What do you think of when you hear the term “rustic?”

Do you envision a cozy, wooden cabin nestled in the Rocky Mountains? Do you see it adorned with warm, earth tones and simple, handcrafted decor?

Items like exposed wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and woven textiles have a sense of authenticity and rugged charm. They might remind you of a simpler, more peaceful time, allowing you to focus on what’s most important.

Rustic. It truly is a lifestyle. And it’s one you can embrace, starting with your hardwood flooring.

What is a rustic design style?

Are you already seeing your new home or remodel with a rustic look? It’s popular here along the Front Range for a reason.

Rustic design style embraces natural elements, and creates a sense of warmth and coziness. Perfect for those dark winter nights when all you want to do is snuggle up with a good book and a mug of cocoa.

It draws inspiration from rural and countryside aesthetics, incorporating raw, organic materials like wood, stone, and metal. Think rustic, and you’ll select:

• Natural materials, with wood being the dominant texture.
• Earthy tones that tend to be warm and earthy, such as brown, tan, and terracotta.
• Cozy textures that are soft – wool, cotton, and linen are good choices.
• Natural elements connected to nature, such as stone fireplaces, panoramic windows, and indoor gardens.

It’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of nature.

What is rustic hardwood flooring?

Rustic hardwood flooring is the essence of rustic design. It sets the stage for all other elements you use within your room.

Thanks to today’s manufacturing processes, rustic hardwood flooring doesn’t have to be hardwood at all. You have a variety of ways to capture the authentic hardwood look using your preferred flooring material. Try laminate, or luxury vinyl, or porcelain tile. Of course, nothing says rustic hardwood more than genuine hardwood flooring. You’re guaranteed to have natural beauty for years to come.

Unlike other flooring options, solid hardwood offers decades of unparalleled beauty. Because it can be refinished repeatedly, it’s the one thing in your design budget you can count on lasting for years.

What makes rustic flooring rustic?

What gives rustic hardwood flooring its classic charm and good looks? While it may come down to the eye of the beholder, there are some characteristics that all rustic hardwood has in common.

Color

Rustic hardwood will always take its good looks from nature. Rustic flooring features warm, earthy tones in varying shades of brown, beige, and gray. These colors mimic the natural hues found in nature – in the forest as you’re walking through. It evokes a sense of warmth and coziness.

As you look at a tree’s rings, you’ll notice different shades and tones. Those colors should be apparent in rustic hardwood floors. This variation adds visual interest and depth, which only enhances its rustic charm.

But don’t look only to living, breathing trees for guidance; don’t forget to look at the forest floor, too. Rustic flooring may incorporate distressed or weathered finishes that accentuate its aged appearance. Yes, you can incorporate it into your hardwood by including techniques such as hand-scraping, wire-brushing, or distressing. These all highlight the natural character of the wood. If you select other flooring materials, these characteristics may also be included to give you the look you’re going for.

Reclaimed looks

Sometimes, treasured materials come from time-honored assets. Antiques give you everything you need from a bygone era. Reclaimed wood flooring may be a part of that look with its prized unique character and history.

Reclaimed hardwood is often salvaged from old structures like barns, warehouses, schools, and factories. It gives you a story through its weathered appearance and history.

The authenticity of reclaimed wood lies in its imperfections, such as nail holes, saw marks, and knots. No two planks will ever be the same … and you like it that way.

But don’t think the only way to get this look is by antique shopping around the country. To replicate the look of reclaimed wood, manufacturers may use techniques such as distressing, hand-scraping, and staining to mimic the aged appearance and rustic charm of authentic reclaimed lumber. Once you know what you’re looking for, we can provide you solutions you’ll be proud to display inside your home.

Knots and wood grain

Rustic isn’t about fixing blemishes and finding perfection. Instead, it’s about honoring what makes the wood unique, and gives it its classic good looks. Knots are natural occurrences caused by branches or other imperfections in the tree’s growth. Why not celebrate them for adding character and visual appeal?

Knots vary in size and shape, ranging from small, tight knots to larger, more prominent ones. Each knot adds a unique touch to the flooring, enhancing its rustic aesthetic. As you lay your rustic flooring into place, you’ll celebrate each imperfection, knowing it adds to the character of your home.

Wood grain refers to the pattern created by the alignment of wood fibers in the floorboards. The natural grain of the wood is often emphasized, highlighting its organic beauty and texture. Whether timeworn or weathered, accentuating wood grain enhances rustic charm.

Plank size

Rustic flooring typically features wider planks compared to more traditional flooring styles. Wide planks showcase more of the wood’s natural grain and character, creating a sense of visual impact and spaciousness in a room.

Wider planks offer a more authentic look, resembling the flooring in an old farmhouse, cottage, or barn. This adds to the rustic ambiance of the space, evoking a sense of nostalgia and heritage.

You can also have fun with length and width. Rustic flooring may vary in length and thickness, further enhancing its rustic appeal. Random lengths and irregular edges contribute to the flooring’s handmade and artisanal quality.

What’s your rustic style?

If you’re drawn in by rustic hardwood, it’s time to pick your style. Really, you can’t go wrong with whatever material you choose.

Let your heart guide you to the perfect choice for your home. Let your personality guide you to the perfect selection to complement your decor.

We’re here to help you find the perfect rustic hardwood material to suit your lifestyle and needs. How can we help you find what you’re looking for?