As we reflect on the timeline of wood floor installation, we can see that not only did the preference for flooring change, but so did the level of craftsmanship. High-tech tools and DIY encouragement from big box stores such as Home Depot and IKEA have increasingly replaced tradesmen. The days of hand-scraping woodwork are nearly gone. The advancement of technology has also brought about a high demand for a modern appearance in high-end homes. So why are homeowners now valuing their original wood floors – the transition from craftsmanship to trending modernization?
The Resurgence of Handcrafted Home Design: A Response to Technology’s Homogenization
Neutral carpets and DIY laminate flooring had their spotlight, but one factor still outlives any trend—the need to be unique. Technology has virtually destroyed craftsmanship when it comes to the construction of our homes, and people are now recognizing this shift. Along with modernization has come the issue of everyone and everything looking the same. It can be concluded that the overabundance of modern design and high-tech features has brought back a new appreciation for hand craftsmanship.
Reviving Old-World Craftsmanship
Homeowners are tired of visiting other people’s houses and seeing the same flooring, features, and appliances. Restoring old woodwork is now giving homes added value. Now the the installation that our grandfathers once worked tirelessly to perfect is now in the spotlight once again.
Reimagining Craftsmanship in a Modern World
This phenomenon brings transparency to what skilled trade work really is underneath the physical labor. It’s a form of art, and art is a timeless demonstration of the extraordinary capabilities of humans. Whether you create with a paintbrush or a saw, your work is equally superior to that of a machine.
In America, we leaned so quickly into the trends that we forgot about specialty work and uniqueness, making these qualities now in high regard and demand. We can see a similar timeline when we reflect on the transition from Made in America to Made in China, which also developed from a “cheaper is better” notion.
The Hidden Story of Historic Wooden Floors
Next time you come across historic wooden floors underneath your carpet or vinyl, remember the story that lies within their existence. Remember the families that were provided for through the skilled trades. The man who carried a 50lb bucket of nails and a hammer door to door, and the craftsmanship that contributed to creating the foundation of America. As I mentioned earlier in the article, most of the tradesmen from the mid-1900s are now in their 80s and 90s. The appreciation for wood floors couldn’t have arrived at a better time and is a reminder that the craftsmanship has not been forgotten.
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