The 7 Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2025
Hardwood floors bring a mix of old charm and new designs. In 2025, people love natural looks, eco-friendly choices, and bold styles that make any room look great. Here are some top hardwood floor trends this year:
1. Natural Matte Finishes
Shiny floors are out, matte is in. People prefer low-shine finishes that show the wood’s natural look and keep things simple. These finishes also hide small marks and dust, making them both stylish and useful.
2. Wide and Extra-Long Planks
Wide and long planks are popular in 2025. They make rooms look bigger and show off the wood’s natural patterns. This style looks nice in open spaces.
3. Dark Walnut and Warm Neutral Tones
Dark colors like walnut are back, along with warm tones like honey and beige. These colors make rooms feel cozy and work well with simple and rustic styles.
4. Wire-Brushed and Textured Surfaces
Textured floors are in style with wire-brushed and distressed finishes that add depth. These surfaces look interesting and hide wear, great for busy homes.
5. Sustainable and Reclaimed Wood
Eco-friendly floors are getting popular, with options like FSC-certified and reclaimed wood. These choices offer unique looks and support good forest practices.
6. Mixed-Width Installations
Using different plank widths in one floor creates a unique look. This style adds a bit of movement to the floor, perfect for modern or eclectic designs.
7. Parquet and Herringbone Layouts
Classic designs like herringbone are back in style. These patterns add elegance to entryways and rooms, mixing old styles with new looks.
Hardwood Colors, Grains & Finishes to Watch
In 2025, hardwood floors show off natural beauty with simple elegance. They use real colors, soft finishes, and special wood details that give rooms a unique look.
Cool vs. Warm Tones
People are choosing warm colors like honey, caramel, and chestnut instead of cool grays. These colors make spaces feel cozy and match the natural design trend.
Low-Gloss, Natural Oil Finishes
Low-gloss finishes are popular because they show the wood’s grain and give a simple look. Natural oil finishes make the wood strong and add a soft, matte style.
Unique Wood Species and Character Marks
People like wood types that have special grain patterns and natural marks. Hickory, for example, has colors from light tan to dark brown, making spaces look special and rustic.
Best Hardwood Types by Room (Solid vs. Engineered)
Picking between solid and engineered hardwood depends on the room and conditions like moisture and foot traffic. Here’s how to choose the best hardwood for each room in your house.
Kitchens and Basements: Is Engineered Wood Better?
Engineered wood is great for areas with moisture, like kitchens and basements. Its layers help it resist warping and swelling better than solid wood. Look for waterproof options that can handle spills and minor flooding.
📌 Bonus Tip: Use click-lock floating floors for basements with concrete floors — no nails or glue needed.
Bedrooms and Living Rooms: Where Solid Wood Works Best
Solid hardwood is a great pick for dry areas like bedrooms and living rooms. It can be sanded and refinished many times, offering long-term value. Its natural look adds a premium feel to any room.
Humidity and Temperature Changes
In places with big weather changes, engineered hardwood is more stable. It doesn’t expand or contract as much as solid wood, making it good for areas near windows or rooms with radiant heating.
Quick Comparison Table: Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood by Room
| Room | Recommended Type | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Engineered | Better moisture resistance; more stable on subfloors |
| Basement | Engineered (floating) | Handles humidity; easy to install on concrete |
| Bedroom | Solid or Engineered | Both work well; solid allows for more refinishing |
| Living Room | Solid or Engineered | Solid offers prestige; engineered gives layout flexibility |
| Entryway or Mudroom | Engineered | Withstands temperature swings and wet shoes |
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Hardwood in 2025
Hardwood floors are becoming very popular in 2025. People like them for their long-lasting quality and natural look. More homeowners are picking hardwood for these reasons.
Eco-Conscious Sourcing
People care more about the environment now, which affects their floor choices. Many choose FSC-certified wood, reclaimed planks, and low-VOC finishes for better indoor air. These eco-friendly choices help the environment and provide peace of mind.
👉 Learn more about FSC-certified hardwood
Timeless Resale Value
Hardwood is a great investment for your home. It stays popular across different buyer groups, adding to your home’s value. It can also help homes sell faster and at a higher price.
Comfortable Underfoot Feel
Hardwood not only looks good but also feels nice to walk on. It’s warmer and softer than tile or stone, especially with area rugs. Engineered hardwood works well with radiant heating, making it cozy in cold places.
Customization and Luxury Perception
With many choices in wood types, finishes, and styles, hardwood allows for unique designs. Whether you want a rustic look or a modern style, hardwood gives a high-end feel to any room.
Hardwood Flooring Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)
Choosing hardwood floors involves more than just the initial price. The way it’s installed, the type of wood, and how you take care of it all affect the cost. Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Wood Species Cost per Square Foot
Different woods have different prices based on how common they are, how hard they are, and how they look. Here’s the cost for just the materials:
| Wood Species | Avg. Cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red/White Oak | $5 – $8 | Strong, easy to find, classic style |
| Maple | $6 – $10 | Smooth look, modern feel |
| Hickory | $7 – $11 | Rustic, varied colors |
| Walnut | $10 – $15 | Dark tones, high-end feel |
| Reclaimed Wood | $10 – $18 | Green choice, unique look |
| Exotic (Teak, Cherry) | $12 – $20 | Very strong, luxury market |
👉 Want more details on costs and benefits? See our full Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
Installation Costs: Nail-Down vs. Floating vs. Glue
Labor prices change a lot based on how you put the floor in. Here’s a quick look:
| Installation Type | Avg. Labor Cost (per sq ft) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nail-Down | $4 – $8 | Solid wood, lasts long |
| Floating (Click-Lock) | $3 – $6 | Easy for DIY, on concrete |
| Glue-Down | $4 – $7 | Good for wet areas |
Extra costs might come up for underlayment, removing old floors, or getting the base floor ready.
Long-Term Value and Refinishing Options
Hardwood floors look nice now and are a smart investment for later. Solid wood can be sanded and redone several times (usually 3–5), making it last for many years. Engineered wood with a thick top can often be redone once, giving you a good mix of cost and durability.
DIY vs. Professional Hardwood Installation: What to Know
Putting in hardwood flooring can be rewarding or costly if done wrong. Deciding to do it yourself or call a pro depends on the type of flooring, your tools, and your subfloor’s condition. Here’s what to consider before choosing.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
DIY is easiest with engineered click-lock planks. These float over underlayment without needing nails or glue, making them a popular choice for handy homeowners. Solid hardwood needs precise cutting, nailing, and finishing, best for experienced installers, especially on uneven or big surfaces.
👉 New to flooring? Start with our Hardwood Flooring DIY Guide with step-by-step instructions and checklists.
Tools, Skills, and Subfloor Prep
Before starting, ask yourself:
Do you have (or will you rent) a flooring nailer, moisture meter, and saws?
Is your subfloor level, dry, and strong?
Can you measure, cut, and lay patterns precisely?
Subfloor prep is crucial — especially for nail-down and glue-down methods, which need smooth, clean, and dry conditions.
When to Use Floating Engineered Planks
Floating engineered wood floors are great 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 an underlayment, making them a good weekend project for mid-level DIYers.
Avoid These Mistakes with Solid Wood
Solid hardwood is less forgiving. Common mistakes include:
Not acclimating planks first, causing warping
Skipping moisture tests on subfloors
Nailing too close to edges, which can split
Not leaving expansion gaps around the edge
If unsure, hiring a professional can protect your floor and its 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!
