Are you ready to take your home into the future? Get a head start and take your interior design game to another level by making sure your wood floors are trending and up-to-date! In this blog, we’ll be discussing the most popular wood floor trends that everyone’s talking about and how you can get them into your home. From distressed wood looks to sustainable wood, your wood floors are going to be ready to take the new year by storm. Get ready to make your home look trendier and cozier than ever with some of the hottest wood floor trends!
Natural and reclaimed wood floors are currently popular, as well as darker stained woods. Wood flooring can also feature light whitewash or distress finishes to give it a more rustic look.
Wood Flooring Options
Wood flooring remains one of the most popular flooring options on the market. Between natural hardwoods and engineered floors, home owners have a variety of choices to fit their budget and lifestyle. Hardwood is an ideal choice for those looking for a timeless look that can last one hundred years or more. Engineered boards are also gaining in popularity with its superior stability, time saving installation and lower price point compared to natural hardwoods.
When debating between the two types of wood flooring options, it’s important to consider the look, feel, maintenance and cost associated with each. Hardwood longevity allows you to reap the benefits of investing in your flooring for many years to come. However, engineered floors offer quick installation, easier maintenance and more customization options with color and texture. Additionally, the increased stability of engineered wood makes it better equipped for handling fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.
The debate between wood flooring options does not need to be one-sided however as both offer distinct advantages. Homeowners should weigh out the pros and cons to decide which type fits best into their lifestyle, budget and design aspirations.
With such a wide range of wood flooring options now available, trends are sure to follow suit. Popular floor trends feature bold colors, patterned floors, warm woods and special finishes to establish a unique statement in any room. This section will further explore the trending opportunities available when choosing wood flooring for your home.
Popular Floor Trends
Many of the most popular floor trends are set to incorporate elements of texture, natural materials and neutral colors. Textured floors offer homeowners a unique visual look that stands out from traditional wood flooring options. Popular textures range from hand-scraped, distressed and wire-brushed surfaces, to various chiseled edges for a rustic look. Another major trend is to incorporate natural elements in the flooring, such as jute and sisal fibers in weave patterns. Natural looking materials such as bamboo are also gaining more attention due to their appeal for those seeking an eco-friendly option. When it comes to color, neutral tones in shades of grey and beige remain popular choices for modern home design.
Neutral hues have proven versatility and ability to work with nearly any furniture and decor style. Although light colored floors dominated the market in years past, dark finishes in deep browns and black mahogany shades have become increasingly fashionable among flooring trends. The latest craze is to mix different styles and textures of wood together to add contrast and variety in décor. This combination approach allows homeowners to use several different hues within the same area of their home while still remaining tasteful.
It’s clear there is no single trend dominating floor design this year – homeowners have many options when choosing the perfect look for their home. As we move into the next section about natural looking wood, it’s important to remember that your floor choice should reflect your own personal taste rather than enforcing a single trend.
Natural Looking Wood
Today’s hottest wood floor trend is natural looking wood. Natural-looking wood can easily evoke a sense of warmth and comfort in any home, while also introducing a chic rustic feeling. Homeowners often opt for this timeless look to allow other decorative pieces to stand out in the space.
That said, while some may prefer a more authentically rustic atmosphere created by natural looking wood, there are downsides to consider. Natural-looking wood often requires more maintenance than engineered hardwood, as it is more prone to dents and scratches. In addition, because it is not pre-treated, the individual boards must be treated with an oil or sealer after installation in order to preserve their natural appearance over time.
The choice for natural looking wood lies heavily on the homeowner’s personal preference and needs. Ultimately, those who don’t mind regular maintenance can reap the benefits of its timeless beauty while those that want something more low maintenance may want to opt for another trend like light or dark hues. Next we’ll explore what’s new when it comes to light and dark hues in flooring trends.
Light and Dark Hues
Light wood floors are a classic look that never goes out of style, and they continue to be one of the most popular choices. Light hues offer natural warmth with a bright, airy atmosphere. Light woods also make a small room look bigger and more spacious compared to darker options. Lighter shades are also better suited for homes with pets and young children as dirt, dust and messes don’t show up as easily.
