by Claire Trost
It’s a classic scene in any home improvement show: A designer pulls back the old, worn carpet and their eyes widen. They pause for dramatic effect. The camera zooms in on the dusty, but intact wood planks beneath. “Oh wow,” the designer exclaims, brushing away debris. “These are original hardwood floors!”
They then run their hand over the wood planks, pointing out the craftsmanship and the potential richness of the tone once the planks are refinished. They note how it adds character, history, and value to the home. The mood instantly shifts from stress to enthusiasm as plans are made to incorporate the newly uncovered, high-quality treasure.
The desire for great hardwood is not unique to home improvement media. For hundreds of years, hardwood has been a hallmark of quality in home design, from exposed beams to beautifully finished floors.
“Everyone is inspired by hardwood,” shares Kyle McAllister, director of category for hardwood at Shaw Industries.
But today’s homeowners often wonder: Is today’s hardwood as good as it once was?
THE SHIFT FROM OLD-GROWTH TO FAST-GROWING FORESTS
In decades past, much of the hardwood used in construction came from old-growth forests full of trees that had grown slowly for many, many years. These hardwoods developed tight grain patterns, deep color, and dense structure. These characteristics not only contributed to their beauty, but also their resilience. Old-growth oak can resist warping and decay; but, they take decades, and even centuries, to reach maturation.
With the rise of environmental regulations and conservation efforts in the latter half of the 20th century, access to old-growth timber has become limited. Often, but not always, today’s lumber comes from second-growth or plantation forests. Plantation forests are designed to be where trees are grown and harvested quickly for efficiency and sustainability. The wood from these fast-growing trees is generally softer, and used more commonly for furniture or cabinetry.
ENGINEERED FOR AESTHETICS, EFFICIENCY, AND MODERN LIFE
The aesthetic impact is noticeable. Modern hardwood floors often have a wider grain and tone. They can be more prone to dents and scratches, so durability is also affected.
Yet, not all is lost. Advances in finishing techniques and technologies have helped improve performance and the best modern engineered hardwoods offer a beautiful, lasting surface.
Many assume engineered wood is synthetic like laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). But, engineered hardwood is true hardwood with a technological advancement. They are constructed with a top layer of real hardwood—be it from old-growth trees or newer, plantation grown species—over a stable plywood or high density fiberboard base (HDF).
These engineered hardwoods have become a popular option in new builds. When well-made and properly installed, they combine the look of traditional hardwood with improved resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
“Think of it as ‘Hardwood 2.0.’” says Jared Kerstiens, Regional Vice-President at Shaw Industries. “They are designed to react less to seasonal shifts of moisture and withstand a lot of everyday life.”
TRUE COST: TO YOUR POCKETS AND THE PLANET
When it comes to cost, engineered hardwood can be cheaper up front; but, as homeowners and designers venture into different styles and species, the engineered product can cost just as much, and sometimes even more than, old growth hardwoods.
“White oak is where most of the market is,” says Kerstiens. Adding that subtle texture and lighter colors have been trending. However, buyers are branching into species like ash and walnut that offer striations with light and dark visuals that are intriguing.
With a look that is indistinguishable to most home buyers, high-quality engineered hardwood floors can offer nearly equal, if not more, resale value to solid hardwood. Today’s buyers tend to care more about look, condition, and brand, not whether it’s solid or engineered. This means that for every dollar spent on hardwood flooring—no matter the style of hardwood technology— homeowners can potentially recover more than that at resale.
“Hardwood is the only hard surface flooring to give over a 100% return,” shares Kerstiens, recalling a report from the National Association of Realtors.
In addition, no matter the source and the style, hardwoods are not just sustainable for your pocketbook, but also the planet. Any wood is one of the most earth-friendly and renewable materials a homeowner can use.
One of the biggest concerns a homeowner may have is deforestation; however, the management of plantation forests is well monitored by US Forest Management and programs, meaning the design choice of a newer growth species can be more eco-friendly because it reduces reliance on old growth trees while still providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing floor.
But, there are also great efforts to rejuvenate the old-growth forests. Tax breaks are given for replanting after harvesting—even if on your own property.
Companies and hardwood manufacturers are also committed to not just sustainable practices and materials, but also, implementing programs to further the progress being made in sustainable forestry. A leader in this work is Anderson Tuftex with their tree planting initiative, where for every box of flooring sold, a new tree is planted.
And, it’s not just hardwood growers and manufacturers confronting the desire to be more environmentally friendly. High-end builders and designers are also rising to the challenge, often going to great lengths to source high-quality wood. Some turn to reclaimed timber, salvaged from old barns, factories, or homes, offering the authentic look and feel of old-growth with a sustainable twist.
“It’s like saving old photographs,” McAllister says. “There is history tied to that. Those floors tell stories.”
Whether you opt for reclaimed beams, engineered planks, or the luck of a hidden gem under some old carpet, there are more options than ever to bring warmth, sustainability, value, longevity, and beauty into your home through hardwood floors. So long as there is care in what you choose, the installation, and maintenance you can expect flooring that will be as good, and just maybe even better, “than it once was.
