Dark hardwood floors have a rich, sophisticated look that can add depth and warmth to any space. I know this first hand as I had my hardwood floors sanded and restained with a dark walnut finish and I absolutely love my floors. Here are a few tips on maintaining and protecting your floors. If you’re considering installing dark hardwood floors or you plan to restain the floor in your home, you’re in luck! There are a ton of beautiful and stylish options to choose from.
The beautiful thing about dark wood flooring is that it pairs well with both cool and warm paint colors. Having dark hardwood floors is the ultimate decor canvas as you honestly have no limits. There aren’t any red undertones or light shades that you have to compete against when styling your space.
If you are in the market for a sophisticated pop of color that will take your space from drab to fab and transcends all style trends then I highly suggest dark flooring. If you have solid hardwood like I have, then you can always refinish your floors later on.
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11 Dark Hardwood Floors That You Will Love
Here are 11 dark hardwood floors that will transform your home into a stylish space. Most of the wood and supplies can all be ordered online. You may also save some money by ordering the materials yourself and pricing out the labor. Most installers will bump up the price of materials to make an additional profit.
- Walnut: Walnut hardwood has a deep, chocolatey color that adds richness to any space. Its subtle grain patterns and smooth finish make it a classic choice for formal spaces.
- Mahogany: With its reddish-brown color and distinctive grain pattern, mahogany hardwood adds a touch of luxury to any room. Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas. You can get mahogany in darker tones.
- Ebony: Ebony hardwood has a deep, dark color that adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Its smooth finish and distinctive grain make it a popular choice for formal spaces.
- Wenge: This African hardwood has a deep, chocolatey color and distinctive grain pattern that adds warmth and character to any space. Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
- Maple: Maple hardwood has a creamy, light color that can be stained to a variety of shades, including dark brown. Its smooth finish and subtle grain make it a popular choice for a variety of spaces.
- Oak: Oak hardwood has a classic, timeless look that can be stained to a variety of shades, including dark brown. Its distinctive grain and durability make it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.
- Bamboo: Bamboo hardwood has a unique, tropical look that adds warmth and character to any space. Its durability and sustainability make it a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
- Ash: Ash hardwood has a light, creamy color that can be stained to a variety of shades, including dark brown. Its smooth finish and subtle grain make it a popular choice for a variety of spaces.
- Birch: Birch hardwood has a light, creamy color that can be stained to a variety of shades, including dark brown. Its smooth finish and subtle grain make it a popular choice for a variety of spaces.
- Teak: Teak hardwood has a rich, golden color that adds warmth and character to any space. Its durability and resistance to moisture make it a popular choice for outdoor spaces.
- Jatoba: This South American hardwood has a deep, reddish-brown color and distinctive grain pattern that adds warmth and character to any space. Its durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
Installing dark hardwood floors in your home is a great way to add depth, warmth, and sophistication to any space. Whether you choose Brazilian cherry, walnut, or one of the other beautiful options on this list, you’re sure to love the result.
Solid Vs. Engineered Hardwoods
How To Choose Dark Wood Flooring
Now that you are all in on going dark, here are a few things to factor into your choices
Gloss | Sheen – Choose the right finish: I personally went with a satin sheen on my floors. You have options as the polyurethane that is used will come in a variety of finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin. Engineered flooring will come pre-done, so make sure you view an actual sample. The finish you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the style of your home. Glossy finishes tend to reflect more light and can make a space feel brighter but are considered old-school by today’s standards, while matte and satin finishes tend to absorb more light and create a more subdued look.
Plank Width – Size matters and wider planks will give you the illusion that your space is larger. You can go as small as 2 1/4, 3 1/4, or up to 5″ wide. Wider planks simply look more grandiose in my opinion. You will typically see that new construction homes either use wide planks of 5″ or they are using combination planks that are mixed with the various sizes.
Engineered vs. Real Wood (Solid) – If your budget can afford it then go with real wood. I loved the fact that I was able to re-stain my floors when I purchased my home. If you are in warmer climates, on a slab, in a condo then you may want to opt for engineered wood as it tends to do better in humid areas.
Vinyl vs. Real Wood – It’s all about your budget and your time. Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option compared to hardwood. It is easy to install and can be cut to fit around obstacles in the floor. Vinyl could be installed the same day without disruption to your home. If you opt for hardwood installation or even restaining, then you will be out of pocket in terms of time.
Having hardwoods installed requires some planning as you have to factor in the time to install the hardwoods as well as the time required to stain and allow the stain to dry between coats. Real Hardwood floors will require either water-based or oil-based polyurethane. If you opt for water-based polyurethane then your time is cut down and you could occupy your space within a day. If you go with oil-based polyurethane then you need to factor in the smell (you can not be in your home at all during this time) and it takes longer to dry between coats of oil based polyurethane. Check out this article on drying times for polyurethane.
