What hardwood flooring trends can we expect to see in 2017? We have a list of some 2017 hardwood flooring trends.

You’ll see a few of the same trends from last year, along with some newcomers.

If you’re a hardwood flooring contractor, equip yourself to handle requests from your clients that fall in line with the following styles.

#1: Wide plank hardwood floors

This trend is again #1 on our list––and will probably remain a top trend for a long time––because wide plank hardwood floors are becoming the new norm in the interior design industry.

Many homeowners are leaving behind the traditional appeal of strip flooring for wider planks, which are a bit bolder and more upscale.

There are many different types of wide plank hardwood flooring. They’re available in different species. You can get them in either prefinished or unfinished varieties, and just like strip flooring, you can have them stained, painted, or finished in a certain way to really customize the look of your floors.

Wide plank hardwood floors are also available in popular distressed and reclaimed varieties.

As an offshoot of this trend, planks that are longer in length are also going to be popular in 2017. Longer-length planks can really open up the room and make it appear more spacious.

#2: Gray and whitewashed hardwood floors

Yes, this look is here to stay!

Gray or white tones in a hardwood floor are a great way to lend any room a relaxed, beachy feel. For this reason, they are an especially popular choice for beachfront homes, but they can bring a coastal look to any space.

#3: Dark hardwood floors

Espresso, dark brown, Jacobean, ebony, and other dark hardwood floor stains will continue to be trendy in the new year; they have staying power because of their sheer boldness.

Dark hardwood floor stains and paints have seen a surge in popularity over the past several years, especially in more upscale environments, and that trend will continue through the new year.

Naturally dark species of floors like walnut will also remain popular this year.

Your clients will have to be careful with this choice because darker floors require more maintenance. They show dirt, debris, and scratches more readily than lighter floors.

#4: Reclaimed and hand-scraped hardwood floors

The rustic look is the name of the game––it was in 2016 and that’s not going to change in 2017. The handcrafted aesthetic is in, and this carries over to hardwood floors as well.

Hand-scraped wood floors offer a unique look––no two planks are alike. These floors truly represent the epitome of craftsmanship.

Wire-brushed hardwood floors are also a great way to impart a floor with the artisanal look that is currently in high demand.

Reclaimed wide plank floors are another great way to bring a rustic feel to any space. Often sourced from old barns, houses, and commercial buildings, they are naturally distressed and aged.

Wide Plank Floor Supply offers both reclaimed and distressed wide plank floors. All of our wide plank floors are carefully sourced and then inspected by wood floor experts to ensure that you are receiving floors of the utmost quality.

#5: Matte finishes

Matte finishes are now stylish. This is quite a departure from glossy finishes, which used to be more trendy.

A matte finish is a great choice if you would like to accentuate the natural look of the wood. A matte finish does not reflect as much light as a glossy floor does. Matte finishes also do not show as much dirt, debris, and damage as high-gloss finishes.

These finishes will continue to overtake the popularity of high-gloss finishes in 2017.

#6: Eco-friendly finishes

In recent years, the flooring industry has adapted to growing consumer concerns about the eco-friendliness and safety of home improvement products, including hardwood floor finishes.

Luckily, there are several companies offering “green” wood floor finishes, including Vermont Natural Coatings and Rubio Monocoat. These finishes offer both durability and sustainability.

#7: Natural wood floors

Many homeowners are opting to let the natural beauty of their floors shine through, rather than opting to cover them up with stains or finishes that obscure the natural hues and colors of the floor.