Any thoughts on a darker stain for hardwood flooring?

Question

We're building a new home and I am in love with the idea of darker hardwood (like walnut) or a stain which would darken another type of wood. I'm looking for a walnut type appearance, including on the stairs. If anyone has any input about their own experience, I would be very appreciative. Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Well personally I think the darker stains have many advantages over a light or natural stain such as bamboo or birch.
1 darker stains have a nice contrst on our light colored walls.White baseboard looks exceoptional against a nice dark wood.
2 easier to repair scratches and scuffs on a darker stain wood because the match can be a little off without a noticeable difference. where as light wood you better have the exact matching stain or it look unsightly.
3 Darker stains give the house a more richer look and feel. Dark looks more solid than light.
4. Most importantly darker woods appear cleaner longer. Less cleaning instead of light woods which almost require some cleaning everyday to make them look spotless.

Answer 2

I've had the darker stain on one of my houses. It's great. Because it's somewhat unexpected, it really impresses people. But like anything else, you don't notice it after a while -- like wallpaper. The one consideration is your furniture and other stained millwork in the house. It has to match or complement the floor. If it doesn't stick with the light stain.

Answer 3

I would use a black walnut stain with a really good sealer over it and of course be sure what you want in the sealer.

A huge difference will be of course if you use say a satin sealer or a gloss which I think would be over powering depending on your choice of decor and colors you .

Good luck

Answer 4

Its a gorgeous look....depends on your furniture though. Also bear in mind the trim work etc.... dont go with stark hospital white if you go with the darker wood stain..... go with a more suttle off white...good luck...sounds gorgeous..