Posts Tagged ‘hardwood flooring’
Hardwood in the PA Climate: Winter Gaps & Summer Humidity
Western Pennsylvania is beautiful, but our climate is notoriously hard on natural materials. From the humid, sticky July afternoons to the bone-dry, freezing January nights, your home’s environment is constantly shifting. Because wood is a hygroscopic material—meaning it absorbs and releases moisture—your hardwood floors are essentially “breathing.” The Winter Gap vs. The Summer Cup During…
Read MoreLuxury Vinyl vs. Hardwood: Which Investment is Right for You?
When it’s time to renovate, the most frequent question we hear at A&S Carpet Collection is: “Is hardwood worth the extra cost, or should I go with Luxury Vinyl?” In 2026, the gap in appearance between these two has narrowed significantly, but the gap in performance and long-term value remains distinct. For the “eye on…
Read MoreTexture You Can Feel: The Rise of Matte & Wire-Brushed Finishes for Hardwood Floors
For decades, the “piano finish”—a high-gloss, shiny floor—was synonymous with luxury. But as we look at the design trends of 2026, high-gloss is taking a backseat to something more tactile and organic. Today’s most sophisticated homes are opting for matte and wire-brushed finishes. The Practicality of Matte Let’s be honest: high-gloss floors are a full-time job.…
Read MoreWide Plank Wonders: Making Smaller Rooms Feel Expansive
If you walk into a high-end custom home in 2026, you likely won’t see the 2 ¼-inch or 3-inch “strip” flooring of yesteryear. The industry has moved decisively toward Wide Plank Flooring, with 7-inch to 9-inch widths becoming the preferred choice for architects and designers alike. The Science of “Visual Noise” Why do wide planks make a…
Read MoreWarmth is Back: The 2026 Hardwood Color Palette
For nearly a decade, the interior design world was under the spell of “Cool Gray.” From walls to cabinetry to flooring, desaturated tones were the gold standard for a modern home. But as we move through 2026, a significant cultural shift has occurred. Homeowners are no longer looking for their houses to feel like sleek, industrial…
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