The History of Hardwood Flooring
These days, when most of us see a space with hardwood flooring, we see it as a sign of luxury and carefully planned interior design.
These days, when most of us see a space with hardwood flooring, we see it as a sign of luxury and carefully planned interior design.Today, there are all kinds of different finishes and types of wood used for this particular type of flooring to accent or complement any space.
However, what many people do not realize is that hardwood floors were not always so favorable as a flooring choice in the past.
In fact, people who had this type of flooring in their homes were essentially looked down upon and assumed to be of the lower class.
As a result, carpet once again became the flooring of choice for quite some time until there began to be a better understanding and knowledge of how to properly insulate with hardwood floors.
Historically, hardwood floors were seen as a sign of poverty in the sense that the homeowners were considered to not have the money to carpet their homes.
Historically, hardwood floors were seen as a sign of poverty in the sense that the homeowners were considered to not have the money to carpet their homes.This was the viewpoint during medieval times and even into the 1800s.
In fact, it was not really until relatively recently in the 1900s that hardwood flooring began to be perceived as a luxury and that it could be used to improve the overall look of a home’s interior.
However, even when it first began to be used in homes as a luxury item, there was a lot of misunderstanding when it came to properly insulating homes with these kinds of floors.
In modern times, nowadays, wood floors are more popular than ever.
In modern times, nowadays, wood floors are more popular than ever.There are seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to the different styles, types of wood, finishes, and colors in hardwood floors.
Today, wood floors are commonly used as a way to make just about any room look amazing while offering durable and sturdy floors at the same time.
Hardwood flooring has become a hallmark of elegance and quality in interior design.
Advances in technology have allowed for a variety of finishes, such as matte, glossy, and distressed, as well as an array of wood types, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and exotic species like Brazilian cherry and teak.
Additionally, engineered hardwood, which consists of a thin veneer of real wood over a plywood base, has made hardwood flooring more accessible and versatile.
Practical Benefits of Using Wood Floors
Not only does hardwood floors add aesthetic value, but it also offers practical benefits.
✷ It is easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and can be refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan.
✷ Environmental considerations have also come into play, with many homeowners opting for sustainably sourced wood and eco-friendly finishes.
✷ The wood floors continues to evolve, with innovations like water-resistant and scratch-resistant coatings making it even more appealing for high-traffic areas and households with pets and children.
✷ Today, wood flooring are cherished for their timeless beauty, warmth, and ability to enhance the character of any space.
✷ They are a testament to the enduring appeal of natural materials and the craftsmanship that goes into creating a truly attractive interior design.
Timeline of Events
Ancient Civilizations
Ancient Civilizations
Hardwood flooring dates back to ancient civilizations, where people used natural materials like wood for flooring in their homes.
Medieval Europe
Medieval Europe
In medieval Europe, hardwood floors were mainly found in the homes of the wealthy, often rough-hewn planks that were polished to a shine.
17th Century
17th Century
The use of hardwood floors became more prevalent in the 1600s, especially in France. Parquet flooring, with its geometric patterns, became fashionable in the homes ofthe elite.
Colonial America
Colonial America
Early American settlers used wide planks of native wood for flooring. These floors were often unfinished and rough.
19th Century
19th Century
Hardwood flooring became more common in the 1800s due to the advent of the Industrial Revolution, which made production more efficient.
Early 20th Century
Early 20th Century
Oak became the standard for hardwood flooring in the United States, and the use of tongue-and-groove planks simplified installation and enhanced durability.
Mid 20th Century
Mid 20th Century
The popularity of hardwood floors declined with the introduction of synthetic flooring materials like linoleum and vinyl.
Late 20th Century - Present
Late 20th Century - Present
There has been a resurgence in the popularity of hardwood floors due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and the trend towards natural materials in home design.
What are engineered hardwood floors?
✓ Structure: Engineered hardwood flooring consists of multiple layers. The top layer is a thin slice of real hardwood, while the core layers are made of plywood, high-density fiberboard (HDF), or other types of wood.
✓ Stability: This construction method makes engineered hardwood more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction due to humidity and temperature changes compared to solid hardwood.
✓ Appearance: It looks just like solid hardwood on the surface, providing the same natural beauty and warmth.
✓ Installation: Engineered hardwood can be installed in various ways, including glue-down, staple-down, and floating installations. It can even be installed over concrete or radiant heating systems.
✓ Durability: While it’s generally durable, the thickness of the top hardwood layer can affect its longevity. Thicker top layers allow for refinishing, extending the floor’s lifespan.
✓ Cost: It tends to be more cost-effective than solid hardwood while still offering a high-quality, natural wood appearance.
Some Hardwood Flooring Installations
Knowledge Base & Support | Wood Floors
Recent Posts/News/Articles About Hardwood Flooring
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