As late as the early 1600, most European houses had beaten earth floors and wood was not as popular as it is today. Wooden joists or, plank flooring of 2 feet wide oak or, elm was used for second floors if one could afford it. Wooden flooring gained popularity during the Barouque Era (1625 to 1714) during which high quality artistry coupled with the availability of different variety of hardwoods made hardwood flooring a sign of elegance, style and opulence. French parquetry, marquetry and 3 D designs later gained popularity all over the world.

In North America (especially during the colonial era, 1607 – 1780) use of timber floors became popular because of the abundance of wood in these areas. The people could finally get rid of the conventional earthen flooring to the comfort of wood. Unlike hardwood in the present times, these planks were not sanded or, polished, but because they were derived from slow growing pines, they were naturally polished and remained so for generations to come. By the early 19th century parquet were showing up almost every where but could be afforded only by the richest members of the society. Ordinary but durable planks were used in the more modest households.

During the Edwardian Era (1901 – 1914) wooden tongue and grove floor boards became popular flooring options. Parquetry patterns were used to frame the edges of the carpet. Block hardwood floors could be laid on top of concrete with tar as an adhesive to join the two. Herringbone can be mentioned in this respect. By the 1920’s and 30 hardwood flooring faced competition from linoleum and cork floors. The latter offered more basic geometry and less maintenance which made people question expensive hardwood floors. But eventually, the former prevailed and continued to rule the flooring choice of people.