In the modern world, hardwood floors are commonplace—they seem so widespread that you might think they’re a relatively recent invention. In truth, this flooring material has a history that stretches back hundreds of years.

5 Periods in Hardwood Flooring History

1. Pre-Colonial

Hardwood floors have existed for nearly 400 years, first appearing during the 1600s, when unfinished wood planks were suspended over dirt or stone. During the French Baroque period, hardwood flooring gradually became a more prestigious piece of décor, being cut, placed together, and smoothed down by hand in the homes of royalty, noblemen, and, in some cases, merchants.

2. Colonial

The Colonial era in the Americas marked a massive development for hardwood floors. With the abundance of old-growth trees, British and French colonists were able to cut large planks to make floors for their homes. These trees were both old and large, meaning the huge planks were made of naturally stronger material than modern wooden floors. Though these boards tended to be massive in size, they were also irregular in their cut, as they were made by hand.

3. 19th Century

During the 1800s, hardwood floors began to take on more decorative flair, in keeping with the tastes of the times. Many homeowners painted their floorboards with decorative patterns or in eye-catching monochrome, and until the mid-1800s, unpainted floorboards were covered. By the middle of the century, however, the mass production of the Industrial Revolution meant that wooden boards could be mass-produced in uniform sizes that fit together and had a finished look.

4. Early 20th century

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hardwood floors began to resemble what we know today. Many chose to install hardwood floors around the perimeter of the room with a carpet in the middle, giving a classy, high-end aesthetic for a relatively low price. Later, however, as modernism became a more prominent style of interior design, hardwood floors fell out of style—a decline that was emphasized by the cheap availability of completely carpeted floors.

5. Modern Day

In the late 20th century, Victorian and Craftsman revivals in interior design brought hardwood floors back into vogue, resulting in their booming popularity. Additionally, the era saw the emergence of water-based finishing urethanes, more hardwood styles (including traditionally, prefinished, and exotic), and techniques for easily installing hardwood floors. As a result, hardwood flooring has become an affordable flooring option that enhances a home’s natural beauty and value.

If you’re in the market to install a hardwood floor, contact Carolina Wood Floors in Winston-Salem, NC. With over 25 years of experience, the company offers a wide variety of robust flooring options and services to fit any client needs, including hardwood floors, sports flooring, or custom floor design. To learn more or schedule service, call (336) 765-0680 or visit their website.