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Wood Flooring: Wood Flooring

Wood Flooring in Modern Interior Design: A Timeless Choice for Elegance and Versatility

In the realm of modern interior design, wood flooring stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation. Revered for its natural beauty, durability, and versatility, wood flooring remains a popular choice among interior designers, decorators, and design consultants. This article delves into the various types and species of wood flooring, exploring its role in modern design, its sustainability, and how it enhances interior spaces.

Types and Species of Wood Flooring

Wood flooring comes in several types, including solid hardwood, engineered wood, and more innovative materials like bamboo and cork. Each type has unique characteristics that suit different environments and design aesthetics.

  • Hardwood Flooring: Traditional hardwood floors, made from single pieces of wood, are known for their longevity and ability to be refinished multiple times. Popular species include oak, maple, and walnut, each offering distinct grain patterns and color variations.
  • Engineered Wood: Constructed with a thin layer of hardwood atop a plywood base, engineered wood provides the look of hardwood but with greater resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
  • Bamboo and Cork: These sustainable options have gained traction in recent years, appealing to environmentally conscious designers. Bamboo offers a distinctive look and is harder than some traditional woods, while cork provides a softer, cushioned feel underfoot.

Versatility and Durability

Wood flooring's versatility lies in its vast array of finishes, stains, and installation patterns. Whether the preference is for a rustic, hand-scraped oak or a sleek, high-gloss maple, wood flooring can be tailored to fit any design theme from classic to contemporary. In terms of durability, hardwood floors, if properly maintained, can last for decades, adding value to properties. Engineered wood, while not as long-lasting as hardwood, still offers significant durability and is more adaptable to various climates.

Sustainability

Today's market emphasizes sustainable practices, and wood flooring is no exception. Many wood floors come from responsibly managed forests, and the use of reclaimed wood has become increasingly popular. This focus not only appeals to the eco-friendly market but also adds a story to the flooring material, an aspect cherished in modern design narratives.

Enhancing Interior Spaces

Wood floors add warmth and character to interior spaces. The natural element of wood can soften the often harsh lines of modern design, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Light-colored woods like ash or maple can brighten a space and make it appear larger, while darker woods like walnut or mahogany add a sense of luxury and depth.

Hardwood Flooring vs. Wood Flooring

While hardwood flooring is a subset of wood flooring, the term 'wood flooring' encompasses a broader range of materials including engineered wood, bamboo, and cork. Hardwood flooring is prized for its authenticity and potential for customization. However, in areas prone to moisture or temperature fluctuations, engineered wood may be a more practical choice.

Insights and Tips for Professionals

When selecting wood flooring for a project, consider these aspects:

  • Client Lifestyle and Traffic: High-traffic areas may require more durable woods like oak or hickory.
  • Climate Considerations: In regions with high humidity or temperature changes, engineered wood can be more stable than hardwood.
  • Aesthetic Goals: Choose species and stains that complement the overall design theme. Light woods can create a minimalist, Scandinavian look, while dark woods are ideal for traditional, elegant spaces.
  • Sustainability: Opt for wood from certified sustainable sources or reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly choice.

Recent Design Trends and Innovations

Recent trends in wood flooring include wider planks and mixed-width designs, which add a contemporary twist to traditional wood flooring. The use of gray and whitewashed wood tones has been popular for a minimalist, modern aesthetic. Moreover, advancements in finishes have improved the durability of wood floors, making them more resistant to scratches and fading.

Cutting-edge materials like engineered bamboo and composite wood products offer new possibilities in terms of durability and sustainability. These innovations are particularly appealing for designers looking to balance ecological concerns with the need for long-lasting, beautiful flooring.

Conclusion

Wood flooring remains a cornerstone in modern interior design, offering a blend of timeless beauty, versatility, and practicality. Whether opting for classic hardwood or exploring innovative materials, wood floors provide designers and decorators with a wealth of options to enhance any interior space. As trends evolve, the fundamental appeal of wood flooring endures, continuing to charm and inspire professionals in the field of interior design.



