Flooring can set the entire aesthetic of a restaurant. In 2024, several exciting trends are emerging in restaurant flooring, from sustainable materials to innovative designs. Here’s a look at the top trends that are making waves this year.

Choosing Sustainable Options

Sustainability will remain at the forefront of restaurant design in 2024. Reclaimed wood offers a rustic and authentic look but requires significant work and processing to make it suitable for repurposing. This often makes it too expensive to fit out large areas such as restaurants. 

Solid Wood Flooring focuses on the sustainable sourcing of timber and creating new floorboards that will hopefully be used for many years to come. We only manufacture our own wooden flooring and can therefore control the sources of our raw material, seeking out responsibly managed forests that share our ethos. And for every tree we use, we’ll plant four new oak trees to take its place. Read more about our sustainable practices here.

Patterned and Textured Wood Flooring

Patterned and textured wood flooring is making a strong comeback. Herringbone parquet has always been popular; but in the last decade it’s become truly desirable.  Chevron parquet has also massively increased in popularity.  Both are able to give modern twists on classic designs and add a luxurious aesthetic to any space.

Brushed floors are harder wearing as it’s the soft grain that is brushed out leaving a dense oak for your floor. Other textures like ‘band sawn’ (sometimes called ‘cross sawn’) hark back to wood floors from hundreds of years ago wherein the planks were hand-sawn from the logs, creating a noticeable distressed surface.  This gives a very raw experience with the timber and its heritage. Textured surfaces can be more forgiving of wear and tear, ideal for busy environments.

Mixing Different Flooring Types for Zoned Areas

Creating distinct zones within a restaurant using different flooring types is a trend that continues to grow. This approach not only defines specific areas, such as dining, bar, and lounge zones, but also adds a dynamic and layered look to the space. Combining materials like wood, tile, and concrete allows for practical and aesthetic benefits tailored to each area’s function.

Benefits:

  • Functionality: Different materials can be chosen based on the specific needs of each zone (e.g., durable tiles for high-traffic areas, and comfortable wood for dining spaces).
  • Aesthetic Variety: Adds visual diversity and a unique character to the restaurant.
  • Flow: Helps in directing the flow of traffic and enhances the customer experience.

Colour Trends and Finishes

In 2024, earthy tones and natural finishes dominate the colour palette for restaurant flooring. Grey tones are falling from favour while dark oak and rich walnut are popular, providing a grounded and welcoming atmosphere. Matte finishes are preferred over glossy ones, offering a more contemporary and understated look. Additionally, stained finishes that highlight the wood’s grain and natural imperfections are in vogue, adding to the authenticity and charm of the space. We love stained finishes that emphasise the natural beauty and uniqueness of the wood.

Innovative Flooring Solutions for High-Traffic Areas

For high-traffic areas, durability and easy maintenance are paramount. Innovations in flooring technology are providing solutions that meet these needs without sacrificing style. Our UV Oiled finishes have been refined over the years and prove very popular, having the ease of repair of an oiled board but the protection of a lacquer.  With our recent developments using Red Oak, we’re using heavy commercial grade lacquers from Bona to finish this timber due to the unique cell structure. It’s been tried and tested with a luxury brand’s concessions in Harrods, Selfridges, Heathrow and even their own stores.  These finishes are designed to keep the floor looking its best for many years of heavy use.

Restaurant flooring trends in 2024 are all about blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. From sustainable materials and innovative patterns to zoning with mixed flooring types and embracing earthy colours, these trends are set to create memorable dining environments that are both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or designing a new restaurant, these flooring trends offer inspiring options to elevate your restaurant’s interior.