Remember when wall-to-wall carpet was the go-to choice for homes? It seemed like every room had it — from bedrooms to living rooms to hallways. Fast forward to today, and that carpeted look is becoming a thing of the past. Homeowners are turning to wood floors to make a statement, and it’s easy to see why. With so many styles, finishes, and options to choose from, wood has become the flooring choice of the moment, leaving carpet in the dust.
Carpet Is on Its Way Out
So, what’s happening with carpet? To be honest, it’s becoming less and less popular. While it still works in certain spaces, carpet tends to trap dirt, allergens, and pet hair. It’s a hassle to clean and needs to be replaced much more often than wood. Plus, it just doesn’t have the same stylish, timeless look that wood does.
Wood Floors Are Back, and They’re Better Than Ever
Wood floors aren’t just a trend—they’re here to stay. What’s driving the shift? For starters, wood offers unmatched variety. Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of oak, the richness of walnut, or the clean look of maple, there’s a wood species to match every style. Plus, wood comes in a range of finishes, colors, and plank sizes, giving homeowners endless possibilities to create their ideal look.
And then there’s the durability factor. Unlike carpet, which can get stained, matted, or just worn out over time, wood floors are built to last. Sure, they may cost more upfront, but with proper care, they can last for decades—sometimes even longer—making them a smart investment. Plus, they can be refinished if they start to show wear, while carpet usually just needs to be replaced after a few years. When you refinish your floors, you also have the option to completely change the look without having to throw away the original product making them a more environmentally friendly option.
The Value of Wood Flooring
Wood floors aren’t just popular for their looks—they also offer solid financial benefits. According to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, wood floors can provide a huge return on investment, with a 147% return for homeowners who install them. That means not only will your home look great, but you’re also boosting its resale value.
Unlike carpet, which can get dingy and hard to clean over time, wood is easy to maintain. A quick sweep, occasional mopping, and a refinishing every few years is all it takes to keep them looking sharp. And for those who have pets, there’s no worrying about fur getting stuck in the fibers.
Choosing the Right Wood Floor for Your Home
If you’re thinking about making the switch to wood, here are a few things to consider:
- Solid vs. Engineered Wood: Solid wood gives you that classic feel and can be refinished multiple times. Engineered wood, on the other hand, is more stable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity—ideal for certain climates and installations, such as in floor radiant heating systems.
- Board Size: Wider and longer planks (think 7” or more) are a huge trend because they make spaces look more open and modern. Thinner planks tend to provide a more classic look.
- Wood Species: The type of wood you choose affects the overall look and feel. For example, walnut has a rich, dark tone, while oak gives off a lighter, warmer vibe. Oak, maple and pine are classic lighter woods, while woods include walnut, cherry and hickory.
- Color & Finish: All wood types can be paired with a wide variety of stains. Everything from a whitewashed look all the way to dark, rich tones. Go for a satin or matte finish—these are easier to maintain and don’t show dust and scratches like glossy finishes.
- Installation and Care: When choosing a wood flooring how it is installed and how you care for it must be considered. Traditional wood flooring must be sanded, stained and finished after installation. With Engineered hardwood products, they come finished and installation can be a DIY project.
Special Considerations For Mountain Climates
In the high country, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind.
- Low humidity – Here in the mountains our climate is extremely dry. This can cause hardwood flooring to shrink, so engineered hardwood might be the better choice. If you stick with real wood, you need to let your floors spend a lot of time acclimating before installing to avoid shrinkage.
- Heating Systems – many times our homes have in floor radiant heating systems. That means that the floors you choose must be able to withstand expansion and contraction on a regular basis.
- Snow – During winters tracking snow in from the outside is something that every homeowner has to deal with. Often you will see tile at the entryway and other flooring throughout the room. Some brands of engineered hardwood are water resistant which provides protection against snow and water being tracked in.
- Rental wear and tear – Many properties in Summit and Eagle counties are also used as short term rentals so flooring has to be durable. What looks good may not be the best choice. Carpeting can be popular because it is cheaper to replace but for luxury rentals an up-to-date style is a must.
Alternatives to Wood Flooring
If you are ready to ditch the carpet but not sure about wood flooring there are other options:
- Tile – Wood look tile is an option and is a favorite when it comes to in-floor radiant heating. It’s extremely durable! Installation is important though as you don’t want the tile cracking or the grout to get worn down.
- Luxury Vinyl planking – These also can have a wood look and are an economical option. Keep in mind that refinishing really isn’t an option with these products. However, they are meant to withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as water as vinyl is essentially a synthetic plastic product all the way through.
- Laminate Planking – These materials often have a wood feel and style but are less expensive. This can often be confused with laminate but it comes down to the materials it is made of.
Final Thoughts: Wood Floors Are the Way to Go
If you’re looking to update your home, ditch the carpet and go for wood. Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, wood floors are an easy way to elevate your space, add value to your home, and keep things looking fresh and modern. From the variety of species to the gorgeous finishes, there’s a wood floor out there to suit every taste. So, say goodbye to the old carpet and hello to a beautiful, lasting investment in wood flooring.