When most people think of hardwood flooring, what they’re picturing, whether they know it or not, is straight edge hardwood flooring, also known as straight lay. It’s the classic approach: rows of boards, each cut with precise, clean edges, laid down in a tight, seamless fit. Straight-edge floors are all about uniformity, flow, and craftsmanship. They’re timeless for a reason.
But just because it’s traditional doesn’t mean it has to be predictable.
Even though I specialize in hardwood art flooring featuring live edge (link), I’ve worked on plenty of straight edge installations over the years. What I’ve learned is this: even within the most conventional framework, there’s room for creativity. Whether it’s through species selection, thoughtful layout, or the addition of a custom medallion, straight-edge floors can be just as expressive and artful as any other style.
The Appeal of Straight Edge Flooring
There’s a reason this style has stood the test of time. Straight edge flooring offers a clean, structured look that works in almost any space. It draws the eye down the length of a hallway or across an open living room, giving the space a sense of order and calm.
Straight-edge flooring is not just for historic homes. It’s a versatile choice that can preserve architectural integrity in historic homes and offer a neutral foundation in new builds. It’s a canvas waiting for your personal touch, ready to let your design elements shine. It’s versatile, reliable, and universally appealing, giving you the power to create the space you envision.
From a technical standpoint, straight-edge installation demands precision. Each board must be milled and placed just right to create a tight, consistent seam. There’s no hiding imperfections with this kind of flooring—every cut, angle, and joint needs to be spot on. But that’s the kind of challenge I enjoy, and it’s a testament to my expertise and commitment to quality in every project.
Details That Make the Difference
One of the things I love most about working with straight-edge flooring is how it highlights the natural beauty of the wood itself. With nothing to distract from the grain, color, or texture, the material has to carry the design—and when you choose the right wood, it absolutely does.
I’ve used everything from white oak, known for its durability and light, neutral color, to Brazilian cherry, prized for its rich, reddish-brown hue and hardness, to custom-milled pine, which offers a unique, rustic charm, depending on the look and feel my clients are going for. Each species has its own character, and when laid in a straight pattern, even small shifts in tone or grain direction become part of the visual rhythm.
But the real opportunity lies in the details: a border that frames a dining room, a shift in direction to subtly define different spaces, or a thoughtfully placed inlay that adds personality without overpowering the floor. These are the touches that elevate a straightforward install into something memorable.
Custom-Made Hardwood Medallions Add a Custom Focal Point
One way I love to break up a traditional straight edge layout is with a medallion. These custom inlays can be as simple or intricate as you like—geometric shapes, family crests, natural motifs, or abstract designs. The process involves carefully cutting and fitting pieces of different wood species to create the desired design. They act as a focal point and instantly communicate that this isn’t just another hardwood floor—it’s something made just for you.
I’ve made a few medallions in the past that were installed in the middle of a straight edge floor. One is the Moberly Sphere, which you can read more about here. I’ve also created a medallion I used for consumer shows like the Seattle Home Show.
Where Tradition Meets Personalization
Many clients come to me thinking they need to choose between classic and custom. But the truth is, they can have both with straight edge hardwood flooring. It’s a timeless base from which to work, and from there, the possibilities are wide open. It’s an exciting journey of personalization, where we can bring your vision to life in a classic yet unique way.
Want a clean, Scandinavian-inspired look? We can select a light-toned wood like maple or birch and keep the grain tight and consistent. Prefer a richer, more traditional feel? We can go with a deep-stained oak or a mix of dark and medium woods like walnut and cherry. Need something bold to anchor the room? A custom medallion or perimeter inlay featuring a unique design or your family crest can do that without compromising the structure or flow of the floor.
Last Thoughts On Straight Edge Hardwood Flooring
Straight edge hardwood flooring may be the most traditional option out there, but in the right hands, it can be anything but ordinary. With the right materials, layout, and finishing touches, it becomes a canvas—one that tells a story of craftsmanship, precision, and personal style.
Whether you’re renovating a single room or building your dream home from the ground up, I’d love to help you design a floor that honors tradition and reflects your vision because even the straightest lines can lead somewhere extraordinary.
One of my most recent straight edge hardwood floors is the Brazilian Cherry project. Read more about that here.
Over the years, my floors have won some awards. You can learn about one of my recent awards here.
