without replacement.
Engineered wood offers a durable, versatile, beautiful, and sustainable solution that’s designed to enhance the home for decades to come.