Wood Species – It’s all about your preference and your budget. If you are matching wood in one area of the home then it’s recommended that you go with the same type of wood just for uniformity’s sake. I have come across homes where the main floor had one type of wood and the upper floors used the same wood but opted for different plank sizes.
Some species to consider is wood oak, which is very popular. Do your research and start with the list that I provided above.
How To Take Care Of Your Dark Hardwood Floors
Dark hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable choice for any home, but they do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for taking care of dark hardwood flooring:
- Dust and sweep regularly: Dust and sweep your dark hardwood floors regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This will help prevent scratches and keep your floors looking clean and shiny.
- Use a damp mop: Use a damp mop (not wet!) to clean your dark hardwood floors. Avoid using excess water, as this can damage the wood. If you need to remove a stain, use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors.
- Protect your floors from water and spills: Water and spills can damage dark hardwood floors, so it’s important to clean them up immediately. Use coasters under drinks and place rugs in high-traffic areas to protect your floors.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can strip the finish from your dark hardwood floors and cause them to fade or discolor. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, and other harsh cleaners on your floors.
- Use furniture pads: Furniture pads can help protect your dark hardwood floors from scratches and dents. Use them under the feet of all your furniture to keep your floors looking their best.
- Buff and recoat your floors every 3-4 years.
- Avoid wearing high heels: High heels can cause dents and scratches in dark hardwood floors. Avoid wearing them in your home, or at least remove them before walking on your hardwood floors.
By following these tips, you can keep your dark hardwood floors looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come.
Do Dark Hardwood Floors Make Your Space Look Smaller
Dark colors have a tendency to make a space feel smaller, and this can also be true for dark hardwood floors. Dark floors can create a sense of coziness and intimacy, which can be desirable in some spaces, but they can also make a room feel cramped if not balanced with other design elements.
To counterbalance the effect of dark hardwood floors and make a room feel larger, there are a few things you can try:
- Use light-colored walls and furnishings: Light colors reflect light and make a space feel more open and airy. Painting your walls a light color and using light-colored furnishings can help balance out the darkness of the floors and make the room feel larger.
- Use mirrors and other reflective surfaces: Mirrors and other reflective surfaces can help bounce light around the room and make it feel larger. Consider adding a large mirror or a few smaller ones to help reflect light and open up the space.
- Use large area rugs: Large area rugs can help define a space and make it feel more cohesive. Choose a rug with a light color or a bold pattern to help break up the darkness of the floors and make the room feel larger.
- Use plenty of lighting: Proper lighting is essential for making a space feel larger. Use a combination of natural light, overhead lighting, and task lighting to brighten up the room and make it feel more open.
By using these design elements, you can help balance the effect of dark hardwood floors and make a room feel larger and more open.
Do Dark Hardwoods Show More Scratches?
Dark hardwood floors can show scratches more than light-colored floors because the contrast between the dark wood and the scratch is more noticeable. However, all hardwood floors are prone to scratching and scuffing to some degree, regardless of the color.
There are a few things you can do to minimize the appearance of scratches on dark hardwood floors:
- Use felt pads on the bottoms of furniture: Felt pads can help protect your floors from scratches and dents caused by moving furniture. Place them on the bottoms of all your furniture pieces to help reduce scratching.
- Avoid using sharp objects on the floors: Sharp objects, such as high heels and pet claws, can cause scratches in hardwood floors. Avoid using them on your floors or remove them before walking on the wood.
- Use rugs in high-traffic areas: Rugs can help protect your floors from scratches and scuffing caused by foot traffic. Place them in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, to help reduce scratching.
- Use a wood floor cleaner: Wood floor cleaners can help remove dirt and grime that can build up on your floors and make scratches more noticeable. Use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors to help keep your floors looking their best.
For additional maintenance and cleaning tips, view this article on how to prevent damage to your hardwood floors.
Resources
My favorite cleaning supply for hardwood floors is Bona. It’s the #1 choice when it comes to maintaining and cleaning your hardwood floors in your home
BONA is my go-to when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your floors.
Chair Protectors will be a lifesaver for the hardwood floors in your dining area. I promise that you won’t notice them on the chairs and you will thank me later.
Floor protection is a must. Make sure that you take the time to protect your floor by purchasing a few floor protectors for your furniture. You will be upset when you realize that you have a scratch from a table that could have been prevented.
Final Thoughts On Dark Hardwood Flooring
Installing dark hardwood floors in your home can add depth, warmth, and sophistication to any space. There are many beautiful options to choose from, including walnut, mahogany, and ebony. While dark hardwood floors do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best, they are a durable and long-lasting choice that can add value to your home. Make sure you consider the style and layout of your space and choose a wood that fits your needs and budget. With proper care and maintenance, your dark hardwood floors will look beautiful for years to come.
