Ottawa Answers Nature's Call

Canada’s capital is going au naturel when it comes to wood flooring, according to Brent Whitcomb, owner of Ottawa Sanding & Refinishing. “The biggest trend we’re seeing in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario is the shift toward natural-looking hardwood floors,” he says. “Homeowners are increasingly choosing lighter tones with matte finishes, and many are looking to achieve the appearance of white oak, even when refinishing existing red oak floors.” Whitcomb noticed the natural trend catching on in 2020 and has watched it explode in recent years, in large part due to social media. “We’ve documented our sanding and refinishing process through more than 400 videos shared online, and many homeowners come to us already inspired by the look of natural hardwood floors,” he says.—E.K.