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Engineered wood flooring is a smart, stylish choice for West Michigan homeowners who want the warmth and character of real wood, without the limitations of traditional hardwood. It’s built to perform in our region’s seasonal humidity swings, holds up well to active households, and comes in a wide range of styles that work with just about any interior.

At Village Custom Interiors in Byron Center, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Grand Rapids and the surrounding area find the perfect engineered wood flooring for their space. If you’re considering a new floor, here’s what you should know about the styles, looks, and technical features that make engineered wood such a standout option.

Understanding Grain Direction

Grain pattern isn’t just about aesthetics—it affects how the floor looks and feels in your home. Engineered wood flooring typically uses a top layer of real hardwood, which still shows the grain characteristics of the species you select.

Here’s how grain orientation can influence the space:

• Straight grain looks clean and modern with a linear flow that works well in open-concept layouts.
• Cathedral or flame grain has more movement and variation, often seen in oak and hickory. It adds texture and works beautifully in rustic or transitional interiors.
• Mixed grain combines the two for visual interest across each plank, offering a more dynamic overall look.

The direction you lay your planks also plays a big role. Running planks lengthwise with the longest wall can elongate a room, while diagonal layouts add architectural drama.

Color Families: Match the Mood of Your Home

Color selection should complement—not compete with—your home’s fixed elements like cabinets, countertops, and trim. In engineered wood, you’ll find a wide range of natural and stained hues that suit every design style.

Some popular options include:

• Cool grays and weathered taupes for a relaxed, coastal-inspired look
• Neutral beiges and soft browns that pair well with white or painted cabinetry
• Rich chocolates and espresso tones that bring contrast to light walls and fixtures
• Natural oak and blonde tones that feel open, airy, and timeless

Before settling on a color, look at samples in your actual space, at different times of day. Natural light can dramatically shift the way a floor color reads.

Shade & Finish: From Rustic to Refined

The finish of your engineered wood floor not only affects the sheen but also the way it wears over time. Today’s options offer a wide range of textures and protective coatings to match your lifestyle.

• Matte finishes minimize glare and are excellent at hiding small scratches and dust—great for busy households.
• Satin finishes offer a soft luster that enhances wood grain without going too glossy.
• Glossy finishes provide a polished look but require more upkeep and show imperfections more easily.

You can also explore hand-scraped or wire-brushed textures, which create a lived-in feel and offer extra surface camouflage.

Board Thickness & Width: Scale Matters

Engineered wood planks come in various widths and thicknesses, both of which impact how your floors look and perform.

• Wider planks (6 inches and up) are on trend and help create a clean, spacious feel, especially in larger rooms.
• Narrow planks (under 5 inches) bring a more traditional or vintage vibe, often used in smaller rooms or historical homes.
• Thickness typically ranges from 3/8” to 3/4”. Thicker planks tend to be more stable and can allow for future refinishing, depending on the wear layer.

Choosing the right proportions ensures your floor feels balanced and suits the scale of your home.

Bring Home the Look You Love

Engineered wood flooring offers the perfect blend of real wood beauty and modern performance. With the right grain, color, finish, and dimensions, you can create a floor that works seamlessly with your lifestyle and adds lasting value to your home.

At Village Custom Interiors, we’re proud to help Grand Rapids and West Michigan homeowners navigate all the options. Stop by our Byron Center showroom or contact us today to explore our wide selection of engineered wood flooring styles. Our design team is ready to help you bring your vision to life.