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Top Flooring Materials for a Timeless Look

Flooring trends come and go, but a good floor can last for decades. Here are a few timeless options for your home:

1. Hardwood

Hardwood floors are a true classic, adding natural warmth to any space. They’re durable enough to withstand the test of time, and they can easily be modified and refurbished to fit in with current design trends.

When selecting hardwood floors, consider the species that will work best with your design aesthetic. Light natural woods like oak and maple are popular because they blend well with both traditional and contemporary design styles. Red oak in particular has a warm color range and strong grain pattern that hides scratches and dents better than other types of wood.

Medium-toned browns, such as cherry and walnut, are another timeless option for hardwood flooring. These rich hues are more versatile than other colors and complement many different furniture designs, including contemporary pieces that have sleek surfaces and lines.

Other woods that yield beautiful, timeless planks include hickory and black walnut. These woods are harder than oak and ash, making them more durable for high-traffic areas. They also work beautifully in herringbone, chevron and other traditional parquet patterns.

In addition to the style of wood you select, consider the cut pattern of your new floors. Both solid and engineered hardwood are available in several different cut patterns. Selecting the right one depends on your personal preference and the amount of wear and tear your new floor will undergo.

For example, live sawn planks are typically wider and more visually appealing, whereas flatsawn planks have less visual variation. You’ll also find that the majority of engineered wood products have a wide variety of plank widths, while solid hardwood is usually limited to specific cuts and lengths. You may also be able to find some engineered wood products with deep embossing that simulates the appearance of real hardwood flooring.

2. Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl (LV) is one of the most popular flooring styles for a timeless look that is both durable and budget-friendly. This water-resistant flooring offers a wide selection of design options and is available in plank or tile formats. It is also 100% waterproof and provides excellent durability against heavy foot traffic, children, pets and moisture. Depending on the manufacturer, these floors are reinforced to resist dents and scratches and can even be installed in-floor radiant heat.

LVPs feature a plank-like shape that emulates traditional hardwood flooring, and they are typically manufactured with a wood grain pattern and surface texture that are on trend for a classic style. Some brands use advanced printing technology to create a realistic image of natural hardwood, while others offer more contemporary styles with a woven or embossed appearance. In addition to being a great budget-friendly option, these floors are easy to maintain and clean, making them an ideal choice for busy households.

The thickness of the wear layer is another important factor to consider when choosing a luxury vinyl floor. Thicker floors typically provide better protection and withstand higher levels of wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to choose a floor with an attached underlayment, like cork or felt, that adds cushion underfoot and helps to soundproof your space.

The core of luxury vinyl is made of a composite material like stone plastic composite or polyvinyl chloride, which helps to add stability and durability to the flooring. Most luxury vinyl floors also feature a vinyl design layer and an authentic photograph film design that is used to imitate the look of natural materials, including wood, stone and granite.

3. Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a popular choice for those who want the beauty of natural wood floors without the price tag that comes with solid planks. Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it long-lasting and a great investment for your home. Like laminate, engineered hardwood is available in a variety of finishes. Some styles even mimic the look of traditional wood flooring, including hand-scraped and wire-brushed options.

There are a variety of wood species you can choose from with engineered hardwood. Cherry, for example, adds rich warmth to a space and over time develops a beautiful patina. Hickory offers unique grain patterns that enhance the texture of a space while maple adds smoothness to contemporary interior designs. You can also choose to install your engineered hardwood using the staple-down or glue-down methods. Staple-down installation is easier for DIYers but will not last as long as glued down installations. Glue down installation is best left to the professionals.

Gray and whitewashed engineered hardwoods are trending right now for their modern, coastal-inspired aesthetic. They can make a room feel larger and more spacious. Pale browns and medium browns are timeless choices because they pair well with many decor styles and color palettes, blending seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional spaces. When choosing hardwood floor colors, it’s important to avoid trendy shades that may lose their appeal over time. These include gray and taupe, which are often reminiscent of the avocado green and harvest gold that were popular in the 80s.

Engineered hardwood can be installed in most areas of your home, including below-ground spaces such as basements, if a moisture barrier is added. This flooring option can also withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations. However, it is recommended to have an experienced professional acclimate the product prior to installation.


4. Laminate

Laminate flooring has gained in popularity over the years, largely because it is more affordable than other materials and can be made to resemble many different kinds of surfaces. It is also reasonably durable, hygienic (many brands have antimicrobial resins), and relatively easy to maintain. It is important to keep laminate clean, as dirt and sand can scratch the surface over time in high-traffic areas, and water spills should be wiped up quickly as sitting water may cause the planks to swell or warp over time, although some manufacturers have created products that are more resistant to this effect than others.

Homebuyers are also drawn to laminate’s ability to withstand heavy amounts of foot traffic, furniture, and pets without showing signs of wear and tear. It is highly resistant to staining and indentation, and it can resist the effects of humidity and sun exposure as well. Laminate can be found in a wide variety of styles, from reclaimed wood-look planks to modern designs that mimic popular hardwood species.

One drawback of laminate is that it is manufactured using non-renewable resources, including petroleum-based adhesives and plastics. It is also a non-biodegradable material and will not break down naturally in landfills. This can contribute to depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution.

In 2024, classic styles and mid-toned wood colors are seeing a resurgence in popularity among homeowners who prefer the beauty of timeless design. Many laminate manufacturers have adapted their style offerings to reflect this trend, providing homeowners with the option to create the exact aesthetic they desire without breaking the bank. This democratization of design has also helped to make hardwood and other natural-looking materials more accessible to families with busy lifestyles.

5. Tile

A variety of tile flooring materials offer a timeless aesthetic while also being practical and easy to maintain. Tile floors are especially good for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and entryways, since they’re water-resistant and durable against spilled sauces and splashes of milk. Plus, they come in a range of beautiful designs that can complement any style.

The most popular choice for timeless floor tiles is porcelain tile, which can mimic nearly any material from brick to natural stone or wood. It’s even possible to find a wide range of patterns and styles that evoke a timeless feel, like herringbone, subway and chevron. For a more modern take, consider geometric patterns that can add a contemporary edge to your space.

In addition to the versatility of porcelain, other hard tile options include granite and natural stone. Granite is a dense and long-lasting igneous rock that can withstand a lot of traffic. It comes in a range of colors and can be polished to be scratch resistant. Marble, on the other hand, is a more luxurious option that adds a touch of elegance to any room. It’s durable against moisture and stains and is unique since no two pieces of marble are alike. For those seeking ultimate Epoxy Flooring Solutions for Boosting Durability, this San Antonio based company offers a versatile and resilient option that can extend the lifespan of any floor.

Another good option for flooring is ash wood, which can be stained or oiled to achieve the look of oak hardwood floors. It’s less expensive than oak and is a medium hardness wood that makes it ideal for heavy use. It also yields timeless planks that can be crafted in herringbone, chevron and other traditional parquet patterns.

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