Bona DriFast® Stain Graphite over waterpopped white oak.
Bona DriFast® Stain Cherry waterpopped on red oak.
A 1:1 blend of Bona Craft Oil™ 2K Neutral and Frost on red oak.
Bona Craft Oil™ 2K Frost on white oak.
As 2018 nears, it is a great time to look at some of the broader trends in hardwood flooring. It's easy to get stuck in patterns of repetition. However, homeowners continue to be more and more savvy with what they are requesting for hardwood floors. This New Year, consider offering guidance on some of these new trends in hardwood flooring.
• Color: As contractors, we've known for some time that changing the color of a floor is fairly simple—and homeowners are catching on. From dark walnut to warm, natural tones, educating a homeowner on the ease of changing a floor color is a great way to bring value and win a repeat customer. 2018 is showing two ends of the spectrum when it comes to color—homeowners are seeking either darker colors or opting for more natural, lighter colors. Products like Bona's DriFast Stains offer 26 base colors that can be mixed and matched to create an unlimited color palette.
• Texture: Innovations in tools and machines have made creating texture in a floor easy and visually stunning. Wire brushing, for example, is a great tool for bringing out the essence and grain of a hardwood floor by removing the softer, more open grain on most species of hardwood flooring, providing a natural, rustic appearance.
• Depth: A beautiful oiled hardwood floor offers a warmth and texture for homeowners that continues to change and develop over time. The new Bona Craft Oil 2K offers all the benefits of a natural oil finish plus a high level of performance. The extended open time along with quick setup makes it easier to work with and allows for light use in just eight hours. Blend or apply two colors for a custom look, then protect the floor by top-coating with any finish in the Bona Traffic family.
• Sheen Level: Just like changing the color of a floor is a quick and easy process, so is changing the sheen level. The high-gloss trends are giving way to a more natural look in 2018. Homeowners are looking for less shine to create a flatter, matte appearance. Bona offers a full range of finish sheens—from high-gloss to extra-matte—to offer homeowners the perfect look.
From colors to textures to sheens, 2018 is the year of customization. Access to trends, ideas and information has empowered homeowners with knowledge to create the perfect floor for any home. As contractors, every opportunity to advise a client is an opportunity to offer these tools, trends and ideas, thereby creating long-lasting relationships with homeowners.
Heather Lindemann is senior communications manager at Bona US. This article was paid for by Bona US. For more information, visit www.bona.com.
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