Hardwood Floors February/March 2026

One of the strongest selling points for wood is durability. According to Hardwood Floors magazine’s 2026 Industry Outlook survey, it is a top feature customers look for when shopping for flooring. Around the world, you will find wood has been a stage for life’s events – big and small – within homes, churches, castles, and businesses dating back all the way to the 17th century. There is no greater testament to wood being the superior surface than finding original wood floors in a building that is hundreds of years old.

While restoring these artifacts may seem overwhelming, some wood flooring professionals see it as both a mission to preserve the wood, and a good business opportunity. They are taking a wood floor near the end of its original service life and giving it a fresh start. In this article, experts share why they believe in preserving antique wood, special considerations for taking on historic restoration projects, and some of their most awe-inspiring work.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL FLOORS INC.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE NUTTER CABINETRY AND SPECIALTY FLOORING

RIGHT, TOP & BOTTOM: Universal Floors is no stranger to high-profile historic projects. Pictured here is the team working on the Green Rooms of the Mellon Auditorium (circa 1935) in Washington, D.C.

ABOVE: Ben Nutter with Steve Nutter Cabinetry and Specialty Flooring hand scraping the flooring at Highfield Hall (built in 1878) in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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