There are no shortage of unique and exciting options for hardwood flooring, and today we’re taking a look at some of the best trends of the present and what, precisely, makes them such interesting options for homeowners.
Wide Plank Flooring
Wide planks are defined as planks constructed at 5 inches wide and wider. This style used to be very common in past centuries, and that striking traditional look is what has brought them back in the present day. The wider construction is perfect for showing off the beautiful patterns and lines within the wood itself. Wide planks are available in both engineered and solid hardwoods as well as various varieties of laminate.
Mixed Wood Species
Mixed wood is visually interesting in that it combines the colors and textures of various species in a single flooring type. Moreover, mixed wood may include varying plank width and length to create a mosaic effect on your floors. Homeowners should note, however, that mixed wood flooring is strictly available in laminate. This is because different woods expand at different rates due to heat and humidity, a detail that would steadily break down and ruin a true mixed wood floor. The laminate, however, holds together, looks true to life, and is easy to install, showing off the diverse colors, textures, and patterns of the different woods within.
Reclaimed Wood
The demand for reclaimed wood is surging as modern homeowners embrace a warm, historic, well-worked aesthetic for floors, beams, and counters. But the cost of this material can be prohibitive, leading to the development of many new varieties of material that imitate the look of reclaimed wood at a much lower cost—particularly laminate.
Hand-Scraped Wood Flooring
While not truly reclaimed, hand-scraped wood imitates the distressed, worn, uneven appearance of traditional wood planks. This wood is finished to look old and historic and can be generated either by hand or via a machine depending on the exact material you select. Of course, the level of distress added can vary, with most consumers settling on a just-noticeable, broken-in, comfortable level of wear.
Extreme Stain Colors
Recent years have seen a distinct shift towards extremely light and extremely dark stain colors for hardwoods, rather than the usual red, warm tones. Some favorite dark tones include ebony, espresso, and dark walnut—all of which allow homeowners to create strong contrast with light paint colors and furniture. Grays, blondes, and whites, on the other hand, brighten rooms and create an airy, open effect that can be quite unique.
Green Wood Floors
Ecologically friendly materials have been on the rise for some time, and there is no sign of the trend slowing down. Bamboo and cork flooring are currently some of the best options. Bamboo and cork are both harvested with minimal ecological impact, generate little waste during manufacture, and provide a high quality flooring material with varied and beautiful style and color options available.
To explore all your flooring options, including cutting-edge styles like these, contact Concord Carpet and Hardwood of Concord, CA at 925-691- 7101.
