Oak has been a standard choice in homes since they were first made of wood. I believe oak has been the number one material used in St Louis flooring and stained cabinetry over the last 100 years, as it holds up well to abuse, looks good with stain, and is plentiful in the area. However, it went out of favor for flooring in the 70s and cabinetry in the 90s.

Flooring in the 70s went completely to carpeting for 25 years, (which preserved the wood underneath if built prior to 1970), then went to light maple, bamboo, and laminate. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) became common in the 2000s. As the wood and wood-look took over, they gradually went darker, then turned about 10 years ago and gradually became lighter. White or European oak is now popular in St Louis flooring, with a width of 5 to 7 inches, in an engineered style (actual wood veneer that may be re-finishable once, glued over a base wood product), but of course is mimicked in light colored vinyl planks and laminates. I have noticed, and bought myself last year, an engineered style with dark knotty strands that give it some character and help differentiate it from synthetic products. Engineered flooring can be nailed down, where vinyl and laminates tend to be floating (not nailed down). While I see plenty of area rugs for comfort and style, I see no signs of wall to wall carpeting coming back anytime soon, although there are some holdouts in the bedrooms. Most hardwood flooring installed prior to 1970 is solid 3/4 inch thick with a 2 to 3 inch width, and can be refinished one or more times. I have walked thru many 100 year old homes with the original wood floors, which are still coveted.

Oak cabinets in the 60s, 70s and 80s went to some cherry in the 80s, then pickled/ whitewashed and painted white in the 90s, then went to natural maple in the 2000s, gradually went dark, then white again, and now painted various colors. A new trend is going back to oak with a light, natural finish. Of course, it is a natural look that is different from previous eras, proving once again that most styles come back around, but different enough to notice. Think current gold tones vs 80s brass! Can you sand down your 70s or 80s oak cabinets to freshen them up? That would be alot of work, plus they are getting worn out, plus the door and drawer panels are a different shape (sharp cut shaker recess or even flat vs rounded edge and/ or raised panels), plus the exterior hinges are a dead giveaway. Today's grain patterns may even look different. So not really. Many people are still painting them though if they are in good condition, but I do not see any 100 year old cabinets that are coveted!

As we are now into spring, the inventory rose 13% from February. Here is an update on local, existing home sales activity as of Tuesday, March 25th:

  • ##Manchester had 2 homes available and 27 under contract##
  • Ballwin had 22 homes available and 36 under contract
  • Kirkwood had 36 homes available and 54 under contract
  • St Peters had 45 homes available and 76 under contract
  • Arnold had 14 homes available and 19 under contract
  • Florissant had 64 homes available and 80 under contract

##Strong Seller's Market##

The ratios range from 1.3 to 13 pending sales for every 1 available, averaging 1.6 pending to every 1 available. My last comparison of these areas in December was 1.7 to 1 (and 2.8 to 1 in June 2022) with the available home supply DOWN 14% from January. That shows sales holding steady but inventory adding up quicker than demand, keeping us in a seller's market, but a definite buyer's opening for being a spring market. Much of the sitting inventory is in the condo sector right now, especially older ones built prior to 1980 as those have lost favor for various reasons. Manchester is still on top for best seller's market at an unheard of 13 to 1 ratio of pendings to available (virtually sold out!), while St Peters doubled their supply. Take advantage of this spring market and call me about selling your house during the strong spring market!

To move or improve in 2025, contact Gary to sell or buy (HRE), or for ongoing home and design management (HHC) in your current or new home.

May you have a wonderful spring season!