Hardwood floors have been treasured throughout the centuries for their durability and beauty. As early as the seventeenth century, hardwood floors were starting to appear in European homes. The hardwood manufacturing process, as well as the styles of floors it produced, has evolved significantly with the passage of time. Below is a brief history of hardwood floors.

The Baroque Era (1625–1714)

During the Baroque era, hardwood floors were a status symbol. While the lower classes had to contend with dirt floors, those with considerable wealth would have floors of contrasting hardwood colors. The planks would be hand-carved with 3D-like effects, the overwood stripped, scrubbed with sand, stained, and polished—all by hand.

The Colonial Period (1607–1780)

The Colonial period in America made hardwood floors more accessible to families of varying classes. This was due mainly to the abundance of suitable trees, namely slow-growth pine, in the Colonies. The wood was not sanded or polished, and hardwood floors were worked smooth by the foot traffic of a dwelling's inhabitants.

The Industrial Revolution & Beyond (1820–Present)

In the early part of the nineteenth century, the floors of wealthier American homes were laid with hardwood that had parquetry or other intricate design work. The Industrial Revolution streamlined the process of manufacturing hardwood and crafting designs, so over the next century, engineered wood flooring became more commonplace throughout the Western world. After a dip in popularity during the mid-twentieth century when wall-to-wall carpet was all the rage, the popularity of hardwood floors has surged in the last 30 years. It’s easy to see why—in addition to its timeless beauty, hardwood floors are also easy to maintain and great for allergies. 

If you live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, trust the flooring specialists at Carolina Wood Floors. For over 25 years, they have been an area leader in hardwood floors. Call (336) 765-0680 or visit them on Facebook or Twitter for more information. Start making your own history with a hardwood floor in your home or business, and contact CWF today for an estimate.