Thinking about upgrading your floors?
Hardwood remains a top choice for its durability and timeless style. But flooring trends change, and today’s homeowners have more options than ever. From bold finishes to eco-friendly materials, new designs can transform any space.
Choosing the right style can boost your home’s value and reflect your personal taste. Whether you prefer a classic look or a modern twist, there’s a trend for you.
Here are four hardwood flooring styles gaining popularity. Explore these options to find the perfect match for your home.
- Wide Plank Flooring
Wide plank flooring is a popular choice for modern homes. It offers a clean, open look and makes any space feel warm. With different wood types and finishes, it works well in many designs.
Makes Rooms Look Bigger
Wide planks can make a room feel more open. Fewer seams in the floor create a smooth, flowing look. This helps small rooms seem larger and more inviting.
The size of the planks affects how the floor looks. Narrow boards have more lines, which can make a space feel busy. Wide boards have fewer lines, giving a cleaner and calmer feel.
Light-colored wood can add to the effect. It reflects more light, making a room appear brighter and airier. Darker wood can also work, but it may not have the same spacious feel.
Works with Any Style
Wide plank floors fit in both modern and rustic homes. The simple design works well with clean, open spaces. It also adds warmth to cozy, traditional rooms.
Different finishes can change the look. A smooth, polished finish gives a sleek, modern feel. A hand-scraped or distressed finish adds character and works well in farmhouse-style homes.
The color of the wood also matters. Lighter tones give a fresh, airy feel, perfect for modern spaces. Darker tones add richness and work well in classic or vintage designs.
Available in Many Woods
Wide plank flooring comes in many wood types. Oak is strong and has a classic look. Maple is smooth and works well in modern homes.
Some woods have bold grain patterns, adding character to the floor. Hickory has a striking look with natural color changes. Walnut is darker and has a rich, elegant feel.
Each type of wood has different durability. Harder woods resist scratches and dents better. Softer woods may show marks over time but can add to their charm.
- Dark and Bold Finishes
Dark hardwood floors add richness and drama to any space. They create a striking contrast with walls, furniture, and décor. With the right design, they can make a home feel warm and stylish.
Adds Depth and Contrast
Dark floors give a room a bold, elegant look. They make light walls and furniture stand out. This adds depth and balance to the space.
A darker finish brings out the natural grain of the wood. It highlights patterns that might not be as visible on lighter floors. This detail adds character and texture to the room.
Dark floors work well in both large and small spaces. In a big room, they create a cozy, grounded feel. In a small room, they add richness without feeling overwhelming.
Hides Dirt and Scratches
Dark hardwood floors can help hide dirt better than light floors. Dust and small debris may show, but deeper colors mask footprints and stains. This makes them a great choice for busy homes.
Scratches are also less noticeable on dark floors with a matte or distressed finish. Glossy floors can show marks more easily, but textured finishes help disguise wear. Choosing the right finish can keep floors looking fresh longer.
Regular cleaning still helps keep them looking their best. A quick sweep or mop removes dust and keeps the color rich. Even with daily use, dark floors can stay beautiful with simple care.
Matches Light Furniture
Dark floors create a strong contrast with light furniture. A white or beige sofa stands out against deep wood tones. This makes a room feel bright and stylish.
Lighter furniture helps balance the space. It keeps dark floors from making the room feel too heavy. Adding rugs and light-colored décor can also enhance the contrast.
Different shades of wood can change the look. A deep espresso floor feels modern, while a warm brown adds coziness. Both pair well with neutral furniture, making them a flexible choice.
- Prefinished Hardwood Floors
Prefinished hardwood floors offer a hassle-free way to upgrade your home. They come ready to install, with a factory-applied finish that saves time. This makes them a durable and convenient choice for homeowners.
Faster, Easier Installation
Prefinished hardwood floors are quicker to install than unfinished ones. Since the finish is already applied, there’s no need for sanding or staining. This saves time and reduces mess during the process.
The boards can be nailed or glued down right away. Once installed, the floors are ready to walk on the same day. There’s no need to wait for drying or curing.
This makes prefinished floors a great choice for busy households. Homeowners can enjoy their new floors without dealing with long wait times. The entire process is smooth and efficient.
Strong, Factory-Sealed Finish
Solid prefinished hardwood flooring comes with a tough, factory-applied coating. This finish is stronger than most finishes applied on-site. It helps protect the wood from scratches, stains, and wear.
The factory process uses multiple layers of protective coating. This makes the surface more durable and long-lasting. Many prefinished floors also include UV protection to prevent fading.
With a strong seal, these floors hold up well in high-traffic areas. They work great in living rooms, hallways, and kitchens. Their durability makes them a smart investment for any home.
Less Dust and Fumes
Installing prefinished hardwood creates less dust than unfinished flooring. Since there’s no sanding, there’s no fine wood dust spreading through the air. This keeps the home cleaner during installation.
The factory finish also means no harsh fumes from stains or sealants. On-site finishing releases strong smells that can linger for days. Prefinished floors allow homeowners to avoid these odors.
This makes them a better choice for families, pets, and people with allergies. The air stays fresher, and the home is ready to use right away. A cleaner process means a more comfortable experience.
- Eco-Friendly Wood Options
Eco-friendly hardwood flooring helps reduce environmental impact while adding beauty to your home. Many homeowners choose sustainable materials to protect forests and lower waste. These options offer style, durability, and a greener way to upgrade floors.
Sustainably Sourced Materials
Sustainably sourced wood comes from forests that are carefully managed. When trees are cut down, new ones are planted. This helps protect nature and keeps forests healthy.
Some hardwoods have certifications from groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This means the wood was harvested in a responsible way. Buying certified wood helps support forests and wildlife.
Many types of sustainable wood are available. Oak, maple, and hickory are strong and long-lasting. Bamboo is another good choice because it grows much faster than trees.
Choosing sustainable wood helps the environment. It reduces deforestation and keeps natural areas safe. Homeowners can enjoy beautiful floors while also making an eco-friendly choice.
Reclaimed Wood Choices
Reclaimed wood comes from old buildings, barns, and factories. Instead of cutting new trees, this wood gets a second life. It reduces waste while adding a unique touch to homes.
Each piece of reclaimed wood has history and character. It may have knots, marks, or nail holes that add charm. No two planks look the same, making every floor one of a kind.
Reclaimed wood is strong and durable. Old wood often comes from trees that grew slowly, making it harder and denser. This makes it a great option for long-lasting floors.
Low-VOC Finish Options
Low-VOC finishes help keep the air in a home clean. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals found in many paints and sealants. High-VOC products release strong fumes that can cause headaches and allergies.
Low-VOC finishes have fewer harmful chemicals. They protect the wood while keeping the air fresh. This makes them a safer choice for families, pets, and people with allergies.
There are different types of low-VOC finishes. Water-based finishes dry quickly and have a mild smell. Natural oil finishes, made from plant oils, give wood a warm, rich look.
Choosing a low-VOC finish helps create a healthier home. It reduces indoor air pollution and makes cleaning safer. With these options, homeowners can enjoy beautiful floors without harmful fumes.
Choosing the Perfect Hardwood Floor
Hardwood floors can make any home look warm and inviting. There are many styles, colors, and finishes to choose from. The right flooring can match any design and fit different needs.
Some options are easy to install, while others focus on durability. Many choices also help protect the environment. No matter the style, hardwood floors add beauty and value to a home.
Picking the best floor depends on lifestyle and taste. Some people want a classic look, while others prefer a bold design. With so many choices, it’s easy to find the perfect hardwood flooring.
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