For a versatile and natural look that never goes out of style, many homeowners choose to install hardwood flooring. Unlike other flooring trends that come and go, hardwood flooring has remained in style for over 200 years with no signs that tastes will change anytime soon. Today, homeowners have more hardwood options to choose from than ever before. With designs ranging from rustic to retro to contemporary, there is a style of hardwood floor to fit any home.
The number of designs available on the market can overwhelm some shoppers. If you are looking for new hardwood flooring, keep the following trends and developments in mind next time you are out browsing.
- Wide Wood Flooring: Many homeowners are choosing flooring designed with wider planks. The width of the plank used to be related to the age and maturity of the tree it was crafted from. Many years ago, mature lumber was much easier to come by. But as the lumber supply ran out or became protected, wide planks gradually became rare. This is why modern hardwood has always been made from narrow planks. But thanks to new manufacturing techniques, wide plank flooring has been made available once again. Wider boards give the illusion that the room is larger, which is why many homeowners select the style. And they can give a room a hint of traditional elegance that echoes antique hardwood floor.
- Distressed Wood Flooring: Since the late 1990’s, there’s been a surge in popularity of distressed wood flooring. Planks featuring scrapes, nail holes or stains can create an artsy, edgy look that many niche markets love.
- Exotic Wood Flooring: Homebuyers are no longer limited to domestic species of wood. Today, you can find hardwood floors made from trees from all over the world. Most exotic woods are crafted from wood harvested from tropical forests. For this reason, some homeowners choose to purchase sustainable woods that have been engineered and designed to mimic exotic woods.
- Sustainability: Green options for flooring are being developed with greater frequency than ever before. Styles crafted from bamboo or cork cut down the flooring’s impact on the environment.
- Color: Hardwood floor is available in a spectrum of colors (and not just various shades of brown). Consider installing black, white, red or even grey flooring. Or you can also purchase unfinished wood that can be stained with any color, opening up all sorts of design possibilities.
An excellent new line to consider is DuChateau Floors. Developed in Holland, these vintage hardwood floors are designed to reflect Old World styles using modern technologies. If you’re looking to add an antique feel to a room, consider one of DuChateau’s designs.
Before attempting to select a style of hardwood floor, it’s important to first decide on how you’d like the room to look and feel. The right hardwood style can subtly tie all the other elements of your room décor together. Select carefully; a great hardwood floor can last a lifetime and beyond.
