The 7 Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2025
Hardwood floors bring classic style with new ideas. In 2025, people love natural, eco-friendly, and bold designs to make spaces look great. Check out the top hardwood floor trends for this year:
1. Natural Matte Finishes
Glossy is out — matte is in. People choose low-shine, natural oil finishes to show off the wood’s beauty and keep a modern look. These finishes hide small scratches and dust, making them stylish and practical.
2. Wide and Extra-Long Planks
Wide and extra-long planks are popular in 2025. They make rooms look bigger and show the wood’s natural grain. This style gives a luxurious, clean look, perfect for open spaces.
3. Dark Walnut and Warm Neutral Tones
Dark colors like walnut and chocolate brown are back, with warm neutrals like honey and soft beige. These colors create a cozy yet refined feel that fits well with modern and rustic looks.
4. Wire-Brushed and Textured Surfaces
Texture is popular, with wire-brushed, hand-scraped, and distressed finishes adding depth. These styles not only look interesting but also hide wear, great for busy homes.
5. Sustainable and Reclaimed Wood
Eco-friendly floors are in demand, with FSC-certified and reclaimed wood options. These floors have unique looks and a rich history, supporting responsible forest management.
6. Mixed-Width Installations
Designers mix plank widths for a custom look. This style adds movement and is perfect for modern-rustic or eclectic spaces.
7. Parquet and Herringbone Layouts
Patterns like herringbone and chevron are back. These designs add a fancy touch to areas like entryways and dining rooms, mixing classic and modern styles.
Hardwood Colors, Grains & Finishes to Watch
In 2025, hardwood flooring shows off nature’s beauty with simple elegance. It highlights real colors, gentle finishes, and unique wood features that bring life and character to rooms.
Cool vs. Warm Tones
People are moving from cool gray colors to warm, earthy ones like honey, caramel, and chestnut. These colors make spaces feel cozy and welcoming, fitting in with the trend of natural and eco-friendly design.
Low-Gloss, Natural Oil Finishes
Low-gloss finishes are in demand because they show off the wood’s natural lines and offer a modern and simple look. Natural oil finishes soak into the wood, making it stronger and giving it a soft, matte look that’s stylish and useful.
Unique Wood Species and Character Marks
There is growing interest in wood types that show unique patterns and natural flaws. Hickory, for example, offers colors from light tan to deep brown, adding charm and a rustic feel to any area.
Best Hardwood Types by Room (Solid vs. Engineered)
Deciding between solid and engineered hardwood depends on where you want to put it and the conditions in your home. Things like moisture, the floor underneath, and how much the area is used help you choose. Here’s how to select the right hardwood for each room.
Kitchens and Basements: Is Engineered Wood Better?
Engineered hardwood is great for places like kitchens and basements where there’s moisture. Its layered build helps it resist bending and swelling better than solid wood. Choose waterproof or water-resistant options to handle spills and minor flooding.
📌 Tip: Use click-lock floating floors for basements with concrete floors — no nails or glue needed.
Bedrooms and Living Rooms: Solid Wood is Best
In dry places like bedrooms and living rooms, solid hardwood is a classic choice. Its thick surface can be sanded and refinished many times, making it last longer. The deep grain and natural look of solid wood add a premium feel.
Humidity and Temperature Changes
If your area has big weather changes, engineered hardwood is more stable. It moves less than solid wood, making it good for areas near big windows, entryways, or rooms with heated floors.
Comparison Table: Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood by Room
| Room | Recommended Type | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Engineered | Better with moisture; stable on subfloors |
| Basement | Engineered (floating) | Good with humidity; easy on concrete |
| Bedroom | Solid or Engineered | Both work well; solid can be refinished more |
| Living Room | Solid or Engineered | Solid looks classy; engineered is flexible |
| Entryway or Mudroom | Engineered | Handles temperature changes and wet shoes |
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Hardwood in 2025
Hardwood flooring is popular again in 2025. It’s not just about looks. People want floors that last long, are eco-friendly, and use natural materials. Here’s why more people pick hardwood over other floors.
Eco-Conscious Sourcing
People care more about the environment now, and it shows in their flooring picks. Many choose FSC-certified wood, reclaimed planks, and low-VOC finishes for better indoor air. These choices are good for peace of mind and the planet.
👉 Learn more about FSC-certified hardwood
Timeless Resale Value
Hardwood is a great investment for your home. Unlike trendy floors that might go out of style, real wood is liked by many buyers. It can raise your home’s value and help sell it faster and at a better price.
Comfortable Underfoot Feel
Hardwood feels nice to walk on. It’s warmer and softer than tile or stone, especially with rugs. Engineered hardwood works with radiant heating, making it a cozy choice for cold areas.
Customization and Luxury Perception
Hardwood offers many choices in wood types, finishes, stains, and layouts. Whether you like a rustic or modern style, hardwood gives a high-end look that enhances any room.
