Some of the top-rated television shows in North America are period pieces, like Downton Abbey and Empire. Movies like Gosford Park, The Great Gatsby, and The King’s Speech are still very popular among moviegoers, showing the collective ideal for the historical era. While it is not possible to return to this time of unbridled historicism and nostalgia, you can immerse yourself in past cultures when decorating your home.
This does not mean you have to go and buy a wall-length tapestry, a standing suit of armor, or wear zoot suits. Hardwood flooring will help your house retain the nostalgia of any historical period you want, without breaking the bank.
Here are the most popular types of hardwood flooring used throughout North American history.
Maple
Maple hardwood flooring was introduced to homeowners across North America during the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturers were able to use steam power to process hardwoods and create tongue and groove joints in the hardwood flooring itself, for easier installation. Maple flooring has a natural look that varies depending on the species of maple tree processed. Homeowners with their hearts set on using maple flooring will be excited at its historical value and various aesthetic qualities when creating their perfect dream home.
Cherry
Prior to using cherry for their hardwood flooring, most people only know of its use in the culinary arts to flavor food. Cherry trees can be found all over the United States in Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Due to its widespread availability and historical value, it is a popular choice for homeowners when choosing to install hardwood flooring. Some cherry trees cultivated for flooring are over 100 years of age! Your home will become a piece of history when you choose cherry for your flooring needs.
Oak
Like cherry hardwood flooring, oak became a popular wood choice in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, oakwood floors were common and affordable by many Americans due to the economic prosperity the nation experienced after WW1. Nowadays, many homeowners choose oak due to its strength, sustainability, and resistance to decay and deterioration, even among other hardwood flooring options. If you want a great-looking floor that offers many benefits beyond its historical value, choose oak for your next flooring renovation today!
Ash
The historical importance of ashwood extends far beyond American in the early 20th Century. Ash wood’s historical importance dates back much farther to Norse mythology. Yggdrasil, the Norse tree of life that connects the various realms to each other, was an ash tree. In the medieval ages, ash wood was used to create archers’ bows due to its tensile strength and longevity. More recently, ash wood has been used, along with other hardwoods, in flooring and furniture throughout American history. If you install ash hardwood flooring, you can enjoy a great floor and an even better conversation starter.
Walnut
Not all hardwood flooring is brown. If you want a colorful twist, choose walnut flooring. Ranging in color from dark brown to purple-black, walnut was the wood of choice for decorative purposes, from gunstocks to furniture, and flooring. Over time, walnut flooring darkens, allowing the floor to grow with you as you spend decades admiring its rich color and beautiful look.
Mahogany
The last on our list, but not least, is mahogany. Originating from the Caribbean islands, mahogany became a favorite wood of Americans and the English during the robust Atlantic trading period of the 17th and 18th Century. Since then, mahogany has only become more popular. Mahogany is still a very popular choice for homeowners the world over for its beauty, smooth finish, and durability.
Own a piece of history and install a hardwood floor today!
Invision Hardwood & Décor is dedicated to helping you create your perfect “Interior Vision” for your home, starting with hardwood flooring. We have helped clients install the perfect flooring for them, in Toronto, the GTA, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, and Vaughan. If you would like more information on the perfect hardwood flooring design for your home, please contact us at our website.
