High-End Hardwood Brands? (4 Best For Resale ROI!)

I’m a flooring contractor, and let me tell you, choosing the right flooring is more than just picking something pretty. It’s about creating a space you love and boosting your home’s value.

Think of your flooring as the foundation of your home’s style and a major player in its resale potential. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of high-end hardwood and uncovering the top brands that can seriously amp up your ROI.

Understanding High-End Hardwood Flooring

So, what exactly is high-end hardwood? It’s not just any wood plank you find at your local big-box store. We’re talking about flooring that stands out in terms of material, craftsmanship, and overall quality.

What Makes It “High-End”?

High-end hardwood goes beyond the basic functionality of standard flooring. It’s an investment in:

• Premium Materials: Think carefully selected species like oak, maple, hickory, cherry, walnut, and even exotic options like Brazilian Cherry (Ipe) or Tigerwood. Each wood boasts unique grain patterns, hardness levels, and color variations.

• Superior Manufacturing: The way the wood is sourced, milled, and finished makes a huge difference. High-end brands often use slow-growth timber, precise milling techniques, and multi-layer finishes for enhanced durability and beauty.

• Exceptional Craftsmanship: Attention to detail is key. This includes things like consistent plank sizes, tight seams, and flawless finishes.

Species Spotlight

Let’s take a closer look at some popular high-end hardwood species:

• Oak: The classic choice. Known for its durability, versatility, and distinctive grain patterns. Red oak and white oak are the most common varieties, each with its own unique characteristics.

• Maple: A lighter-toned wood with a smooth, consistent grain. Maple is a great option for modern or minimalist designs.

• Hickory: One of the hardest domestic hardwoods, hickory is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It has a rustic, natural look with lots of character.

• Cherry: A beautiful reddish-brown wood that darkens with age. Cherry is a more formal option that adds warmth and elegance to any space.

• Walnut: A rich, dark brown wood with a distinctive grain pattern. Walnut is a luxurious choice that adds sophistication to any room.

The Importance of Resale ROI in Flooring Choices

Okay, let’s get down to business. Why does your flooring choice matter when it comes to selling your home?

First Impressions Matter

Think about it: flooring is one of the first things potential buyers notice when they walk into a house. It sets the tone for the entire space and can significantly impact their overall impression.

Stats Don’t Lie

Studies have shown that homes with high-quality hardwood flooring tend to sell for more and sell faster than those with less desirable flooring options. According to a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors, 82% of buyers said that hardwood flooring influenced their decision to buy a home.

What Buyers Look For

Buyers are looking for flooring that is:

• Durable: They want flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear and last for years to come.

• Aesthetically Pleasing: The flooring should complement the style of the home and appeal to a wide range of tastes.

• Easy to Maintain: No one wants flooring that requires constant upkeep.

Top 4 High-End Hardwood Brands for Resale ROI

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Based on my experience and industry insights, here are four high-end hardwood brands that can give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to resale ROI.

1. Somerset Hardwood Flooring

• History and Reputation: Somerset has been in the hardwood flooring business for over 20 years, and they’ve built a solid reputation for quality, sustainability, and American craftsmanship.

• Product Offerings: Somerset offers a wide range of hardwood flooring options, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and even unfinished hardwood. They have a variety of species, colors, and styles to choose from.

• Unique Selling Points: Somerset is committed to sustainability, using responsibly harvested timber and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. They also have a strong focus on quality control, ensuring that every plank meets their high standards.

• ROI for Homeowners: Somerset hardwood flooring is a great investment for homeowners looking to increase their home’s value. Their durable construction and timeless designs appeal to a wide range of buyers.

2. Anderson Tuftex

• History and Reputation: Anderson Tuftex is a division of Shaw Industries, one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world. Anderson Tuftex is known for its high-end, stylish hardwood flooring options.

• Product Offerings: Anderson Tuftex offers a curated selection of hardwood flooring in a variety of species, colors, and textures. They are particularly known for their wide-plank options and their unique finishing techniques.

• Unique Selling Points: Anderson Tuftex focuses on creating hardwood flooring that is both beautiful and durable. They use high-quality materials and innovative manufacturing processes to ensure that their flooring stands up to the demands of modern living.

