Ever walked into a new home and felt an instant connection? Maybe it was the light streaming through wide windows, or perhaps the sleek kitchen counters. But what about the foundation beneath your feet? Yup, flooring - it's the last detail that can make all the difference. Popular flooring in new homes is like that final brushstroke on a masterpiece painting - subtle but transformative. It can change 'just another house' into 'your dream home'. Whether you're partial to timeless hardwoods whispering tales of tradition or love stepping onto modern luxury vinyl planks, there's no denying their impact. In this journey together, we'll navigate from oak, maple, to Brazilian cherry orchards in hardwood land, and even weigh solid against engineered wood floor choices. All while unearthing exciting trends reshaping our floorscape! If you're wondering what type of wood species would do well in your home click here. Learn about the most popular flooring types below.
Table Of Contents:
- Hardwood Flooring: A Timeless Choice
- The Rise of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood
- Flooring Trends for New Homes
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring
- Durability and Maintenance of Different Flooring Types
- Flooring for Specific Rooms and Areas
- FAQs in Relation to Popular Flooring in New Homes
- Conclusion
Hardwood Flooring: A Timeless Choice
When you step into a new home, the flooring can make a significant first impression. Hardwood floors are an enduring choice that blends style and practicality. A new home and new subfloor create an exciting experience when shopping for flooring.
The Appeal of Traditional Hardwoods
Among hardwood options, red oak, white oak, and hickory stand out for their classic appeal. Oak is admired for its distinct grain patterns and durability while maple's light hue gives it versatility to match any design theme. Hickory wood provides warmth with its rich character and dark tones. Floor & Decor, has a wide range of these popular hardwoods ready to elevate your living space. Apart from aesthetics, traditional hardwoods like white oak or hickory offer solid benefits. These woods increase resale value due to their timeless charm, durablility, and longevity – they're as sturdy as they come.
Exploring Exotic Wood Options
If you crave uniqueness in your abode then exotic woods might be just what you need. Teak stands tall against humidity making it perfect for homes in moist climates while mahogany lends opulence with its dark shades and smooth texture. Brazilian cherry adds flair too. With colors ranging from golden brown to reddish hues this visually stunning option makes every floor feel luxurious. Many flooring stores offer an assortment of such exotic choices at competitive prices so don't hold back on exploring. Remember: whether going traditional or exotic with your choice of wood floors; quality matters most. So when planning those dreamy interiors keep in mind - beauty may fade but quality endures.
The Rise of Luxury Vinyl Floors
Luxury vinyl flooring is making a name for itself in new homes across America. It's not hard to see why. Homeowners are increasingly turning to luxury vinyl flooring due to its affordability and extensive selection. One look at Better Homes & Gardens will show you just how versatile this type of floor can be. You'll find luxury vinyl that mimics traditional hardwoods, natural stone, and even unique patterns like geometric designs or florals. Vinyl floors have always been known as an affordable option but recent advancements have brought them into the realm of luxury without hiking up the price tag too much. From authentic-looking grain patterns to high gloss finishes, today’s vinyl flooring options offer something for every design theme.
The Wide Variety of Style on Offer
If you've ever felt limited by your flooring choices due to budget constraints, luxury vinyl could be your answer. There's such a large variety available on the market today - everything from realistic wood planks with detailed textures and grains to marble-look tiles with their sophisticated charm are within reach. No matter if you're after a rustic antique theme simply achieved through using wider planks or want to recreate the grandeur of historical homes with formal parquet style layouts; there is a suitable option out there for everyone when it comes down to luxury vinyl.
Cost-effective Elegance
In addition to providing diverse visual options, another advantage is its affordability compared with other popular flooring materials like pure hardwood or exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry which can put strain on limited budgets.
Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood
When choosing the right flooring, you've likely heard about engineered hardwood and solid hardwood. What are the contrasts between engineered hardwood and solid hardwood? Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like: a plank of pure wood. It's durable and can be refinished multiple times to freshen up its look. But while solid wood floors exude warmth and character, they're not ideal for rooms with excessive humidity or moisture. You can shop by how tough a wood floor is by checking its Janka Hardness Scale. This scale measures how durable and resistant a species of wood is to dents and abrasion.
Key Stat: Engineered hardwood has been gaining popularity due to its increased resistance to changes in temperature and humidity (4). This type of flooring consists of a thin layer of real wood on top with layers of composite materials underneath which give it greater stability than traditional wooden planks. If your home tends towards dampness or if you want the charm of wood in areas such as bathrooms or basements where water might cause issues, engineered hardwood may be an ideal choice. A key difference between these two types is that unlike solid woods which require periodic refinishing due to wear over time, engineered woods tend to have better durability because their surface layer is typically made from harder varieties (5). In conclusion, both options provide different benefits depending on your specific needs - whether those revolve around aesthetics or practicality. The decision between using either will largely depend upon factors including budget constraints along with environmental conditions present within your household so make sure research thoroughly before making any decisions.
Floor Trends for New Homes
Today's homeowners crave style, comfort, and practicality. So what trends are sweeping new homes? Let's find out.
