We know the old adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same. In the realm of flooring, while trends may come and go, the popularity of wood products remains constant. “Hardwood flooring remains so popular because it offers decades of use and durability if properly maintained,” says Zach Bull, of Seaport Hardwoods and Flooring in Bend. Choosing a wood floor can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the vast array of woods, colors and finishes available today. Since starting Seaport Hardwoods and Flooring in 2004 as a distributor, founder Dan Bull along with his son Zach and their staff have decades of experience in the hardwood flooring industry and they are able to navigate the landscape of products seamlessly— from solid hardwoods to the newest engineered hardwood. For consumers, it’s best to start with an understanding of the difference between the two. Solid wood floors are created with planks milled from single pieces of timber. Engineered wood flooring is comprised of multiple layers of plywood or composite material topped with a layer of solid hardwood. At Seaport Hardwoods and Flooring they have more than 75 varieties of pre-finished hardwoods alone, so how to choose? It’s helpful to learn the five species that are the most common choices for residential flooring—oak, walnut, hickory, maple, and cherry. Each has its own distinct properties. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, red oak is the most widely used species and is popular for its durability. The location of where wood will be used in a home may help determine its suitability for a project. “Day-to-day wear and tear is a priority for most people when they shop for a hardwood floor,” says Dan. But there are also many variations in look—from a wood’s natural physical characteristics to a range of finishes. “There is no denying the many shades of grey being popular,” adds Zach, “But we saw natural and dark browns make a comeback in 2020.” Other trends include hand-scraped, wire-brushed and smooth finishes, wider planks and parquet flooring to generate geometric, non-linear looks. Another important commitment for consumers to make, is to understand environmental impact. “We take pride in our environmental policy, offering state of the art products designed to minimize waste and environmental impact, and by recycling all materials possible,” says Dan. Ultimately, hardwood flooring sets the stage for a varied, active lifestyle in Central Oregon. The look is up to the homeowner, and with proper care, it will stand the test of time. SeaportHardwoods.com
Article by Cheryl Parton
Originally published in Bend Lifestyle