On the other hand, dark wood floors can create a dramatic contrast that is especially suited to traditional or modern décor styles. Dark hues are ideal for larger rooms because they don’t overpower the space like light tones can. Grey flooring has become extremely popular in the last few years because it features the best of both worlds – it is a muted shade not as bright as traditional wood tones, but still softer than black.
No matter which way you choose to go, light or dark hues will make for attractive results when choosing the perfect wood floor for your home.
Now let’s move on to discuss exotic wood flooring – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular each year.
- According to the National Wood Flooring Association, one of the top wood floor trends in 2021 is dark colored flooring.
- Another one of the top trends in 2021 is rustic and reclaimed looking floors.
- A survey conducted by the NWFA found that 44% of respondents planned on installing exotic hardwood floors in their homes in 2021.
Key Points
Light wood floors are a common choice and provide a natural, airy look. They work especially well in small rooms, as they can create the illusion of spaciousness. On the other hand, dark hardwood floors offer a more dramatic contrast that is great for larger rooms and traditional or modern interiors. Grey flooring has also grown in popularity lately because it provides a balance between light and dark tones. Exotic wood flooring is also increasingly trendy.
Exotic Wood Flooring
Exotic wood flooring is one of the hottest trends in wood floors, offering a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room. Exotic woods such as acacia and Amendoim are becoming increasingly popular due to their striking visual appeal, durability, and affordability. Acacia is especially popular due to its versatility; it can be stained in a variety of hues that range from light browns to dark chocolate reds. Amendoim has a unique yellow-brown hue with an often wavy grain pattern that adds interest and beauty to any home.
There has been debate over the sustainability of exotic wood flooring. On the one hand, some believe that the harvesting of exotic woods has an adverse impact on the environment, as the trees require replanting after being harvested. On the other hand, many sustainably managed forests exist that practice replanting and restocking efforts for these trees. If responsibly sourced, exotic woods can provide a beautiful look without compromising nature’s resources or endangering wildlife or ecosystems.
No matter what type of wood flooring you choose, texture and durability must also be considered before making a final decision. The next section will discuss how texture and durability are important elements in choosing wood flooring for your home.
Texture and Durability
When it comes to wood flooring trends, texture and durability are two of the most important factors to consider. Many property owners don’t want just a plain, muddy-looking surface; they want something with character that stands out and adds a unique touch. On the other hand, substance is something that should never be overlooked. The biggest trend in the industry right now is to use boards with added protection layers or finishes to make them less susceptible to wear and tear.
For those looking for a textured look on their wood floors, there are many options available. Wire-brushed wood provides an interesting grain pattern and also allows for easier cleaning as its pores clean more effectively than smooth surfaces. Cut-and-pressed boards add visual interest and bring out a profile unlike traditional planks—one reason why this technique is often used when people want to incorporate different colors in their flooring.
On the other side of the spectrum is those who prefer a more subdued style with higher durability. A great option for these types of customers is engineered flooring since it is highly resistant to common wear and tear such as water damage and staining. Prefinished or finished-on-site hardwood flooring also offers some great properties when it comes to protecting against moisture and spills as well as being easy to maintain over time without costly refinishing sessions.
Ultimately, each house owner needs to decide what is best for their home based on their needs and preferences. Texture options such as wire-brushed, cut-and-pressed boards add visual impact compared to regular planks but may require more maintenance due to their pore structure trapping dirt easier; whereas engineered flooring offer more durability but may not have the same level of visual appeal.
The next section will explore how important maintenance and refinishing can be when deciding which type of wood floor trend suits your specific house best before beginning installation.
Maintenance and Refinishing
Maintaining and refinishing a wood floor is of the utmost importance to extend its lifespan and preserve its beauty. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming will remove dirt and debris, while applying finish can help protect against scratches, scuffs and fading over time. Refinishing a wood floor involves sanding off the existing coating before reapplying a thin layer of protective finish. The process can enhance the floor’s appearance, but it is also time-consuming and expensive, so it should only be done when necessary.
Sealing a wood floor with too much finish may weaken or discolor the wood, while insufficient sealant may lead to gouges or deep scratches. Depending on usage and traffic patterns, wood floors may need refinishing every 3-7 years. In heavily trafficked areas, professionals recommend refinishing once every two to three years for best results. However, using quality cleaning products designed for wood floors and rugs with non-marking rubber backing can reduce how often you need to refinish your floor’s surface.
