Investing in wood flooring
When buying a new property or undertaking a renovation project, decisions about such things as flooring are crucial to the overall tone of a home. The Gazette caught up with Mario Di Marzo, of Plancher de bois Exotique Laval, to learn about the latest trends in home floors, and what owners are investing in these days.
“People are paying more attention and investing more in their floors than in the past,” Di Marzo said. “I trust that’s partly because there has been a considerable increase in the amount of choice, from stone and ceramic to wood options.”
While it has always been popular, wood flooring is undergoing something of a resurgence.
“The choices in wood flooring are vast,” Di Marzo said. “It brings warmth to a home that ceramic does not, and the resale value is another reason customers are opting for it.”
Over the last decade or so, wood flooring has worked its way into different parts of the home, including living areas, bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens.
Natural looking treatments with minimal sheen are trending today; this means oiled styles are very popular, unlike wood stained in reddish tones and covered in high gloss polyurethane, which is fading from the limelight.
“The European invasion, as I like to call it, has brought tones such as grey, whitewash, pastels and driftwood effects into the market,” Di Marzo said.
“The European trend also emphasizes wide-plank flooring as opposed to narrower widths, typically spanning between four
to 10 inches.”
Changes to hardwood flooring options over the years tend to relate almost exclusively to esthetics, as wood has always been a naturally practical and durable material. Perhaps the biggest revolution in flooring in recent history has comprised the advances made in engineered wood flooring.
“Since the era of condominiums, demand for engineered flooring has been on the rise,” Mario Di Marzo said.
“It’s a category of flooring that is evolving and growing at a faster pace than any other product in the field.”
Aside from its popularity in flooring, wood is also finding its way into other areas of the home, in the form of decor.
Reclaimed wood, particularly barnwood, is a growing trend in decorative wall applications; in fact, businesses have adopted this trend as well.
“These Zen Sauna and Scandinavian looks can be acquired with exotic species like Cumaru and IPE in oiled finishes, which are picture-perfect for bathrooms,” Di Marzo said. “These European exterior deck themes are taken and reproduced indoors, and the effect is simply stunning.”
Bamboo remains a favourite as well, he said, adding: “Particularly Strand Bamboo in the different categories of installation such as tongue-and-groove and Clic systems.”
None of these trends are surprising to Di Marzo. “Wood flooring has been used forever and its beauty and practicality have never faded,” he said. “What possibly started out as rough wood covering bare surfaces has expanded into the modern age, and blended with today’s technology and styles seamlessly.”
While contemporary look scan be a guiding tool when choosing to invest in flooring, Di Marzo cautions homeowners to always choose flooring that is practical for their property.
“Trends can be pitfalls for customers, specifically those who venture into purchasing eight- to 10-inch boards without advanced climate control,” he said.
“Wood is a natural living product that contracts and expands and is difficult to control without suitable heating, ventilation and air-conditioning conditions.”
That’s why buyers need to opt for the right flooring for their space. For instance, customers heating with baseboards should be more conservative with width choices.
“Those wishing to update or install new flooring should take the time to contemplate the end product of what they want to create and what’s realistic for their home,” Di Marzo said. “People need to consider what appeals to them long-term instead of focusing solely on trends.”