Hardwood flooring has always been a symbol of timeless beauty and durability. For decades, it has graced homes, offices, and public spaces, offering both elegance and practicality. However, like any element of design, hardwood flooring evolves. And in recent years, there has been a significant change in the hardwood industry, particularly in the size and color of planks.

This shift represents more than just a trend — it’s a new era of hardwood that reflects changing aesthetics, technological advancements, aligned with consumer preferences. Homeowners, designers, and architects are gravitating toward a larger, more open aesthetic favoring wider, longer planks and choosing warmer, earthier tones over the cooler shades of the past.

Bigger is Better

One of the most striking changes in hardwood flooring in recent years has been the shift in plank size. Historically, hardwood floors were crafted with narrower, shorter planks that ranged from about 2 to 3 inches in width. This design was deeply rooted in tradition and often evoked a sense of craftsmanship and meticulous detail. These smaller planks were ideal for more compact spaces and intricate patterns, offering a sense of texture and movement.

Today’s hardwood floors are growing in size. Wider and longer planks are now the standard, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. The typical plank width now ranges from 5 to 7 inches, with some luxury collections featuring planks up to 12 inches wide or more. These wider planks make a bold statement, and offer several practical advantages that have led to their widespread adoption.

1. Creates a sense of openness: Wider planks require fewer seams, and when installed across a room, they help elongate the space, making it feel more expansive. This is particularly important in today’s design landscape, where open-concept floor plans are the norm. As homes become more interconnected, larger, continuous surfaces help unify different areas of the home, creating a smoother flow from room to room.

2. Makes installation more efficient: With fewer seams, there is less time spent on cutting and fitting individual pieces, and fewer gaps or joints to maintain over the years. The smoother surface of fewer seams also lends itself to easier cleaning and maintenance, which is a big selling point for homeowners who prioritize practicality.

3. Emphasize the natural beauty of wood: With more surface area exposed, the intricate grain patterns and natural textures of the wood are more visible and make a striking visual impact. The boldness of these larger planks creates a sense of luxury and sophistication, while still retaining the warmth and timeless appeal of hardwood.

From Red and Grey to Warm, Inviting Tones

Alongside the shift in plank size, another key progression in hardwood flooring has been the change in color trends. In the past, popular hardwood finishes often leaned towards cooler tones, such as deep reds, smoky greys, and the silvery hues of weathered wood. These shades were often chosen to evoke a more contemporary or industrial feel, and they paired well with the minimalist, urban-inspired designs of the time.

Hardwood floor trends are now embracing warmer, more inviting tones that create a sense of comfort and connection to nature. Warm beige, golden honey, caramel, and rich brown hues are now leading the way.

These colors create a welcoming atmosphere that feels calming, cozy, and earthy. While the cool greys and reds once represented sophistication and modernity, the current palette is focused on creating spaces that feel like home — comforting, timeless, and easy to live in.

The move toward warmer tones can be attributed to several factors, from changing design preferences to a shift in how people want their homes to feel. As we’ve grown more conscious of our need for comfort, relaxation, and connection to the natural world, warm wood tones evoke a sense of groundedness and serenity. They bring the outdoors in, aligning with a broader trend towards organic, sustainable living, which is reflected in materials like wood, stone, and textiles.

In addition to creating a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, these warm tones are incredibly versatile. Beige and honey-colored woods blend seamlessly with a variety of interior styles, from traditional to contemporary. These tones also work well with a wide range of other materials, such as quartz countertops, metal accents, and woven fabrics, making them ideal for achieving a harmonious, balanced look in any room.

While cooler tones of grey and red still have their place in certain design schemes, the overarching trend is moving toward warmth and richness.

A Beautiful Evolution

The new age of hardwood is ushering in an exciting time for design and architecture, with trends focused on wider, longer planks and warmer, more earthy tones. Whether you’re renovating a space or starting from scratch, the modern hardwood aesthetic offers a wealth of possibilities to create a home that feels sophisticated, timeless, and welcoming.

These changes reflect our evolving tastes and needs. As we move away from cool, industrial tones and narrow, traditional planks, we embrace the beauty of natural, spacious, and warm designs that invite us to relax and enjoy our surroundings. With their unparalleled beauty, durability, and adaptability, hardwood floors in the new age are more than just a trend — they’re a lasting investment in the comfort and style of your home. So, if you’re thinking about hardwood for your next project, take the plunge into this exciting new era — bigger, bolder, and warmer than ever before.

The New Age of Hardwood