At the same time, homeowners should be aware that exposing their hardwood floors to water for long periods of time can cause irreparable damage to them – even if they are being finished regularly – because water swells the grain in the wood planks which can cause warping and buckling of the floor’s surface. To keep your hardwood floors looking as beautiful as possible for years to come, it is important to use proper maintenance techniques as well as keeping them properly sealed with a finish that best suits their specific needs.
By investing in regular maintenance and refinishing approaches of your hardwood floors now, you will be sure to have attractive, durable floors. In addition, taking into consideration the pros and cons of hardwood flooring is essential in order to make informed decisions when weighing whether it is worth investing in maintaining these surfaces over other alternatives. This brings us to our next section: Pros and Cons of Wood Flooring.
Pros and Cons of Wood Flooring
Pros of Wood Flooring
One of the biggest pros of wood flooring is its timeless, classic look. While styles and trends change constantly, wood floors have a more timeless feel that can add an element of sophistication to any space. This is especially true for classic hardwoods like oak, mahogany, pine, and walnut.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, wood flooring is also a great investment due to its durability. With proper care and maintenance, your wood floors will last you 10-20 years or more. Furthermore, if you’re looking to sell your home in the future, wood floors are often seen as an upgrade which could boost the resale value of your property.
Lastly, wood flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain compared to other types of flooring such as carpets. All you need is a broom or microfiber mop and some regular mopping and vacuuming to keep dust and dirt away.
Cons of Wood Flooring
While there are many great benefits to owning wood floors, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered before making your final decision. One major con of wood flooring is cost. Depending on the type of wood you choose for your floors, prices can range from affordable laminate options up to several thousand dollars for more premium material such as hardwood or engineered wood. It’s important to factor this into your budget before moving forward with your project.
Installation is another potential downside if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Depending on the size of the area you’re installing in and the complexity of the job, hiring a professional installer could add a hefty price tag to your bill. Additionally, it’s important to note that while certain types of wood are more durable than others; they may still scratch or dent rather easily if not properly cared for over time. Lastly, some types of woods can react poorly when exposed to moisture and humidity so it’s important to take these environmental factors into account prior to installation.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wood flooring colors and styles for 2020?
The best wood flooring colors and styles for 2020 are neutral shades that create a calming atmosphere. Gray, taupe, white, and warm beige tones all work well in modern spaces and complement a wide variety of furnishings. The plank size is also important – opt for wider planks for a more modern look or for smaller widths to add texture and interest to your space. Additionally, an old-world look can be achieved with distressed wood in classic shades of brown. Whatever you choose, make sure it speaks to your individual style and creates the ambiance you’re looking for.
What are the advantages of hardwood flooring versus laminate flooring?
Hardwood flooring has several advantages over laminate flooring. One major benefit is its longevity: hardwood flooring can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, while laminate flooring may start to show signs of wear-and-tear after fewer than five years. There is also a greater variety of design options for hardwood flooring, as it comes in a wide range of colors and grains, allowing homeowners to choose the look that best suits their living space. Hardwood also tends to increase the value of a home more than any other type of flooring, making it an attractive investment for those wanting to resell. Finally, hardwood floors require little more than regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep them looking their best.
What materials are used to make wood floors?
Wood floors are typically made from solid hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo, and laminate.
Solid hardwood is a timeless flooring option that adds value to any home. It is milled from a single piece of hardwood and can be coated with a variety of finishes to achieve different looks. Solid hardwood is fairly durable and can last for decades when properly maintained.
Engineered wood is an increasingly popular product made up of layers of plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard). This type of flooring often provides greater stability than solid hardwood and is great for wetter environments since it resists warping and buckling.
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that has a natural resistance to moisture, insects, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This material is also very renewable and eco-friendly, making it a great option if you’re looking for an environmentally responsible flooring choice.
Laminate is an affordable alternative to traditional wood flooring. Laminate floors offer quick installation and long lasting durability at an economical price point. They consist of multiple layers fused together for greater stability that allows them to better resist scratches, stains, and dents.