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Brand Overview


Lauzon Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Lauzon Hardwood Flooring 


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For 30 years we have dedicated ourselves to marrying the artistry of finely crafted wood with the science of producing resilient, naturally comfortable and – equally important – comforting floors. We don’t cut corners. Because we know that for our customers, their homes are more than an investment, they are privileged spaces of repose, comfort and beauty. You wouldn’t skimp on the surfaces that carry you through life. You want them to be beautiful, practical and healthful. We are committed to meeting, even surpassing your expectations. 

Mannington Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Mannington Hardwood Flooring 


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ManningElegance engineered for superior performance. Engineered Hardwood flooring is real hardwood - the word “engineered” just refers to the way in which it’s made. And there are many benefits to choosing an engineered product over a solid product.  

Somerset Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Somerset Hardwood Flooring 


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Somerset Wood Products is one of the largest manufacturers of Appalachian lumber and flooring in the midwest. Our corporate headquarters is located in Somerset, KY. We have two supporting production facilities, also located in the Somerset area, with a staff of over 300 employees. We also employ a full time forester, to oversee responsible forestry management practices that exceed Best Management Practice standards. 

Shaw Hardwoods Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Shaw Hardwoods Flooring 


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Shaw Hardwood Flooring offers consumers the timeless tradition of hardwood flooring with a wide variety of species, colors, and sizes. Shaw hardwood flooring brings Beauty and Strength to Any Room. See our Collection of Wood Flooring Stains and Grains. 

Robbins Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Robbins Hardwood Flooring 


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Enjoy the beauty of natural oak and maple flooring all through your home.  

Mirage Hardwood Floors | Shrewsbury, PA
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Mirage Hardwood Floors 


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Retailers and other industry professionals have rated Mirage 1st for quality 34 times in the last decade. 

Mullican Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Mullican Hardwood Flooring 


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Since its founding in 1985, Mullican Flooring has dedicated itself to creating the highest-quality hardwood flooring in the world. The company’s founders knew the combination of precision milling, advanced kiln-drying techniques and the most demanding inspectors available would result in products that would be unmatched by its competitors.  

HomerWood™ Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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HomerWood™ Flooring 


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Choose from the unparalleled beauty and quality of oak, ash, cherry, hAppalachian Hardwood, lovingly handcrafted into the finest American-made hardwood floors - The Essence of HomerWood. Recalling the age of quality and craftsmanship, we hand select each plank from sustainable, center-cut lumber to reveal the character and unsurpassed beauty created by nature. From these planks we handcraft and custom design exceptional hardwood floors for those who seek style, elegance and individuality.  

Hartco® Wood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Hartco® Wood Flooring 


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Hartco Quality Wood Flooring, among the top flooring brands in the world, has a reputation among commercial designers for design freedom. Hartco's range and flexibility also satisfies a yearning for a highly personal, custom style in the home. Hartco patterns and contrasts help define interiors, from traditional to the avant-garde. 

Expanko Cork Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Expanko Cork Flooring 


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Cork is the ultimate in commercial and residential floor coverings providing a beautiful, easy to maintain surface rich in clor and texture. Finished with our exclusive polyurethane finish, Expanko Cork tiles will last for decades, as proven by commercial installations still in use after 80 years. Because of our long history and experience in the field, Expanko can offer expert technical support for both materila selection and cork floor restoration. 

Mercier Wood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Mercier Wood Flooring 


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With its unflagging commitment to excellence and drive for perfection, Mercier designs and manufactures hardwood floor products that continue its tradition of innovation. 

Wicanders® Cork Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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Wicanders® Cork Flooring 


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Whether you choose the floating or stick-down option, WICANDERS floors are quicker and easier to install than ever before. With the improved CORKLOC-design and increased sizes of the stick-down range, a WICANDERS floor saves time and reduces installation expense. 

BR-111 Hardwood Flooring | Shrewsbury, PA
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BR-111 Hardwood Flooring 


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BR-111 is the exclusive U.S. importer of Indusparquet exotic hardwood flooring. Available prefinished or unfinished, Indusparquet is kiln-dried and precision milled providing natural beauty, superior durability, and flexible design options.