Hardwood flooring is dominating the main living areas of new homes, and engineered hardwood has been particularly catching on over the past decades, according to the latest surveys from Home Innovation Research Labs.
Engineered hardwood floors are made up of layers: the top and bottom layers are natural wood, but the middle contains a core of plywood. It’s known to be a more quick, fuss-free installation than solid hardwood.
Hardwood has become the most popular flooring in new-home kitchens, according to Home Innovation Research Labs. Hardwood floors—both solid and engineered—have increased from 11 percent of all flooring in new single-family homes to 31 percent over the past 12 years.
Other flooring types are decreasing in popularity. For example, ceramic tile has posted a slower growth rate from 15 percent to 21 percent over the last 12 years.
Hardwood flooring represents 65 percent of all flooring installed in new-home dining rooms, half of all flooring in living rooms, and about 45 percent of all flooring installed in kitchens, BUILDER reports on the study.
Hardwood of all types has grown in popularity in all areas of the home, except for the bedroom and bathroom. Carpeting remains the champ in bedrooms.
Source: “Engineered Hardwood Is Top Flooring Pick,” BUILDER (Dec. 6, 2017)