With advances in the industry over the past few decades, customizing your wood floor is easier and more affordable than ever before. You can create a one-of-a-kind look with simple upgrades such as borders, medallions, hand-distressing, painted floors, mixed media and exotic wood species.

Borders

Borders create a frame effect in a particular room or area and usually contrast to the main area of the room. For example, a family room with a simple installation of strip white oak, which is a medium-colored wood, might include a border outlining the room in a contrasting species, like Brazilian cherry.

Medallions

Medallions are usually installed in the main field of the floor, typically in areas such as foyers. They can incorporate multiple wood species and other mixed media, such as stone, metal and leather. Factory-finished medallions can be routed into existing floors with minimal disruption.

Exotic woods

Exotic woods are available in a variety of colors and can add an entirely new look to any room. Here are some examples: Bubinga from Africa adds a pinkish-red hue to any décor; Purpleheart from Mexico will age to a deep purple or purplish brown; and Wenge from Africa will age to a very deep brown, almost black, color creating a sleek floor.

Mixed media

A one-of-a-kind floor can be created by mixing wood with other materials such as stone, tile, slate, marble, granite, marble, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel and leather. Highlighting a marble foyer with wood makes a dramatic entryway.

Painted floors

A little paint can transform an ordinary wood floor into something unique. For example, a painted border can transform a wood floor into a work of art reflecting personal style, such as country, formal or even patterns like free-flowing vines.

Hand-distressing

Hand-distressing wood floors offer a unique look and antiqued appearance. Handscraping is the most-common distressing technique. Using tools such as chisels, planes, wire brushes, awls, ice picks and grinders, the installer will work with the wood to achieve a worn and distressed look.

Stains

Light-colored stains add a contemporary look. A warm, medium-toned color is more traditional. Dark stains can give floors a formal setting.

Source: National Wood Flooring Association