What Flooring Looks Most Expensive? 9 Designer Picks

Ever walk into a home and think the floor must have cost a fortune? Then you find out it's not as pricey as it looks. A few smart choices make that possible.

New hardwood floors return about 118% of their cost at resale, according to the National Association of Realtors. That is one reason flooring matters so much to how a home feels and looks.

We've seen homeowners switch to wider planks or add a herringbone entry. Guests notice before anything else in the room changes.

At Pro Floors and Blinds, we help Spokane homeowners find the flooring that looks most expensive without the expensive price tag. Below are nine designer tricks we use every day. Wood tone, pattern, finish, and small accent details all play a part.

What Flooring Looks Most Expensive?

The flooring that looks most expensive shares three traits: wide planks, rich wood tones, and a pattern or finish that isn't standard. Herringbone and chevron layouts read as custom-built. So do wide-plank floors in walnut or cherry.

Hand-scraped or painted finishes add another layer of designer polish. Framed borders, stone accents, and laser-cut marble details bring the same look to entries and room transitions.

You don't need solid wood to get this look. Engineered wood and luxury vinyl plank copy these same styles at a lower price.

See these looks in wood or budget-friendly LVP.

Rich Wood Tones (Cherry, Walnut, Birch, Maple)

Deep, warm wood tones read as pricier than pale or gray-washed floors. Rich color gives a room instant warmth and weight.

Walnut and cherry are classic designer picks. Their deep brown and reddish tones feel custom, even in a simple room layout.

Maple and birch bring a lighter look. They still read as elevated, especially next to white trim or light walls.

You can get these tones in solid or engineered wood. Engineered wood handles Spokane's seasonal humidity swings better than solid wood does.

Walnut and cherry tones pair well with most home styles and hide everyday wear better than pale finishes. That makes them a solid pick for main living spaces.

Browse our hardwood flooring collection, or see our full wood and laminate flooring supply for more options.

Wider Planks

Wide planks use fewer seams across a floor. Fewer seams read as custom, not builder-grade.

Standard planks break up a room with more visible lines. Wide planks let the wood grain and color take center stage instead.

This trick works in both hardwood and luxury vinyl plank. You get the same high-end look no matter which material fits your budget.

The cost gap between standard and wide planks is often smaller than homeowners expect. A small upgrade in plank width can change how the whole room feels.

Framed Hardwood Floors (Borders & Inlays)

A framed floor uses a contrasting wood border to outline a room. It works like a rug, giving the space a defined edge.

This detail shows up often in higher-end builds. It signals that a floor was planned with care, not just installed and left plain.

Framed borders work best in defined spaces. Entryways and dining rooms are the most common spots for this look.

Entryways are a natural fit for framed borders since the space is small enough to make the detail feel intentional, not busy. It sets the tone for the whole home right at the front door.

Herringbone and Chevron Patterns

Herringbone and chevron both use angled planks. The difference is in how the pieces meet.

• Herringbone: planks meet at a perpendicular angle, forming a zigzag look
• Chevron: planks are cut at an angle so the points line up in a sharp V

Both patterns are available in solid wood, engineered wood, and LVP. LVP gives you the same pattern for a lower cost.

These patterns work best in smaller spaces. Entryways, kitchens, and accent areas show off the design without overwhelming a whole home.

Want more on what's trending right now? See our 2026 flooring trends guide.

Painted Wood Floors

A painted wood floor uses a solid, matte color instead of a natural wood finish. White, black, and deep colors are common choices.

This look reads as custom and intentional. It stands out in a way that natural wood tones sometimes can't.

Painted floors work well in older homes with character. They also make a bold accent room feel finished and designed.

Keep in mind that painted floors show scuffs and wear differently than stained wood. Touch-ups are part of caring for this look over time.

Try Our Flooring Visualizer Before You Buy

Our flooring visualizer takes out the guesswork. You can see your space changed right away.

Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.

• Step 1: Upload your photo.
• Step 2: Pick a product.
• Step 3: See the change right away!

Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.

Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!

Decorative Finishes (Hand-Scraped, Wire-Brushed, Matte)

Matte and hand-scraped finishes read as higher-end than glossy ones. Shine can actually make a floor look less real.

Hand-scraped wood has texture built into the surface. Wire-brushed finishes bring out the grain in a subtle, natural way.

Matte finishes hide small scratches better than gloss. They also give a room a calmer, more grounded feel.

The good news: these textured finishes are now available in LVP too. You get the same designer texture without paying for solid wood.

Laser-Cut Marble Patterns

Laser-cut marble adds precision detail to a floor. Medallions and borders are the most common styles.

This technique lets you add a bold accent without covering a whole room in marble. That keeps the material cost controlled.

These details work best in small, high-visibility spaces. Foyers, bathrooms, and kitchen floors or backsplashes are ideal spots.

Marble carries a high material cost per square foot. Using it only as an accent keeps your budget in check while still adding a designer touch.

Browse our tile catalog to see marble-look options.

Statement Stones

A statement stone floor uses large-format natural stone as the focal point of a room. The size and pattern of the stone do the design work.

This look fits bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways well. Each of these spaces benefits from a strong, natural focal point underfoot.

Pairing your statement stone floor with matching countertops creates a cohesive look throughout the room. The two surfaces work together instead of competing for attention.

Antique Rugs (Layered Over Flooring)

A vintage or antique-style rug signals curated, thoughtful design. It's one of the easiest ways to add character to a room.

This trick works best over lighter, simpler flooring. A quieter floor lets the rug's pattern and color stand out.

Layering a rug over your existing floor costs far less than replacing it. It's a simple way to test a new look before committing to something bigger.

Ready for the next step? Contact us and book a free design consultation today!