Wood Floors Make (Another) Comeback

Wood Floors Make (Another) Comeback

REALTOR® Magazine, article by Barbara Ballinger | December 9, 2024

More buyers favor wood floors because of the myriad options in style, color and species.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Wood is seeing a resurgence due to its durability, sustainability and easier installation.

• Rising material and labor costs make it important to weigh choices for longevity.

• Style and price point vary widely, so it’s important to consider both when making a decision.

Years ago, many referred to the ceiling as the fifth wall—a surface that could add style, texture and color. Now many point to the floor as the sixth wall and a place to introduce additional panache.

Wood floors are once again at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists. The variety of options that wood presents is a popular reason. Homeowners can choose from different species, construction types, colors and finishes, as well as the length and durability of the planks.

Prices, however, put wood at the upper end of the floor spectrum. “It’s perceived as a luxury good and not a commodity that goes up and down,” says Brett Miller, vice president of technical standards, training & certification for the National Wood Flooring Association in St. Charles, Mo.

Wood’s current appeal has grown so much that the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, a joint collaboration by the National Association of REALTORS® and National Association of the Remodeling Industry, found that wood floors offer a 147% return on investment.

Like most natural sources, wood requires some upkeep. Sellers may want to take on the work and expense of making their wood floors shine before they list.

8 Considerations for Wood Flooring

Because there are so many options for wood flooring, homeowners will want to understand the factors at play before deciding on their final product.

Solid or Engineered Wood

Neither solid nor engineered wood is better than the other; each represents a different style of manufacturing. Both have real wood. Solid wood traditionally is more expensive because it offers the same solid wood throughout a board, which can be refinished multiple times. Some engineered flooring options offer a limited number of refinishes because they have only a thin layer or veneer of hardwood at the top, Miller says.

When it comes to construction, engineered flooring often is touted for its enhanced stability. Layers beneath those on top are melded so boards are unlikely to expand and contract as temperatures change. This is why it may be preferred for certain rooms and climates.

Price Point

Price depends on a number of factors. Patricia Gaylor, a Nevada-based designer, says some engineered wood flooring is from one-half to one-third less in cost, making it a smart option for entry-level homes. Others say price is based on construction of the engineered floor, the wear layer (veneer) thickness, its length, width and species. As a result, some engineered boards may cost as much or more than some hardwoods, Miller says.

Board Size

Many homeowners now prefer wider, longer boards, which convey to many a modern, richer look, says Short Hills, N.J.–based Compass salesperson Stephanie Mallios, EPRO. Wider may mean at least 7" but can go up to 10"; longer can run 12' and up to 16', says Chicago designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design, who finds these larger sizes visually appealing.

Pensacola, Fla.–based designer Liz Lapan of In Detail Interiors also likes wider, longer planks since they offer a more seamless, less choppy look. “Typically, we go with 5" or so widths and at least 4' to 5' lengths,” she says. When her firm works on historic remodels with original floors that need an update, it sticks with the existing scale, however.

Color Options

Color preferences and options also shift, reflecting paint and other home furnishing influences. For most of his Midwestern clients and some living elsewhere, Segal hears a preference for light tan or brown stains on natural or white oak boards. Miller agrees, and sees interest in red oak boards with natural, tan or straw colors as well. Some still favor the darker natural characteristics in woods such as hickory, Miller says.

One reason dark variations appeal is because they contrast well with white walls, Mallios says. But Gaylor cautions that dark floors may show more surface dirt or dust, so they require regular cleaning. She prefers a medium brown stain without red undertones for a warm, classic style.

Another color trend is to paint or stain a wood floor, which Chicago-based designer Rebecca Pogonitz of Gogo Design Group does to differentiate it from adjacent floors. In one case, she stained an oak floor dark blue and left the nearby walnut floor taupe. “It was more economical to do this than replace the oak floor with walnut; blue also reflected an accent color in the house,” Pogonitz says. Colors on the wane include reds and oranges, as well as some grays, which may still appeal to those seeking a Coastal vibe, Segal says.

Wood Species

Species is another consideration, often determined by availability, price and regional preference. Lapan says her clients in Southern locations often favor harder woods like maple and walnut. They have less busy grain patterns and work well with a wide variety of stains and finishes. In the Northeast, many homeowners veer toward maple, white oak and red oak, Miller says.

Style and Finish

Finishes reveal cyclical trends, too, with a lower satin sheen now preferred over a glossy one, Miller says. Pogonitz agrees, saying that glossy surfaces show dirt, scratches and imperfections.

Older reclaimed boards continue to appeal for certain floors like those in vintage homes where a patina is desired. Sometimes, though, the price is higher because of aged boards’ more limited availability and the prevalence of knots and multiple colors.

Intricate decorative patterns such as herringbone and chevron are experiencing an uptick in interest, but they can be expensive to install, Miller says.

Cleaning and Care

Despite concern that wood floors require care, Gaylor says most need only occasional mopping with mild soap and water. Every few years a new coat of finish is recommended to prevent normal wear and tear. Hardwood floors may need resanding every 10 to 15 years, Miller says. As with any floor, pet stains or water left to sit may cause damage, Gaylor says.

The bottom line, according to Gaylor, is that there’s no substitute for natural, classic materials to set a high standard. “If budget is a concern, go for the most cost-effective, attractive flooring possible,” she says.