BIELEFELD, GERMANY - Trends for laminate flooring in 2013 will range from experimental timber looks with blue- or green-colored cracks and branches, to the standard wood grain patterns. So says a recent study by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF).

EPLF says coniferous woods, such as larch and pine are often used as patterns in European laminate flooring, while deciduous woods like ash and elm are also popular. Designs and colors for these species range from natural, light and partly glazed looks to patterns with bold colours, "which are synonymous with a new experimental design," EPLF says.

Singled out from the traditional species is oak, which EPLF says will show continued popularity in traditional settings, i.e., natural shades and rustic textures, as well as the new bold colors and looks for 2013, including dark shades of gray and black.

In addition to the addition of bold colors, board formats will also be "more extreme than ever before," says EPLF. "The long rustic board with all-over print is the trendsetter of the moment," the group adds.