Top Trends in Hardwood Flooring

By Jill

Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 7:07 PM

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Today’s hardwood flooring consumers are looking for more personality from their hardwood floors. And flooring manufacturers are paying attention. Here are just a few hot trends that offer more ways than ever to truly showcase your design style.

Wider Planks for a Seamless Flow

Homeowners are choosing wider, longer planks to visually open up small spaces and create a modern, sleek and seamless look.  Wood planks once offered in only 2-1/4” to 3-1/2” widths, are now featured in 5”, 6”, or even 7” widths with lengths of up to 6 feet. Wide planks can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally, for a more dramatic impact. While there are still those who prefer the more traditional narrow planks, the wide-plank trend is gaining momentum, with some newer products available in planks as wide as 12 inches.

Gray Is the New Neutral

Designers have long hailed gray as the perfect “neutral” tone for wall colors, carpet, and tile. So it only makes sense that gray has taken off as a hot new trend in hardwood flooring. From light, barely gray tones to deep saturated charcoals, gray stains highlight wood’s natural grains and textures, allowing the flooring to be a true showstopper, while at the same time, gray tones won’t overpower a room and will compliment most any décor.

A Focus on Color

For a more dramatic effect, consider the trend toward darker stain colors. A deep, warm Jacobean or dark Walnut can provide a more traditional feel, while an Ebony stain gives a room a rich, contemporary look. Or for true sophistication, go with a Royal Mahogany, combining the richness of ebony with the warmth of a red wood. Today’s hardwood flooring is infused with color – and the deeper the shade, the bolder the design statement.

Lime-Washed Woods

At the opposite end of the color chart is a white-washing technique known as lime-wash or pickling. This technique is used to fade and age the appearance of woods such as oak and ash, providing a softer, coastal feel. A perfect look for shore homes, lime-washed wood flooring can also fit in well with a variety of décors, from formal to rustic.

Less-Glossy Finishes

While traditional high-gloss wood flooring continues to be in demand, many homeowners are realizing the benefits of less-shiny, low-gloss finishes. Low-luster finishes do a better job at hiding small scratches and dents than higher-gloss flooring. Low-gloss flooring also helps mask dust and footprints, making it a great option for high-traffic rooms. But one of the biggest appeals of low-gloss flooring is that it offers a more authentic wood look . . . which brings me to another big trend.

Old Is New Again

Nothing compares to the rustic feel of flooring found in homes built centuries ago – the knotty pines, maples, and hickories that truly revealed wood’s natural graining, color variations, and character. For today’s homeowners looking to replicate that antique vibe, distressing techniques such as hand scraping and wire brushing are being applied to domestic hardwoods to create a distinctly aged look. In addition to offering more authenticity, distressed woods are another great option for busy homes, as possible chips, scrapes, and scratches from pet claws, active children, and furniture legs can be more easily camouflaged.

Find Out More

Want to see some of the latest trends in hardwood? Stop by our showroom or give us a call. We’d be happy to help you choose the hardwood option that best meets your needs.