Rustic Flooring Style Ideas

A rustic home has a simple but undeniable charm. It incorporates a beautiful blend of natural, traditional pieces and contemporary aesthetics. There are different ways to create a rustic design around your home, but one of the most effective is through your flooring. Your floors are a feature that runs throughout your house — it is an essential component that can leave an instant impression. 

Exploring rustic flooring style ideas can help you transform any room in your home into the cozy aesthetic you desire.

Features of Rustic Flooring

There isn't one specific type of flooring that you can classify as rustic. Instead, you have versatile options that can suit a rustic aesthetic by having the right features:

Character

Accent pieces, furniture, ceilings and floors should have certain characteristics that add a traditional and natural feeling to your home. The main qualities that evoke a rustic feeling include:

• A textured or unrefined appearance. 
• An antiquated or traditional look.
• Blemishes or other interesting imperfections in wood and other natural materials.
• A simple but natural appearance.

Texture 

One of the easiest ways to choose flooring for a rustic home is to prioritize texture. Choosing flooring that mimics elements you see in nature — lots of knots, splits, grains and different tones. 

Another way to add textures and patterns to suit your rustic design is to experiment with different plank widths to create variation and interest. The only caution would be to stick to a selection of wide planks, as they highlight more of the wood's grain and uniqueness. Another helpful tip is to limit yourself to a few options and lay them out to see your design before installing the flooring. 

Colors and Tones

Earthy tones and neutral colors best reflect the rustic aesthetic. Any flooring that ranges from natural beiges, browns and grays to warm-toned oranges and reds is perfect for creating a rustic atmosphere. The flooring colors and tones you choose should help create a warm and welcoming environment. 

Popular Rustic Flooring Materials

Various common flooring options suit a rustic style particularly well:

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring options are some of the best for rustic styles, as they have that natural look and texture whether they are domestic, exotic or engineered. Several types of hardwood flooring are ideal for creating a rustic home:

• Bamboo: Bamboo is a perfect choice for rustic hardwood flooring — it has a beautiful, natural aesthetic and is a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It is also durable and resistant to wear and tear.  
• Exotic hardwood: For an eye-catching, unique look and some of the most durable flooring, exotic hardwood flooring is the solution. Tigerwood features red and dark brown streaks that add rustic texture and interest to a room. It is also insect-resistant and low maintenance. Other excellent hardwood choices are Brazilian cherry wood with warm red undertones and Brazilian oak with striking grains. If you love the look of exotic hardwood but want a more affordable price point, you can explore engineered exotic wood flooring.
• Domestic hardwood: Domestic wood species are a sustainable option, as they are sourced locally and do not have to be shipped long-distance. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and are low maintenance. Domestic hardwood is also less prone to expanding and warping, making it ideal for homes in high-humidity regions. Domestic hardwood species include hickory, which has distinct rustic grains and patterns, and American cherry, with a deep and rich tone.  

Laminate

Laminate is a good flooring option as it is versatile and easy to install. New technologies have also made it more natural-looking and durable. Shopping laminates with hardwood patterns is an affordable way to get a high-quality, rustic look. 

Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) provides the stylish and detailed appearance of hardwood, ceramic or stone. The natural-looking textures and tones of LVT give you a high-end rustic aesthetic with the cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements of vinyl. 

Vinyl is generally thicker than similar alternatives, so you enjoy a softer and warmer underfoot feel. It is also versatile and available in various colors, patterns and finishes.

Tile

Tile is one of the most popular flooring choices for several reasons. It is highly waterproof, comes in a versatile range of patterns and colors and is easy to clean. For rustic floor tiles, choose ceramics with copper or gray tones or tiles with a rougher and weathered-looking pattern. 

Tips for Incorporating Rustic Flooring in Any Room

The right flooring can easily transform your rooms into a rustic dream. Follow these simple tips for incorporating rustic flooring ideas to balance visual appeal with a comfortable, functional space:

• Consider your lifestyle: Choose rustic flooring options that match your lifestyle. If you have pets, children or a high-traffic household, durable choices like rustic wood flooring or tile are typically better options. 
• Note existing features: Your rustic flooring should complement your furniture, walls and the natural lighting in your room. For example, dark-toned flooring generally works better in a well-lit area, while softer-toned floors can help lighten up a room. If you have a busy space with lots of features, floors with simple grains can balance it out well. Floors with striking, textured grains can be the main focus in a less decorated space.
• Add some beautiful area rugs: Choose rugs that either complement the rustic look with natural, warm tones or ones that add a pop of contrast or interesting pattern. Rugs are particularly important in high-traffic areas such as entranceways, passages and living rooms. Placing them under furniture and beds can help unify the room and protect your flooring from scuffs and scratches. They're also soft underfoot, perfect for adding warmth and comfort to a room.

Shop at Carpet & Tile Mart for High-Quality Rustic Flooring Options

Rustic flooring is a simple but worthwhile investment that can add more character to your home and transform it to better reflect your style. At Carpet & Tile Mart, we have a range of affordable and quality flooring options to suit your rustic decorating ideas.

We carry a wide collection of flooring products, including laminate, bamboo, engineered hardwood, exotic and domestic hardwood, a selection of ceramic and porcelain tiles, luxury vinyl and other choices at affordable prices. We also have an extensive range of quality carpets and rugs to suit various styles and needs.

Shop our flooring products online or head to a Carpet & Tile Mart location near you to see our selection of the best rustic flooring in person!