A Selection & Maintenance Guide For Dark Hardwood Floors

Dark hardwood floors can provide a spectacular look and easily raise the decor profile in your home. They convey an aura of both sophistication and prestige, and some of the most popular materials include Mahogany or Brazilian Cherry. However, when choosing to purchase a dark hardwood, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Dark hardwoods require more maintenance than wood materials which are medium tone, and this is a crucial factor to consider.

The Difference between Dark Stain and Dark Hardwood

For those who are new to flooring selection, understanding the difference between dark stain and dark hardwood can be challenging. Dark hardwood is rarer, and as a consequence comes with a higher price tag. A light color wood which uses a dark stain is much cheaper to acquire, but is also more prone to scratching or dents, because these will reveal the lighter wood which is beneath the stain. Some remedy this problem by choosing a material such as Black Walnut, which is a medium colored wood that can incorporate a dark stain. It costs less than dark hardwood but is also better at masking any scratches or dents that may appear.

Why the Finish is Important

Should you select a dark hardwood or opt for a material that is stained, the finish will ultimately determine the floor’s ability to conceal damage, as well as dust. Those who choose dark wood flooring sometimes notice problems with footprints and debris. While cleaning the floor regularly will alleviate these issues, incorporating the right finish can ensure that the floor looks spectacular most of the time. However, a high gloss finish should be avoided with dark hardwood.

The reason for this is because dark hardwoods which have a glossy finish will easily become dirty due to foot traffic, and will require constant cleaning. Any speck of dirt that lands on it will easily be seen. With dark hardwood you want a finish that offers more shine than semi-gloss, but it should never be shinier than that. Many homeowners who use dark hardwood opt for a cashmere finish. For wood which is stained, it is best to use a material which is pre-finished. This will prevent most scratches, and because the material is tough it will conceal any scratches that do occur.

Don’t Forget the Lighting

The lighting that you use with your dark wood floor is exceptionally important. The best type of lighting is usually natural and bright. However, if the dark wood floor is in a room with lots of large windows, it is better to use low light. The furniture you use in the room is also important as it will be affected by the light and flooring. For dark wood floors it is best to utilize furniture which is pale in color, as it provides a great deal of balance.

Perhaps the biggest downside of dark wood flooring is that it must be cleaned regularly. For this task, it is best to use a dust mop along the floor once each day. The dust mop can be left dry, and if it doesn’t pick up everything, then you can use a vacuum.

All in all, choosing and maintaining dark hardwood floors need not be an arduous affair if you keep yourself updated with the best guidelines and procedures. If you are thinking of buying dark hardwood floors today, you can look at leading brands such as Armstrong and Bruce from our inventory.

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