You have so many options these days when it comes to wood flooring. Traditional, “new” wood flooring is out, and some new characters have joined the party.
As you’ve probably noticed, we’re steering away from the sleek and shiny and trending towards warm, inviting looks with plenty of character. These types of wood flooring are less Hollywood glamor and more your grandmother’s home cooking if you get what I mean.
Reclaimed Wood
Unique, durable and green, with each plank telling a story, it’s no wonder reclaimed wood has taken off so quickly.
Reclaimed wood simply means taking old building materials and re-using them. Essentially, recycling. We all want something different that doesn’t look just like our neighbor’s house and reclaimed wood offers just that unique look.
As reclaimed wood gains popularity, it becomes increasingly more rare and difficult to find, only making it that much more popular. My guess is that this will be a trend that sticks around for a decade or so until something different comes along.
Want to learn more about reclaimed wood? We love this post from Bob Vila.
Bamboo
Bamboo has been working its way into homes for years, and it’s not going anywhere.
One of the strongest floors on the market with unique looks and colors including the aforementioned blonde wood look, bamboo continues to be a staple for homeowners looking for something a little different in their home.
There is no other flooring option that can quite replicate the natural, organic look of bamboo. Although it can be temperamental to weather, it will surely be a conversation starter in your home – something guests look at and say “where did you get that?!”. And that’s why it’s here for the long haul.
Cork
Eco-friendly, joint-friendly and resilient with a totally unique look, cork has been trending for years and, in 2017, we only expect to see more of it on the market and in the home.
That’s right. Contrary to popular belief, cork is one of the oldest flooring options on the market. Its current surge in popularity likely explains why you may be hearing about it for the first time.
People are becoming increasingly interested in eco-friendly flooring, making both cork and bamboo flooring take off. These environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional hardwood will be around for years to come.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is the closest thing you can get to natural, solid hardwood. You know, other than actual solid hardwood. It has a thin hardwood veneer layer on top of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).
Families and pet owners are leaning towards engineered wood flooring because it’s less finicky than traditional solid hardwood. Engineered wood is easier to maintain and can hold up to kids and pets.
Just like laminate and other solid hardwood alternatives continue to thrive, engineered wood flooring is no different! Expect to see engineered wood in homes for decades to come.
