Choosing a new hardwood floor is an exciting step. The right floor sets the mood for every room, complements your furniture, and adds lasting value to your home. With so many species, colors, and finishes available, it helps to have a clear path to follow. At Design Floors Lehigh Valley, our team has helped families across the region find their perfect floors for more than 30 years, and we enjoy guiding Phillipsburg homeowners through every decision.
This style guide walks you through the key choices so you can select a hardwood floor that looks beautiful and fits the way you live.
Start With Your Home's Personality
Every home has its own character. Before looking at samples, take a moment to consider the overall feel you want to create.
Classic and warm: Rich mid-tones and traditional plank widths suit colonial and older homes.
Bright and modern: Light, natural shades and wider planks feel open and airy.
Rustic and relaxed: Textured or wire-brushed surfaces with visible knots bring cozy farmhouse charm.
Elegant and formal: Deeper tones with a smooth finish create a refined atmosphere.
Phillipsburg has a wonderful mix of historic homes near the river and newer houses in quieter neighborhoods. Matching your floor to your home's architecture helps the whole space feel connected.
Solid or Engineered Hardwood?
Your first practical decision is the type of construction.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished many times over its life, making it a wonderful long-term choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood features a real wood top layer bonded to a stable core. This construction gives it greater resistance to humidity changes, so it is a smart option for spaces where moisture levels shift more often.
Our team can help you compare both types side by side when you browse our hardwood flooring selection.
Pick a Species That Suits Your Lifestyle
Wood species affect both appearance and performance.
Bold grain species show off strong, visible patterns that add character and help disguise everyday wear.
Smooth grain species offer a subtle, uniform look that feels calm and polished.
Harder species are a helpful choice for busy households with kids and pets.
Think about who uses each room and how, and how much time you would like to spend on upkeep. A family room that hosts game nights has different needs than a quiet guest bedroom.
Choose a Color That Works With Your Light
Natural light changes how a floor looks throughout the day. Bring samples home and view them in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Light Tones
Pale and natural shades brighten rooms and make smaller spaces feel larger. They are especially welcome during short winter days.
Mid Tones
Honey, amber, and warm brown shades are versatile and pair well with most décor. They also do a nice job of hiding dust and small scratches.
Dark Tones
Deep espresso and walnut-inspired shades feel luxurious and dramatic. They look stunning in rooms with plenty of natural light.
Think About Plank Width and Layout
Plank width shapes the feel of a room.
Narrow planks offer a classic, tailored look common in older homes.
Wide planks create a spacious, modern feel with fewer seams.
Mixed widths add visual interest and a custom, handcrafted touch.
Layout matters too. Running planks along the longest wall often makes a room feel bigger, while a continuous floor through connected rooms creates a seamless flow.
Select the Right Finish and Sheen
The finish protects your floor and influences its look.
Matte finishes look natural and modern and help hide everyday wear.
Satin finishes offer a gentle glow and are a popular, balanced choice.
Semi-gloss and gloss finishes add shine and a formal feel, though they show scuffs more readily.
For active households, a lower sheen is often the most forgiving option. Finish color matters as well. Some finishes add a warm amber glow over time, while others keep the wood looking clear and natural. Ask our team to show you finished samples so you can see the difference in person before deciding.
Plan Around Local Seasons
Homes in the Delaware Valley see warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wood naturally expands in humid weather and contracts when the air dries out. A few simple steps help your new floor stay comfortable through every season:
Keep indoor humidity steady with a humidifier in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Place mats at entryways to catch snow, salt, and slush.
Ask about engineered options for spaces with more humidity swings.
Professional Installation Brings It All Together
The best floor choice shines brightest with expert installation. Our installations are completed by licensed professionals, and we also offer subfloor repair, underlayment, and job supervision and coordination, so every detail is handled with care. When the time comes for a refresh, our hardwood refinishing service can restore the floor's original glow.
Shopping Made Easy
Design Floors Lehigh Valley is locally owned and proud to serve Phillipsburg, Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, and Nazareth. We offer free in-home estimates, same and next-day appointments, flexible financing, and special military discounts.
Our Easton showroom at 2695 Freemansburg Ave is a short drive across the river. Visit to see full-size samples, compare colors in natural light, and talk with our knowledgeable team.
Find the Floor That Feels Like Home
The right hardwood floor reflects your style, suits your daily routine, and adds lasting beauty to your home. With these tips, you are ready to choose with confidence.
Ready to explore your options? Get in touch to book your free in-home estimate, or call (610) 250-7722. We look forward to helping you find a floor you will love for years to come.
