Oak is the most popular choice for hardwood flooring, and for good reason. It offers a great balance of durability, color variety, and cost-effectiveness. Oak comes in two main varieties: Red Oak and White Oak. Red Oak: Known for its warm tones and prominent grain patterns, it hides scratches well.
With regards to durability on flooring that's made from hardwood, hickory is hands down the most durable there. No question. Maple next, then oak and last birch.
Prime grade or AB-grade wood flooring is the highest quality of hardwood flooring that you can find. The wood in this grade has been carefully selected, and it features a minimal amount of natural defects like knots, sapwood, and grain irregularities.
Looking at the current wood floor colour trends 2024 and potentially into 2025 we can see that natural browns and white wood floors are the most popular. Natural browns are the most popular wood floors followed by white wood flooring. Natural brown and white are hardwood floor colours that never go out of style.
Conclusion. Both LVP and engineered hardwood have advantages and disadvantages. LVP is the most popular floor covering in the world because it's affordable, attractive, easy to install, and lasts 10-20 years. Engineered hardwood has superior aesthetics, can be a lifetime investment, and is made using real hardwood.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Engineered wood boards are manufactured by layering one type of wood over plywood fibers, which produces a stronger, more durable board. Plywood is more resistant to water and moisture than hardwood, which means engineered hardwood will suit any kitchen space.
The Best Time of Year to Buy Flooring
In fact, it's usually right around the New Year. Unlike cars, boats, and appliances that change models every year, flooring prices drop around the New Year because that is when demand is at its lowest and warehouses are willing to make deals to move product.
Whether used as a backsplash or on the entire shower wall, blue tiles will make a bold and stylish statement. Warm Neutrals for Flooring: Neutral colors are timeless classics that never go out of style. In 2024, warm neutrals like beige, cream, and taupe will dominate flooring options.
For example, Brazilian Walnut owns a Janka rating of 3684. That makes it an exceptionally durable material for hardwood flooring. Brazilian Cherry is another durable exotic species with a 2350 rating. Among domestic hardwood species, hickory tops the charts with an 1820 rating.
Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring
This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.
Typically, solid hardwood flooring is between 5/16 and ¾ inches thick. Those are pretty standard thicknesses that serve most needs. Engineered hardwood can come in different thicknesses but generally, it's about the same offerings as solid hardwood.
#1 Common: This grade of hardwood lumber has more knots, mineral streaks, and color variations than Select lumber, but is still suitable for furniture, cabinets, and other high-quality projects. #1 Common lumber has a minimum size of 3 inches wide and 4 feet long.
Zebra Wood
This is probably the most expensive hardwood floors in the world. It is an exotic wood with an appearance that resembles the striping of a zebra. The zebra wood was a favorite choice among the rich – it was used inside luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, but also in Prada's flagship store in Manhattan.
Vinyl has several advantages that make it an excellent option for your living room floor. It's a highly durable material that is resistant to scratches, scuffs and moisture.
Light hardwood floors complement a room with dark and heavy furniture — and can add a cheerful, airy and modern appeal to it. Dark floors can transform a room with neutral walls and furniture into a cosy relaxation area.
Pale Brown and Medium Brown are the epitomes of timeless hardwood floor color. These shades offer warmth and versatility, blending seamlessly with various decor styles and color palettes.
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
Luxury carpet, once thought to be a relic of the past, is experiencing a dazzling resurgence in 2024. This revival is fueled by a growing appreciation for its plush comfort and the vast array of sophisticated styles available.
Overall, winter can be an excellent time to find good deals. Late December to January are popular times to shop for floors as many people wind down after the holiday season.
Quality for the Price
Costco doesn't skimp on quality. They usually carry reputable brands like Mohawk and Harmonics. These brands are known for producing laminate flooring that looks great and can handle the daily march of household traffic.
Rooms with high humidity are generally not suitable for hardwood flooring. This is almost always solved by installing engineered flooring and/or using a finish and sealer.
In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom.
White oak is great for kitchens due to its water resistance and hardness. Maple Engineered Hardwood: Maple has a smooth grain and a light color, making it a versatile choice for many kitchen styles. It's also durable and handles high-traffic areas well.