• Awards and Recognition: Anderson Tuftex has received numerous awards for its design and innovation, including the ADEX Platinum Award for Design Excellence.

• ROI for Homeowners: Anderson Tuftex hardwood flooring can significantly contribute to the resale value of a home. Their stylish designs and high-quality construction appeal to discerning buyers.

3. Bella Cera Floors

• History and Reputation: Bella Cera Floors is known for its handcrafted, artisan-inspired hardwood flooring. They source their wood from around the world and use traditional techniques to create flooring that is truly unique.

• Product Offerings: Bella Cera offers a wide range of hardwood flooring options, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and parquet flooring. They have a variety of species, colors, and finishes to choose from.

• Unique Selling Points: Bella Cera’s hardwood flooring is known for its distinctive character and its ability to add warmth and personality to any space. They use hand-scraping, wire-brushing, and other techniques to create flooring that has a unique, time-worn look.

• Innovative Technologies: Bella Cera uses innovative finishing techniques to enhance the durability and beauty of their hardwood flooring. They also offer a range of eco-friendly options, including flooring made from reclaimed wood.

• ROI for Homeowners: Bella Cera hardwood flooring is a great way to add value to your home. Their unique designs and high-quality construction appeal to buyers who are looking for something special.

4. Real Wood Floors

• History and Reputation: Real Wood Floors specializes in wide plank hardwood flooring. They are committed to providing high-quality, sustainably sourced wood at an accessible price.

• Product Offerings: Real Wood Floors focuses on engineered wide plank flooring, offering a variety of species, colors, and finishes. They are known for their long planks and their ability to create a sense of spaciousness in any room.

• Unique Selling Points: Real Wood Floors offers a unique blend of quality, style, and value. Their wide plank flooring is made from sustainably sourced wood and is finished with durable, low-VOC finishes.

• Pricing, Installation, and Maintenance: Real Wood Floors is generally more affordable than some other high-end brands, making it a great option for homeowners who are on a budget. Their engineered construction makes it easy to install, and their durable finishes make it easy to maintain.

• ROI for Homeowners: Real Wood Floors is a smart investment for homeowners looking to increase their home’s value. Their wide plank flooring is a popular trend, and their commitment to quality and sustainability appeals to modern buyers.

Comparing the Brands

Okay, so we’ve covered four fantastic brands. But how do you choose the right one for your home? Let’s break it down:

Who Are These Brands For?

• Somerset: A solid choice for homeowners who want a durable, reliable hardwood floor with a wide range of options.

• Anderson Tuftex: Ideal for homeowners who appreciate high style and are willing to invest in a premium product.

• Bella Cera: Perfect for homeowners who want a unique, artisan-inspired floor that adds character to their home.

• Real Wood Floors: A great option for homeowners who want the look of wide plank hardwood without breaking the bank.

Market Trends in Hardwood Flooring

Before you make a final decision, let’s talk about what’s trending in the hardwood flooring world.

What’s Hot Right Now?

• Wide Planks: Wide planks (5 inches or wider) are still incredibly popular. They create a more spacious and modern look.

• Light Colors: Light, airy colors like white oak, gray, and blonde are trending. They make rooms feel brighter and more open.

• Matte Finishes: Matte finishes are gaining popularity because they hide scratches and imperfections better than glossy finishes.

• Eco-Friendly Options: Sustainable and eco-friendly flooring options are in high demand. Buyers are increasingly looking for products that are made from responsibly harvested wood and finished with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products.

Sustainability Matters

Speaking of eco-friendly options, more and more buyers are prioritizing sustainability. Look for brands that are certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or that use reclaimed wood.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hardwood flooring is a big decision, but it’s one that can pay off in the long run. By investing in high-quality hardwood from a reputable brand, you can enhance your home’s beauty, durability, and resale value.

Remember to consider your personal style, your budget, and the latest market trends when making your decision. And don’t be afraid to ask for help! A qualified flooring contractor can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your new hardwood floor is installed correctly.

So, there you have it! My take on the best high-end hardwood brands for resale ROI. I hope this helps you make an informed decision and create a home that you love and that will impress potential buyers down the road. Good luck with your flooring project!

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