Lighter Wood Finishes
The move towards lighter wood finishes is unmistakable, with the fresh aesthetic of white oak and walnut leading the charge. These popular choices give spaces a bright, airy feel while offering exceptional durability - an ideal blend for busy households. Apart from being visually appealing, these woods boast unique grain patterns that add character to your floors. Their wide range can suit any design theme you're going after – be it rustic antique or sleek modernist. Southern Living offers more insights into how these finishes contribute to various interior styles.
The Rise of Maximalist Installation
In contrast to minimalism’s clean lines and simplicity, maximalist installation has made a splash in today's interior design trends. Larger tiles create luxurious decor vibes across rooms without visually limiting them by grout lines' frequency. The final look gives spaces an expansive feel that few other options can match up with.
| Trendy Flooring Options: | Main Advantages: |
|---|---|
| Bright wood (like White Oak) | Natural Look & Durable Surface |
| Maximalist Vinyl Tiles | Captivating Visual Design & Seamless Appearance |
No matter which trend calls out to you, it's important to pick something that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're a fan of wide planks or glossy finishes, remember - the floor is quite literally the foundation of your home decor. So choose wisely.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring
Choosing the right flooring for your new home isn't just about aesthetics. You've got to think beyond what meets the eye, diving deeper into factors like durability, maintenance, and cost.
Durability Matters
The most popular floor in a house needs to stand up to daily wear and tear. This is where hardwood floors shine as they're not easily stained or damaged. On top of that, certain harder varieties such as oak and Brazilian cherry offer extra resistance against dings and scratches.
Maintenance Requirements
A shiny gloss finish on wide plank hardwood may look stunning, but it will need periodic sweeping and mopping. However, vinyl floors are reported from Better Homes & Gardens to provide a beautiful surface that's easier to clean, with dropped dishes being less likely to break upon impact.
Budget Constraints
If your budget is tight, there's no need to worry - a lower grade hardwood comes at an affordable price. Cabin grade and Builder A grade offer an ideal choice with rustic and pure hardwood visuals at a fraction of the cost in 1st Quality. Thanks largely to its natural defects from wormholes to mineral streaks on the board. If you like a more natural wood floor these lower grade options are the most cost-effective flooring options available today.
Trends Worth Considering
Trends change over time; lighter wood finishes are currently hot, while maximalist installation styles using large-format tiles or stones add luxury vibes. (Stats Source: Southern Living) And let's not forget performance - functionality is key when choosing a new floor, offering authentic textures along with sound reduction technology provided by many high-end brands. - Coastal Living.
Durability and Maintenance of Different Flooring Types
Durability is key. This applies especially in high-traffic rooms where wear and tear are inevitable. But remember, no floor is indestructible. Take a peek at some top picks.
Hardwood: The Durable Classic
Traditional hardwoods like white oak or hard maple offer great resistance to everyday use. They can last decades with proper care - a periodic sweep keeps them looking fresh. If you're after exotic woods such as Brazilian Cherry, bear in mind they're harder varieties but are also very expensive.
Vinyl Plank: Resilient & Easy-to-Maintain
Moving on to vinyl plank floors from the plastics family; these beauties boast incredible durability and easy maintenance. Spills? No worries - just wipe up. The wide variety of visual design options means you don't have to sacrifice style for strength either.
| Flooring Type | Durability Level |
|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | Can Last For 10+ Years but very Moisture Sensitive |
| Engineered Hardwood | Can Last 15+ Years but environmental moisture is less of an issue |
| SPC Vinyl Plank Floors | Can Last 15+ Years Waterproof and highly Durable with 12+ mil Wear Layers |
Note: Durability levels are subject to brand quality specifications.
Maintenance Matters
The most durable floor can be ruined without proper maintenance. From periodic sweeping for hardwood to easy wipe-ups for vinyl, each type needs specific care. But with the right treatment, your floors will stay looking great and last longer too.
Flooring for Specific Rooms and Areas
When you're choosing flooring, remember that different rooms need different types. It's not merely a matter of aesthetics - functionality is also important. Your laundry room is a good example. Vinyl floors are an ideal choice here because they handle moisture well. For high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, strength is key. You should consider engineered hardwoods or an LVP product that can handle lots of foot traffic.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: The High-Traffic Hero
In busy households with kids or pets running around, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become a popular floor choice because it’s both durable and easy to maintain.
FAQs in Relation to Popular Flooring in New Homes
What flooring is most popular in new homes?
Hardwood and luxury vinyl are currently the top picks for flooring in new homes due to their appeal, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
What is the trend in flooring 2023?
The trend leans towards lighter wood finishes like white oak or walnut. Large-format tiles or stones arranged in maximalist installations are also on the rise.
What is #1 common flooring?
Oak, specifically red oak, often takes the lead as a common choice for hardwood floors because of its strength and natural beauty.
What type of flooring is popular right now?
Luxury vinyl has surged in popularity recently thanks to its versatility in design and affordability while maintaining an upscale look.
Conclusion
So, you've explored the world of popular home builder floor products for new homes. We talked about hardwood's timeless appeal and luxury vinyl's cost-effectiveness. We also dived into trends: lighter finishes like white oak or walnut for a seamless look. Engineered wood is a popular flooring in new homes option when compared to solid hardwood for rooms with high humidity levels.
