New flooring trends show off high-end design, a timeless look, durable finish and long lasting wear.

Today, thanks to technological advances, homeowners have more exciting choices for improving their homes than ever before. From low VOC paints or shower systems that give you a light show and music as you prepare for your day, if you have the vision and the budget there are products available to transform your home into your dream living space.

Flooring is another material that is being transformed by technology. Today porcelain tiles are available that offer the realistic look of hardwoods, but with much less maintenance required. Even vinyl flooring has been reborn as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that mimics tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) which mimics hardwood. Often you can get the look of premium stone or wood at a more affordable price point, comparable to the price of standard tile or wood.

Today, homeowners are not only buying flooring for its great look, but flooring trends among homeowners are also focusing on durability and sustainability as we all become more aware of ways we can lower our environmental impact.

The International Surface Event held in January, 2017 in Las Vegas brought together industry leaders and examined the most popular current trends in residential flooring. Here are three of the hottest flooring trends to watch for in the coming year and beyond.

1. Hardwood Floors are Hot, and Gray is Still King!

Hardwood flooring and wood-look floors of porcelain and LVP are a classic choice. Thanks to new manufacturing methods they are even gaining in popularity! The primary choice for many homeowners is gray-toned wide planks without a thick sheen; more of a natural finish. Using LVP, you can get a wood-look floor with wide planks and a hand-scraped or hand-hewn look only available at the most premium price point using real wood. Additionally, “green” more environmentally friendly flooring is gaining steam.

As the trend toward sustainable materials continues to grow, demand for natural wood products will continue to shift towards locally-sourced products as well as alternatives considered green like bamboo and cork. Find out if your design-build remodeler has access to repurposed or recycled materials like reclaimed barn wood or wood flooring that has been re-sawn from other materials.

Lighter, softer wood species work well with the design trends toward more natural and bold colors in interior design. With the trend moving toward more vibrant colors, flooring that contrasts between light and dark colors are a growing trend. Neutral gray is a top selection with homeowners this year, and hardwood flooring is, and will always be a classic choice!

The main photo above shows a dark stained engineered maple floor.

2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Is A Hit With Homeowners!

LVT is following the trend of greener, more durable materials and it's the fastest growing trend in home flooring for the past two years running. Photo technology has allowed manufacturers to product LVT that is nearly indistinguishable from natural wood. Luxury vinyl comes in plank or tile form, but plank (LVP) is the most popular choice. LVP flooring is water and moisture resistant and is glued in place making it durable. It's also a low maintenance, fiberglass reinforced, anti static, product that provides a beautiful natural look. Best of all, it's an affordable option, especially compared to the premium price of the real materials that it is designed to imitate.

The main drawbacks of LVT and LVP is that it can be punctured by sharp objects, scarfed or scraped by worn-out chair legs, and it's not biodegradable. Also once it is glued down, it may be tough to remove if you change your mind later.

LVT and LVP is currently the most used hard surface floor among our clients.

3. Stone Flooring is Timeless, Natural and Extremely Durable!

Stone has been used for thousands of years to construct everything from the temples of Ancient Greece to the Chrysler Building in New York. Today, natural stone remains one of the top choices for homeowners thanks to its low maintenance, timeless style, sense of luxury, ease of customization and durability.

Stone is the top choice in kitchen remodels, and in fact, clients who add stone to their home remodeling project can expect as much as a 7% in a home's value. Natural stone comes in a wide variety of species, colors, patterns, and textures. The most popular choices include:

• Granite – best used in the kitchen and bathroom, granite is extremely durable. It should be resealed every 18 months to two years

• Soapstone – primarily used as tiles in the bathroom, it's especially well suited for colder climates.

• Limestone – Keep away from the shower, but limestone offers tremendous diversity in color and is perfect in a more contemporary décor.

• Marble – Classic, timeless, and aesthetically beautiful, marble is best used in low traffic areas and must be resealed every one to two years.

• Slate – Non-slip, and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, slate flooring is an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Larger areas should use slabs and slate is both naturally stain and fire resistant.

• Travertine – Although it's porous and not for use in the shower, travertine can add a soft classic and contemporary look to smaller areas of your home, like entryways, where it can add a sense of space.

The fact is that in Wisconsin, natural stone is rarely used. Would you like to be a trendsetter? 

Timeless Flooring Trends for 2017

While wood, natural stone and more recently LVT are all popular, the real flooring trends or remodeling trends in general homeowners are moving towards is durability and sustainable materials. While homeowners are always going to look for materials that offer beauty, today they are also seeking materials that stand the test of time, resist scrapes, moisture, and everyday wear, and tear. Hardwood, LVT, and stone offer unique pros and cons that homeowners will need to navigate. As always, our blog articles are here to help you with remodeling decision but if you need an answer to your question, please contact us. The bottom line is that sustainability, durability and aesthetic beauty, including hardwood, LVT or natural stone in your next remodeling project is an excellent choice that will offer you years of low maintenance service.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 1/17/2018.

About Degnan Design Build Remodel
Since 1981 Degnan Design Build Remodel has provided home improvement and construction services to customers throughout Greater Madison, Wisconsin. Our goal is to WOW you with a "Designed For Your Life" solution using a process that will transform your home into a beautiful living space, delivered on time, and on budget. We are known for our communication, respectfulness, and a commitment to our customers and our community. Contact us to speak with one of our designers about your home improvement project. Call us at (608) 846-5963