How to Choose Between Light and Dark Hardwood Floors?

From superior durability to high fire resistance, there are many benefits of hardwood. No wonder it is one of the most popular types of flooring. Hardwood flooring is available in both light and dark shades.

Light or dark hardwood, which is better for my home?

This is one of the first questions that comes to mind for many homeowners when they start planning a hardwood floor installation project. There are pros and cons of both light and dark hardwood.

When deciding between the two equally good options, consider your home’s decor and your design preferences.

Here are some other factors to consider when making a decision from Rugworks, the best flooring company in Sonoma.

How Often You Clean

Dust and dirt particles are more visible on dark colors than light colors. If you hate household chores and clean once in a while, go with a lighter shade.

If you have your heart set on a specific dark color, go one shade lighter. That way, you can still enjoy your favorite shade of hardwood without having to clean your floor every day.

Light hardwood floors are ideal for homes that get a lot of foot traffic. White oak flooring is known for its superior resistance and ability to hide what’s been tracked into the house.

 Your Home’s Size

Dark colors can make the place appear cozier, so consider using dark wood floors in large rooms. Light hardwood floors are often used in small rooms to make them look spacious. Many homeowners choose light hardwood floors for small bedrooms.

 Whether You Have Pets

For homeowners with pets, scratches are a major concern when it comes to hardwood flooring. Though pet toenail scratches are unlikely to cause permanent damage to hardwood flooring, they look unsightly and can negatively impact the aesthetics of the room.

Many homeowners use dark stains to achieve the color they want. If you use a dark stain, you’d be able to see the lighter wood underneath once your pet scratches the surface.

To protect your wood floors, keep your furry friend’s nails trimmed. Many homeowners prefer solid wood flooring over engineered wood flooring as it is more resistant to pet scratches.

If you love the look of dark hardwood, opt for a wood species with a high Janaka rating. The Janaka hardness test is performed to determine a particular tree species’ ability to resist dents, stains, and scratches.

For instance, Brazillian Walnut flooring has a Janaka rating of 3,684 pounds-force and can resist scratches from animal claws and dents from dropped pots and pans.

Rugworks is the best flooring company near you. We have flooring solutions for every budget and the experience to help you transform your home or office. To schedule an appointment with our team, call (707) 935-0648.