Currently, the market features a wide array of flooring options, far surpassing what was available in the past, thanks to technological advancements. Despite the plethora of choices, hardwood flooring continues to be the preferred option for many homeowners. There are numerous products aimed at mimicking the appearance of hardwood, but the appeal of real hardwood remains strong.
Many choose authentic hardwood flooring for its numerous advantages, which set it apart from other flooring types. Hardwood provides a natural, warm, and inviting atmosphere and boasts remarkable durability, with the potential to last over a century. Additionally, it can be refinished to alter its color and style, allowing homeowners to adapt to changing trends.
With so many flooring trends available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. It’s advisable to choose flooring that aligns with your preferences rather than simply adhering to current trends. However, striking a balance between personal taste and trendiness is often the best strategy. This article offers valuable insights into the current hardwood flooring trends, helping you make an informed decision if you’re unsure about which option to choose.
Explore the current hardwood flooring trends in the full article!
Dark and Cool Tones
Over the past decade, there has been a growing preference for darker colors in hardwood flooring. Customers tend to fall into two categories: those who prioritize aesthetics and opt for darker shades—often families without young children or affluent households with extra cleaning help—and those who appreciate dark floors but prefer slightly lighter shades for easier maintenance. Regardless, cool tones have gained popularity, with a shift away from warmer hues like reds and yellows toward purer, cooler browns. These tones complement both walls and floors, and some customers are even blending touches of gray into darker browns for added depth and a modern look.
Gray and White Washes
Gray flooring has surged in popularity, becoming ubiquitous in wood and alternatives that imitate wood, such as tiles and vinyl planks. The demand for gray hardwood began to rise around 2010, and by 2012, many customers were requesting refinishing services to convert their existing floors to gray. Recently, there has been an increase in gray variations that incorporate brown, creating a gray-beige (or “greige”) effect. Whitewashed finishes have also become more sought after, though they can be more challenging and costly to achieve with genuine hardwood.
Natural Looking Finishes (Satin, Matte, and Flatter Sheens)
Matte and satin finishes are currently the most favored options in hardwood flooring, reflecting a trend toward low-luster appearances. Glossy finishes are considered outdated, as they highlight every speck of dust and scratch, making cleaning more difficult. In recent years, flatter finishes have gained traction, particularly with waterborne polyurethanes like the high-quality Bona Traffic. For walls, flat paint finishes are similarly in vogue. The popularity of matte and satin finishes is encouraged by their practicality; they are easier to maintain and maintain a better appearance over time.
On-Site Refinishing vs. Pre-Finished Wood
There has been an increasing preference for on-site finished hardwood over pre-finished wood, which is manufactured and finished in a factory. On-site finished wood presents a more modern look with cleaner lines, while pre-finished wood can reveal visible stripes on the edges, especially with stained wood. This distinction becomes apparent once the flooring is installed. On-site finished hardwood exhibits a more polished, uniform color and texture, making it smoother underfoot and easier to clean. Furthermore, on-site finishing allows for customization, enabling homeowners to test various stains and finishes in their own space with natural lighting.
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