The Friendly Contractor’s Blog

Posted on: 7 September 2023

Wood flooring has long been a staple in interior design, known for its timeless elegance and durability. However, like any other design element, wood flooring trends evolve over time, reflecting changes in style, technology, and sustainability. Here are three wood flooring trends that are redefining interior design.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, sustainability is a significant trend in wood flooring. Homeowners and designers alike are seeking flooring options that are eco-friendly and responsibly sourced. Here are some key aspects of this trend:

• Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood flooring is gaining popularity. It involves repurposing wood from old structures, barns, or factories, giving it a second life as flooring. This not only adds character to the floor but also reduces the demand for new timber.
• Certified Wood: Wood flooring that comes from responsibly managed forests, certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is highly sought after. This ensures that the wood is harvested sustainably and promotes responsible forestry practices.

Sustainable wood flooring not only contributes to a greener planet but also adds a unique, rustic charm to interior spaces.

Wide Planks and Mixed Widths

Traditionally, wood flooring featured narrow planks, but the trend is shifting towards wider planks and mixed-width arrangements. This trend provides several benefits:

• Visual Impact: Wide planks create a bold, visually striking look that can make a room appear larger and more open. The absence of many seams gives the floor a cleaner, more expansive appearance.
• Contemporary Aesthetics: Wide planks are a hallmark of contemporary interior design, adding a touch of modernity to any space. They are particularly popular in minimalist and industrial-style interiors.

Mixed-width flooring takes this trend a step further by incorporating planks of various widths within the same floor. This adds a dynamic, customized look that is gaining favor in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is experiencing a surge in popularity due to its versatility and durability. This type of flooring consists of multiple layers of wood, with a top layer of hardwood veneer. Here's why it's trending:

• Stability: Engineered wood is less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature compared to solid hardwood, making it an excellent choice for areas with fluctuating environmental conditions.
• Installation Options: Engineered wood can be installed in various ways, including floating, glue-down, or nail-down methods, offering flexibility in installation.

This trend in engineered wood flooring is driven by its ability to combine the aesthetic appeal of hardwood with the practicality of modern construction techniques.

Wood flooring trends continue to evolve, reflecting the values and preferences of homeowners and designers. Sustainability, wide planks and mixed widths, and engineered wood are three trends that are reshaping the world of interior design, offering innovative and stylish options for flooring that enhance both the aesthetic and environmental aspects of any space.

Contact a wood flooring supplier to learn more.