RANGE REVIEW: FLOORING & FLOOR CARE
BRING WOOD FLOORING BACK TO ITS PRIME WITH THESE CLEANING HACKS
The wood floor experts at Woodpecker Flooring share their top tips for tackling tired wood floors.
D
arwyn Ker, managing director of Woodpecker Flooring, says: “Once your wood flooring has been
installed, you’ll be able to feel its beautiful texture underfoot and enjoy the warm sense of nature a wood finish brings to your home. “However, like all natural materials wood is susceptible to wear and tear. To ensure it always looks its best and lasts longer, it is essential to maintain and protect flooring.”
Light cleaning & mopping Regular sweeping with a soft bristled broom will get rid of dust and rogue bits of grit on your wood floor which could cause damage if allowed to accumulate. You can also vacuum – ideally with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching. Just remember that a gentle touch is the best way to clean your wood floor. Wetness can damage a hardwood floor so always use a well-wrung mop when cleaning, taking care to remove excess liquid immediately. The Woodpecker Cleaning Kit is perfect for safe use on wood floors. Formulated for an oiled or lacquered finish, frequent use will help to maintain your floor’s lovely finish. Despite what you might read online, do not use water and vinegar, soap-based cleaner, wax or steam cleaners on your wood floor. These
can dull the floor’s finish, leave an ugly residue or subject your floor to excessive heat and water which could lead to long-term damage.
For a deeper clean If you have an oiled floor, regular vacuuming and well-wrung mopping will protect its beautiful look and feel. But for a deeper clean now and again, use Woodpecker One Coat Soap. This clever product will clean your floor and form a protective film, helping to build its surface resistance over time and make your floor even easier to clean.
Floor care rules Avoid wearing heavy shoes or work boots when stepping onto your natural wood floor. High heels, and stilettos in particular, should be avoided. They exert a huge amount of pressure that easily dents or marks even the toughest of wood floors. Liquid is the enemy to your wood floor so mop up any spilled drinks and never allow water or other liquids to sit for any length of time. The odd drop may not hurt, but excessive amounts of water will cause lasting damage.
It’s thrilling to see the sun illuminating a wood floor, filling the room with natural light and warmth. Yet sunlight will naturally help the wood’s colour to mellow, so be aware of this and move rugs, mats and furniture regularly to ensure an even
maturing of colour. Dark woods like Walnut are more susceptible to fading, which is worth considering when you choose your wood flooring. Nothing’s more natural than a dog or cat curled up by the fire, asleep on your wood floor. But remember to keep your pet’s claws trimmed to prevent scratches and if there are any ‘accidents’ make sure they’re cleaned up fast.
Top tips for wood floor care • Sweep regularly, preferably with a soft brush attachment to reduce scratching. • Always use a well-wrung mop when cleaning. Do NOT use water and vinegar, soap-based cleaner, wax or steam cleaners. • A good quality doormat will ensure dirt and grit are left at the door and off your floor. • Consider rugs or carpet runners for areas of the house encountering
THE KEY WOOD FLOORING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2026
Minimalist, ultra-sleek wooden flooring is fast becoming the defining look of 2026, according to family-run flooring brand Woodpecker Flooring. According to the wood floor experts, homeowners and designers are gravitating towards calming, design-led foundations that make rooms feel brighter, more modern and effortlessly refined. This new era of flooring
celebrates clean grain, even tone, and barely-there natural detailing – a shift that creates serene interiors. And for homeowners who are keen to embrace the movement,
22 DIY WEEK JANUARY 2026
Woodpecker Flooring’s newly launched Bourton is a hand-selected collection that reflects this sleek aesthetic.
Using prime-grade boards, each plank is chosen for its grading consistency, tonal balance and subtle grain, ensuring a beautifully even finish throughout. Knots and colour variation have been kept to an absolute minimum to achieve a contemporary, streamlined look. The collection comprises two styles: Natural Oak Plank – available in a classic 190mm width or an impactful 240mm wide plank, and Natural Oak Herringbone, which
offers the same golden oak warmth reimagined in a classic herringbone layout.
Both options showcase the oak’s gentle grain patterns and warm gold hues, but in a modern, understated format designed to elevate without overwhelming the space. The result is a crisp, contemporary foundation that works across architectural styles – from minimalist new builds to pared-back period renovations. Darwyn Ker, MD at Woodpecker Flooring, says: “Bourton offers prime-grade boards that showcase our expert selection and grading process. The level of detail that goes
into both tree selection and grading ensures Bourton feels timeless, sophisticated, and perfectly balanced. With minimal knots and colour variation, this flooring is ideal for those who want their interiors to feel modern, clean and sleek.” Like every engineered wood flooring range from Woodpecker Flooring, Bourton is guaranteed for 100 years.
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high footfall e.g. doors, hallways and stairs. Try to avoid rubber-backed mats. • Never drag a piece of furniture, felt protectors and castor cups can help move items without damage. • Try to avoid wearing heavy shoes or high heels as they place huge amounts of pressure on even the toughest floors. • When a spillage occurs, remove the liquid as quickly as possible to prevent lasting damage. • Consider how sunlight could affect your floor (particularly dark woods such as walnut) and compensate by moving rugs, mats or furniture. • Keep an eye on your pet’s claws to pre-empt scratches!
• For more expert advice on how to keep wood flooring in excellent condition, check out the Woodpecker Flooring website at
woodpeckerflooring.co.uk
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