What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hardwood floors? You may think about the color and size of the hardwood planks. However, another critical factor that you’ll need to determine when choosing hardwood flooring for your home is the texture.
In 2021, some of the biggest trends in hardwood flooring textures are hand scraped and wire brushed textures. Both options give a more natural, rustic element to the floors. Textured flooring can also be more durable than smooth hardwood, which makes it a great option for families. There are some key differences, though, between the two. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each so you can make the most informed decision.
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Hand Scraped Hardwood Flooring
Unlike a lot of hardwood flooring textures nowadays, hand-scraped hardwood flooring is, you guessed it, scraped by hand. This means that no two planks are the same and offer more variation in appearance. Because this style is done by hand, the scraping can range from more subtle scrapes to more dramatic, bigger scrapes. Hand scraping is great for those who want durability because they generally conceal wear and tear better. We recommend hand scraped hardwood flooring for high traffic areas – like kitchens, dining areas and family rooms.
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Wire Brushed Hardwood Floors
Wire brushed hardwood flooring is similar to hand scraped hardwood flooring but is generally done by machine. This technique is done by using a wire brush to create long strokes in the wood that brings out the natural grain of the wood. While these two techniques are often mistaken for one another, wire brushed hardwood flooring usually looks more aged and distressed. We love the look of wire brushed texturing on oak hardwood floors in particular because it accentuates the oak’s already naturally occurring features. Like hand scraped, wire brushed hardwood floors will withstand the wear and tear of daily life, and is also a great option if you have children or pets.
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Final Thoughts
Regardless of what you choose, textured flooring is a trend that is durable, functional and stylish. One final tip is to make sure that you’re always looking at hardwood floors in person. Sometimes textures can look different online, so you always want to double check you’re getting exactly what you want. For more tips on the most durable types of hardwoods, check out this blog post.