Hardwood Flooring Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)
Choosing hardwood floors involves more than just the initial cost. The way it’s installed, the type of wood, and upkeep can change the total cost. Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Cost per Square Foot by Wood Type
The price of wood varies based on how common it is, how hard it is, and how it looks. Here’s the material cost:
| Wood Type | Avg. Cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red/White Oak | $5 – $8 | Strong, easy to find, classic style |
| Maple | $6 – $10 | Smooth look, modern style |
| Hickory | $7 – $11 | Rustic, varied colors |
| Walnut | $10 – $15 | Dark tones, high-end feel |
| Reclaimed Wood | $10 – $18 | Eco-friendly, unique look |
| Exotic (Teak, Cherry) | $12 – $20 | Very strong, luxury feel |
👉 Want a full pricing chart with pros and cons? Check out our full Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
Installation Costs: Nail-Down vs. Floating vs. Glue
Labor costs change a lot based on how the floor is put down. Here’s a short comparison:
| Installation Type | Avg. Labor Cost (per sq ft) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nail-Down | $4 – $8 | Solid hardwood, long-lasting |
| Floating (Click-Lock) | $3 – $6 | Engineered planks, easy for DIY, over concrete |
| Glue-Down | $4 – $7 | Engineered/parquet, wet areas |
Extra charges might come up for underlayment, taking out old floors, or preparing the subfloor.
Long-Term Value and Refinishing Choices
Hardwood is more than just looks — it’s a long-term investment. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished several times (normally 3–5), making it last many years. Engineered wood with a thick top layer can often be refinished once, balancing cost with performance.
DIY vs. Professional Hardwood Installation: What to Know
Putting in hardwood floors can be very rewarding or a costly mistake. Decide if you should do it yourself or hire a pro based on the type of flooring, your tools, and the subfloor’s condition. Here’s what to consider before choosing.
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
DIY is easiest with engineered click-lock planks. They sit on underlayment without nails or glue and are popular with handy homeowners. Solid hardwood needs precise cutting, nailing, and finishing, better for experienced installers, especially on uneven subfloors or larger areas.
👉 New to flooring? Check out our Hardwood Flooring DIY Guide for step-by-step help.
Tools, Skill, and Subfloor Prep
Before you begin, ask:
Do you have (or plan to rent) a flooring nailer, moisture meter, and saws?
Is your subfloor level, dry, and strong?
Can you measure, cut, and lay precise patterns?
Subfloor prep is key for success, especially for nail-down and glue-down methods needing smooth, clean, and dry conditions.
When Floating Engineered Planks Are Best
Floating engineered wood floors are perfect for:
Basements and concrete slabs (no nails needed)
Homes with multiple levels needing noise control
Quick upgrades with few tools
These floors fit together like puzzle pieces and “float” over underlayment, ideal for a weekend project for intermediate DIYers.
Avoid Mistakes with Solid Wood
Solid hardwood is tricky. Common mistakes include:
Not letting planks acclimate, causing warping
Skipping moisture testing on subfloors
Nailing too close to edges, leading to splits
Not leaving expansion gaps around the edges
If unsure, hiring a pro can protect your floors and warranty.
Final Considerations Before Choosing Hardwood Flooring
Before you commit to a hardwood floor, it’s important to zoom out and look at the big picture. The right choice balances beauty, function, and longevity — and it’s shaped by the realities of your space, your lifestyle, and your design vision. Here are the top factors to weigh before making your final decision.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring offers unmatched authenticity and the ability to refinish multiple times — ideal for long-term homes and higher resale value. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility in installation (especially over concrete or radiant heat) and better moisture resistance. Your choice should match both your floor plan and your future plans.
Moisture Tolerance and Room Suitability
Not all hardwood belongs in every room. Engineered hardwood is better for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens, basements, or entryways. Solid hardwood is better suited for dry, stable environments like bedrooms and formal living areas. Always consider humidity levels and potential water exposure before deciding.
Scratches, Dents, and Wear Resistance
Homes with pets, kids, or high traffic need tougher finishes and harder wood species. Hickory and maple are great for durability, while softer woods like pine may dent more easily. Wire-brushed or hand-scraped finishes can also help camouflage wear over time.
For additional high-wear zones like staircases, consider our hardwood stairs offerings — designed for both function and elegance.
Refinishing Potential and Long-Term Value
Solid hardwood wins on longevity — most can be sanded and refinished several times, refreshing the look without full replacement. Hardwood refinishing services can extend the life of both solid and some engineered floors. If you plan to stay in your home for the long haul, refinishing potential can significantly impact lifetime cost.
Design Harmony with Walls, Furniture, and Lighting
Think beyond the floor — hardwood plays a major role in your interior design. Consider undertones that complement your wall colors, furniture styles, and natural light exposure. Cooler tones may suit modern or coastal styles, while warm woods enhance rustic, traditional, or Scandinavian-inspired spaces.
Need more guidance? Explore all of our hardwood flooring options to find a style that perfectly fits your space.
Need Help Choosing or Installing Your Hardwood Flooring?
Now that you’ve explored the top hardwood flooring trends for 2025 — from wood types and finishes to layout ideas and cost considerations — you’re one step closer to transforming your space with the warmth and elegance of real wood floors. But if you’d rather skip the guesswork, subfloor prep, and precise cuts, we’ve got you covered.
Our experienced team handles everything — from on-site moisture testing and custom layout planning to the expert installation of solid and engineered hardwood, hardwood stairs, and refinishing services that restore older floors to like-new condition.
We’ll also help you select the right hardwood style and format for your home’s lighting, color scheme, and long-term needs — whether you’re remodeling a cozy bedroom, a high-traffic entryway, or an open-concept living area.
Click here to contact us today and schedule your free in-home consultation to see if we serve your area!
