Trying to decide between light or dark hardwood floors?
Deciding between light or dark hardwood floors is not just question of style - it is also a lifestyle choice.
Dark Hardwood Floors
Dark hardwoods floors are both dramatic and sophisticated, from elegant ebony to a ruddy cherry. Pair dark floors with light furnishings for a thoroughly modern combination. Use dark floors as a foundation for rooms filled with light-colored slip covers and area rugs.
Pros:
- Dark stains enhance a wood's grain.
- Dark hardwood floors absorb light and are not susceptible to fading.
- Many dark woods such as mahogany, walnut and African jatoba provide a rich sumptuous look providing an overall luxurious effect.
- For floors that hide the dirt choose walnut or medium dark woods.
- Natural clear finishes wear better than high gloss .
Cons:
- Certain woods, such as maple don't take stains very well. This may be a factor if you are refinishing floors as opposed to installing new.
- Dark woods show dust and pet hair.
- Scratches tend to show more on dark hardwood floors.
Light Hardwood Floors
Light hardwood floors offer a crisp modern look or a casual traditional feel depending on the space.
Pros:
- Light hardwoods are perfect in rooms that don't get a lot of natural sunlight.
- Light hardwood floors make a room appear larger,
- Light floors look cleaner longer and camouflage wear better than dark floors.
Cons:
- For a more contemporary look try beech or bamboo.
- Unstained floors will darken faster than dark woods. Use a protective finish that incorporates UV protection.
- Some light woods - white ash and beech are too soft for high traffic areas. Harder varieties - oak, maple, yellow birch are better for kitchens, and mudrooms.
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