There is no doubt, these are exciting times in the flooring industry and, when it comes to the wood category, consumers are getting choices like never before. Technology is driving these trends for the most part—creating engineered woods, new stains and treatments, and new approaches that are breaking the mold from traditional hardwood flooring.
But to paraphrase a saying, with a great choice comes great responsibility. When designing a floor you need to weigh wants against the consequences of your selection. Wide boards are in this year and so are dark colors, but a 12-inch oak floor stained dark is going to have some ugly shrink lines during the winter in New England.