Seth Ballard, principal of Ballard + Mensua Architecture, was recently featured in Veranda magazine’s article “Flooring That Makes Your House Look More Expensive.” Ballard explained that while most post-1950s homes have standard red or white oak floors, upgrading to cherry, walnut, birch, or maple can dramatically elevate a home’s look and feel. “To me, upgrading hardwood floors to something more beautiful—and usually changing the stairs to go with it—is one of the best ways to transform a home,” he shared. For homeowners staying with oak, Ballard recommends exploring options like quarter sawn, rift, or European oak to create a more distinctive and refined appearance.