If you’re a hardwood floor fan, there’s nothing more exciting than a beautiful, original hardwood floor in a century-old townhouse, or, say, ripping up 50-year old tile to reveal the hidden gem of gorgeous wood planks below.

For years, hardwood played second fiddle to wall-to-wall carpet. Then came the luxury vinyl plank trends. Despite all its competitors, hardwood floors are still a classic - and many homebuyers agree. Marie Bromberg, a real estate agent with Compass in New York City, says: “I cannot overstate how important flooring is to a home. It’s probably the single most important factor in giving a home its good ‘vibes!’”

Though synthetic and engineered options have become popular more recently, Leda Broxson, a Realtor with Spears Group at Compass in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, shares that hardwood has been used since the 1600s, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Of course, trends change, stains wax and wane, but hardwood retains its value and its beauty!

1. Oak floors continue their dominance.

Oak, bamboo, and maple continue to be the most popular hardwood options, with walnut and its striking grain making an occasional appearance. Anyone have these in their home right now? I do!

However, there’s one runaway favorite: Oak overtakes 60 percent of the hardwood market. It takes a stain easily, it lasts for years, and it has the classic hardwood look that many buyers look for. Although Oak has to be a certain color for me to personally really like it, it’s the familiar and dependable “go-to” for most over time.

2. Wide plank floors are making a comeback.

Wide plank is on the rise…again, and Broxson states that the recent trends interestingly include red and white oak wide plank floors. She says we’ll see more light and almost bleached tones and dark espresso colors coming back, as well. (Side note: I love the dark espresso colors!)

Bromberg notes that these wide plank oak floors add an extra dose of flair. Think of every home renovation show where you’ve watched a DIYer excitedly rip up 1950s carpet to reveal original wide plank floors. Now imagine that you just bought those brand-new. It’s a splurge, but it’s one that will last. “Not only does wide plank oak impart all the warmth we want from wood, it’s also incredibly durable and will last through the generations with just minimal maintenance efforts,” adds Bromberg.

3. Lived-in flooring is having a moment.

“I have noticed a trend, which I fully support, which is to have not just ‘raw’ flooring, but flooring reflective of how we live,” Bromberg says. “No longer are people struggling to maintain the picture perfect, scratch-free floor.” Well if this isn’t a welcome surprise…no more worrying about the dogs scratching up the floors…ha, ha! (Everything in moderation though…right?)

She sees buyers and sellers embracing imperfection, including scratches, paint, and blotchiness on the floor. Bromberg notes that it makes it less stressful when you don’t feel like you’re in a museum and instead feel like you have permission to live in your home. Further, she says: “A well-used floor has a certain character and gravitas that a newly-placed floor doesn’t. I think people want a home that has a story to tell and not one that is striving to be as blemish-free as possible.” As long as the story doesn’t overwrite the story the new owners would like to envision, I agree with this.

4. Buyers look for durable choices.

Though surprising to some, bamboo is one of the most durable flooring choices. “Comparing bamboo to oak flooring, bamboo is actually harder, more eco-friendly, and in most cases more affordable,” says Broxson, which makes it a smart choice if you’re looking to retain value in your home or stay there for years to come.

Bromberg explains that bamboo is popular with green buildings since it is affordable and regrows quickly, making it a sustainable option. Many are starting to see the importance of this sustainability thankfully, and choose this as a solid choice (pun intended)! Bamboo’s quick regrowth has one other big advantage: “I know several homeowners who tired of waiting for their lumber during COVID, and opted for bamboo instead, just to ‘get the job done,’” says Bromberg.

Is anything on its way out?

For those who can’t stand to see a gray tone floor (me!), I have good news. Broxson says, “Flooring color trends that are going out, or have been out of style for awhile, are orange and honey tones and gray.”

If you’re thinking of listing your property, or if you don’t own a home, condo or similar, and are interested in buying, let me know so I can help walk you through the current market conditions, as well as all the resources and referrals I have from my many years of success in the industry. As an 11 year, Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent, knowing that no matter what is happening in the economy, and especially now, you need an exceptional real estate broker as your ally…and you’ll be in great hands with my team!

Please reach out, I’m here to assist and help you #moveforward,

Teresa Catania, Broker
West + Main Homes
West + Main Homes Oregon
Bend Oregon | Central Oregon | Portland Oregon
503-740-3293
teresa@teresacatania.com

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4 of the Most Popular Trends with Hardwood Flooring