Discover how craftsmanship, technology, and design trends are reshaping Modern wood flooring choices.
Story by Ann Butenas
Hardwood floors have come a long way from being just a practical choice. They’re now a key part of creating a home’s character, with each board carefully chosen for its beauty, environmental impact, and quality. To better understand today’s hardwood flooring trends, we spoke with Steve Brattin, who owns SVB Wood Floors in Kansas City. His years of experience in the industry gives him a unique view on how homeowners’ preferences have evolved. From the rising popularity of wide planks to the choices between classic and contemporary materials, Brattin offers his insights into what’s shaping flooring decisions in 2025.
KCH&S: What wood species and color tones are homeowners gravitating toward in 2025, and how does this differ from trends you observed 5 years ago?
SVB: Natural white oak with light, matte finishes have become the dominant choice, featuring longer, wider boards for a modern look. This represents a notable shift from 2019-2020’s preference for gray stains, dark finishes, and semi-gloss sheens.
KCH&S: We’re seeing varied plank widths in our home features – what width combinations are most requested by your clients, and how does that impact installation cost and overall aesthetics?
SVB: While 6” to 7½” are the most requested plank widths, remodels typically use widths under 5” to match existing flooring. Wider planks cost more but create a more luxurious look with fewer seams, while mixed-width installations can increase labor costs, requiring more precise layout planning.
KCH&S: For homeowners debating between prefinished and unfinished hardwood, what key factors should influence their decision, particularly regarding durability and maintenance?
SVB: Prefinished hardwood allows for immediate use after installation and easier maintenance but offers limited customization options. Unfinished hardwood requires longer installation time and curing but provides complete customization and better long-term refinishing possibilities.
KCH&S: What innovations in hardwood flooring technology, such as new finishes or installation methods, are changing how you approach projects?
SVB: Modern innovations include UV-cured oil finishes offering natural looks with improved durability. Also, hybrid sealers provide better scratch resistance while maintaining a raw wood feel. Greengard Certified Floor Finishes provide environmental benefits and faster drying times. Installation has also evolved with techniques like glue-assist nail-down for better plank stability for wider planks.
KCH&S: With sustainability becoming a bigger concern, how are clients’ eco-friendly preferences influencing wood choices and finishing materials?
SVB: Homeowners increasingly favor domestic woods and non-toxic, low-VOC finishes for environmental benefits, though they often need education about real wood’s advantages over petroleum-based alternatives marketed as eco-friendly. Homeowners need better awareness of wood’s low environmental impact compared to petroleum-based flooring.
