Today, hardwood is considered one of the most popular flooring options. With so many wood essences to choose from, there is a hardwood floor that can beautify any living space. But when did hardwood flooring first appear in history?

 

According to known historical records, it was not until the Middle Ages that hardwood was used as a flooring material. This type of flooring required visitor to wipe their shoes on a carpet before entering the house to prevent the floor from becoming dirty and muddy.

 

After the discovery of America and its seemingly inexhaustible old growth forests, the use of wood as a flooring material became commonplace among settlers living in the colonies. Wood was so abundant that the use of any other material for common dwellings was simply unthinkable. At the time, hardwood floors were primarily constructed with pines. Because of the immense size of the trees, it was possible to produce very large sawed boards.

 

Around 1600–1700, hardwood floors began to take on a more elegant look, with the introduction of French parquetry and marquetry. Intricate patterns were cut by hand and laid with contrasting colored wood species. This style of flooring required skilled craftsmen and meticulous hard work. These types of hardwood floors were only found in the homes of royalty and the wealthy of the day.

 

Eventually, the industrial age brought machinery for the finer processing of wood. The development of steam and electricity during this period led to an increase in the need for better quality housing and, therefore, an increased demand for hardwood flooring materials. Oak quickly became the species of choice because of its availability, cost, ease of machining, strength and beauty.

 

The hardwood flooring industry, as we know it today, began just before the turn of the 20th century. In 1885, the lateral lath was developed. The idea was to create a hardwood floor with a tongue on one long side and a groove on the other. This allowed hardwood floors to be nailed blind, which gave them a more elegant appearance without visible nail holes. Technology has advanced rapidly, bringing better and better shaping options and allowing for easier installation.