You’ve heard us say before that procuring white oak has been challenging this year. The inventory is low, the demand is at an all-time high and so are the prices. Many are surprised to learn that the availability of white oak is not the issue— as many as 5.2 billion white oak trees cover 235,000 square miles in the United States. So what’s causing these significant shortages and an uptick in prices? It’s a combination of factors.
Trends & Techniques
From rustic finishes to unexpected colors to wide widths, there’s no shortage of ways to put your unique spin on a new hardwood floor and dramatically change the look of a room or a home. Here are some trends in hardwood flooring that show no sign of slowing down. This section of the website is regularly updated to reflect current trends in the hardwood flooring industry.
Wide Planks
Homeowners’ affinity for wide-width planks continues to grow. Wide planks can make a room appear more open and spacious, helping to visually transform a small space such as an office or a nursery. Better yet, wide widths put the spotlight on the wood and all of its unique aesthetic features: knots, grain, and other marks.
Rustic & Distressed
Hand scraping, wire brushing, and beveling: These are just some methods of adding artistic features to standard wood flooring. In the last year, especially, hit shows like HGTV’s Fixer Upper have popularized a more laid-back approach to designing cozy interiors. There’s an emphasis on enhancing (not concealing) character and adding rustic touches as a nod to the past.
Colored Wood
Natural tones of wood will always prevail but homeowners are showing more openness to experimenting with color. Gray, in particular, is a favorite with consumers who want to try something unexpected but still neutral. According to Floor Trends Magazine, “People in coastal regions tend to prefer bleached, pale, and washed-look floors. In major cities, interior designers seek out trendier colors, color blends, or herringbone patterns.”
Reclaimed Hardwood
Sustainability is always trendy so it’s no surprise that reclaimed wood, also known as salvaged wood, has seen a resurgence in popularity. As a natural product, wood will change as it ages, so expect plenty of character and a floor that tells its own story.
Get In Touch
Our team stands ready to source and deliver the wood flooring required for your next large-scale project.
Call us at 478.405.2299 or fill out a