What Hardwood Materials Are Trending in 2021?

As you can expect with any year, hardwood materials go through swells in popularity. With hundreds of wood species and looks to choose from, there are countless factors and variables in selecting the best options for you. What is trending now and continues to be popular choices mostly have their following due to their environmentally-friendly harvesting and sourcing practices. In your home or business, these materials also look and function great. The Types of wood to watch in the coming years includes:

• Engineered
• Waterproof Cores
• Bamboo
• Cork
• Reclaimed

Engineered 

One of the advantages of choosing engineered hardwood for your flooring is that a command stalled in places prone to become damp. This makes their application in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens a valuable asset for homeowners. Another advantage of engineered hardwood is that it can mimic the look and feel of multiple species of natural hardwoods. However, it continues to be a durable and cost-efficient alternative to exotics.

Waterproof Cores 

The growth in popularity for engineered Woods has encouraged advancements in this style, including waterproof cores. The surface layer remains the desired look, but instead of a plywood base, the plank features a waterproof composite to resist moisture far better than natural materials. SPC (stone plastic composite) materials for water resistance are becoming common in engineered flooring styles.

Bamboo

One of the distinct advantages of choosing bamboo is the great variances in styles available. As a highly renewable option in the flooring industry, this style can appeal to the environmentally conscious as well. The material is durable and strong, allowing it to withstand decades of abuse and still be attractive. One consideration is in the upkeep of the flooring, as those without dry climates and mild temperatures, or those that do not have a climate-controlled environment at all times – might have conditions unsuitable for bamboo.

Cork 

Despite it being one of the oldest types of flooring material out there, cork floors are making a serious comeback with the turn of the new decade. It is a highly environmentally friendly option as it is entirely sustainable. The floor is created from the bark of trees in cork forests, and around every ten years, the bark can get harvested for more flooring without damaging the tree. Though it is not as durable as other options on this list, cork has been praised for its soft appearance and the cushioning of your joints when you walk on it.

Reclaimed 

This is quite literally the definition of reuse and repurposing, making sustainability not an issue. Old barns and aging structures become an excellent source for the plank necessary for flooring installation. With a nice finish, reclaimed wood floors have more history and allure than manufactured ‘distressed’ options.

Do Manufacturing Treatments Make Better Looking Plank? 

Several types and styles of treatments are used in the manufacturing process to generate history for the wood installed in homes. A popular option in this regard is torching. This process happens to create a rustic appearance by creating dots, circles, and varying patterns. Fuming, also sometimes known as smoking, is another process that relies on the application of ammonia-based products to darken woods while simultaneously lightening and highlighting the grain.

Do Hardwood and Vinyl Work Together? 

You might be surprised to learn that many of the top hardwood companies in the industry also have a growing line of luxury vinyl plank. In many cases, this suits a household where natural hardwood might not be the ideal flooring choice everywhere. Damp areas or where water damages might exist could utilize resistant materials like vinyl planks with resistant cores.