Focus on Fabulous Flooring
While there are many types of flooring, nothing stands the test of time like real hardwood. It never goes out of style, and if damaged, it can be brought back to its original beauty and luster.
“If a professional's doing it, they're passionate about it,” says Joe Smith, owner of Smiths Hardwood & Construction in St. Clair Shores. “A lot of times we can take a floor that looks destroyed and make it look even better than when it was originally placed.”
Joe, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, has that passion and attention to detail. Even though his business has grown significantly over the years, he oversees every project to ensure his crews stay on time and on budget, maintain a high level of service, and deliver an amazing, finished product.
“He has a love for doing great work,” says his wife, Jennifer, who is the office manager. “It's not about getting a job done quickly; it's about doing it to its fullest potential. We want it to be perfect and flawless, and that's what Joe thrives on.”
While Smiths Hardwood & Construction offers hardwood alternatives like luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tile, most of his customers are looking for the real thing. “Red Oak is the most typical flooring you're going to find in Michigan,” says Joe. White Oak is also extremely popular and never goes out of style. People love its consistency and the natural look of its finish.
Unlike hardwoods, LVP flooring cannot be refinished and brought back to life. Of course, he believes there are some advantages to this type of flooring. For example, in rooms where floors are likely to come into contact with water, such as laundry rooms and bathrooms, this type of flooring may be a good alternative because it can withstand moisture better than a hardwood floor.
It also has other benefits. “Some people find the thinness of the product helpful because they may have height issues that they have to contend with when it comes to doors and appliances,” he says.
Then there is laminate flooring. “While it’s an engineered synthetic product, it looks, feels, and performs close to hardwood, whereas vinyl is a full synthetic,” says Joe. “While it too resembles hardwood, it still really looks like plastic because that what it's made out of.”
Most of his customers are looking for higher-end products, so they want real wood that will last for many years. “Hardwood, whether it's engineered prefinished or engineered unfinished, or it's solid hardwood, those are going to be the best choices,” he says.
Durable and beautiful hardwood floors never go out of style, although the hues and plank sizes may change. In 2026, hardwood floors are all about warm, natural colors. People are moving away from cool gray tones and super uniform finishes, and are choosing rich earth tones that make a home feel cozy and inviting. Shades like soft browns, honey, and warm neutrals are becoming favorites because they work with just about any style of home.
Another big trend, says Joe, is wood with character. Knots, natural grain, and little imperfections are no longer things to hide. They’re what give floors personality and make each piece feel unique. Homeowners want floors that tell a story, not ones that look mass-produced.
One of the best ways to achieve this look is to refinish existing hardwood. A good refinishing brings out the wood’s natural beauty while updating the color and finish to match current trends. The end result is a floor that looks fresh, timeless, and made to last for years.
Joe always stays on top of what’s current in the industry. His goal now is to expand his business and have a store in Boyne City, MI. He and Jennifer also hope to bring their children, 14-year-old Elliott and 9-year-old Evalina, into the business one day. The kids have already shown interest in doing so.
“When they have teacher professional development days, Evalina likes to join me at work in the office, and Elliot likes to go on-site with the guys and his dad,” says Jennifer. “They train him a little, and he’s getting a feel for it.”
It’s already a true family business. “Family has always been at the heart of what we do,” she says. “Our nephew, Anthony, works with us as one of our technicians, and everyone on our team, whether related by blood or not, is considered family. We look out for each other and make sure everyone has the support they need to succeed.”
Whether you want new flooring or to refurbish an old hardwood floor, Joe and his team can make it happen.
To learn more, go to SmithsHardwood.com.
“Family has always been at the heart of what we do.”