The flooring market continues to benefit from advances in technology which are making them more beautiful and more likely to stand up to life’s challenges. Manufacturers are offering a wide variety of surface textures, designs and styles.

New developments have further enabled producers to provide high-performance flooring with a longer lifespan and in some cases, even with more competitive price points.

“Wood décor flooring is the fastest growing category within hard surface,” said Adam Ward, senior product director, wood and laminate, Mohawk. “It is growing 14 times as fast as tile and stone looks. Consumers want wood and they prefer natural wood. When you can combine ultimate performance with genuine hardwood, it is a win-win for our retail partners.”

Trend1 : Waterproof wood
Consumers want worry-free floors. New engineered wood introductions incorporate innovative constructions and finishes that repel water and stand up to daily living. They can be installed with confidence anywhere, in any room of the home including kitchens, baths and basements.

Trend 2: Natural character
Seasoned by exposure, the weathering of materials like hardwood, stone and metal create beautiful patinas and muted colours. A weathered and aged appearance adds a lived-in and less precious aesthetic to a space. Homeowners continue to move towards floors with natural character as a way to bring warmth and authenticity to their living spaces.

Trend 3: Clean & sophisticated
West Coast and Scandinavian styles, which include cleaner and lighter visuals, influence wood flooring purchases. White Oak, lighter and matte finishes that look more like natural wood are trending.

Trend 4: The Brown colour story
Moving away from the grey-based palettes of recent years, this year’s brown hues add richness to interiors. This colourway is in response to consumers wanting to feel warmth and comfort in their homes.

The base colour of Duchateau’s Atelier Burnt Oak is a dark charcoal. The name is a direct description of how this floor is produced.

After an aggressive torching of the raw European Oak material, each plank is then cooled with water. Next, a wire-brush texture is applied, exposing the grain pattern which softens the overall look of this dark floor, while bringing out lighter brown tones. A final application of natural oils enhances the visual.

It is clear that consumers now have more flooring options than ever before, perhaps making the final selection more difficult. However, with the assistance of a professional flooring consultant to help navigate the endless choices of colour, style and design, you are sure to end with flooring that goes beyond purpose and aesthetic.

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