In recent years, home renovation projects have been hugely impacted by green initiatives and human safety, and flooring products are no exception. According to data and research of the World Floor Covering Association, flooring trends for 2016 are running towards the use of wider wooden planks that come in richer tones, a more natural, vintage look and feel that showcases wood’s inherent grains and textures, and reclaimed wood options.
These are some of the newest trends in hardwood flooring that are creating an entirely new arena of design possibilities, and providing today’s consumers of hardwood flooring with more options than ever before to showcase their individual style.
Top 3 Hardwood Flooring Trends (2016)
1. Wider, longer planks
Traditionally, the plank sizes available to homeowners measured between 2-1/4” and 3-1/2” wide, compared to the wider plank options available today in 5”, 6”, and even 7”.
Wider planks open up small spaces visually. In other words, they you can really make a small space appear bigger, and thus wider planks are ideal for master bedrooms, living rooms, and other sections of the home.
These wider planks are now also available in longer lengths measuring up to 6 feet, which are great for producing a much smoother-looking floor with minimal seams. The wider planks can be installed in any direction – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally – it all depends on the effect you’d like to achieve.
Although the demand for the traditional narrower planks is still strong, the wider-plank trend is catching on, with some newer products coming in planks measuring as wide as 10 and 12 inches.
2. Grey tones
Another emerging trend in engineered hardwood flooring involves a process called ‘fuming’ that makes use of advancements in technology to create a natural grey patina that is not a stain or glaze, which often appear artificial.
The fuming technique takes place in a controlled environment, whereby White Oak is given a naturally aged look without highlighting the grain of the wood. Larger fuming degrees result in darker and richer wood design
3. Reclaimed/recycled woods
The trend for recycled or reclaimed woods is particularly appealing to modern-day environmental-friendly consumers, plus they get to enjoy the visual appeal of distinctly aged flooring. The term reclaimed is used to refer to all previously manufactured wood products that are currently either being reused in the same form or re-manufactured into new items.
Reclaimed hardwood flooring includes woods sourced from farmhouses, old barns, wood barrels, and beams, as well as timber salvaged from lakes and rivers. Attributes of reclaimed wood, like varied lengths, heavy graining, knots, color differences, and original nail markings all add to the appeal of reclaimed hardwood flooring.
There are many other hardwood flooring trends to look forward to in 2016, including wire-brushed wood, vintage style, differing gloss levels, lime-washed woods, and darker woods. What these trends signify is that consumers are increasingly seeking more personality from their hardwood flooring, and with advances in technology, there is an increasing range of options to suit every consumer taste and style.
