Decision time! Very dark hardwood?

15 years ago

I have poured over the various entries, scoured the web, asked the advice of everyone near me, and think that I'm settled on my choice to replace carpet with very dark hardwood floors...unless someone says that it isn't worth the work!

Here's my long story (and doesn't capture the amount of agony in deciding, nor the agony that it has inflicted on my hubby).

My last house had walnut stained red oak, in a semi-gloss finish. And big southern windows. I said never dark floors again, as I saw bare footprints and incredible amounts of dust. I had large amounts of light multi-coloured tile on the main floor too, and it hid the dust.

We've bought a new build, smaller house. I thought that it would make sense to replace the carpet in livingroom, diningroom and hallway BEFORE we move in (two young kids, two skiddish cats).

I have been to so many flooring places, dragging samples home with me. I ended up ruling out strand bamboo, despite loving the look, as it was hard under foot and it had a too perfect finish (could see hand prints, baby drool on it).

I had my heart set on natural hickory until I set it up against my banisters (walnut stained oak). The thought of either replacing the banister and spindles or worse yet, trying to paint them or sand them was too much for me.

So, I *think* that I have finally settled on handscraped, UV-oiled (not sure what the UV part is all about, but there is NO sheen), 4 1/4 inch wide white oak that is stained a chocolate. This wood only comes in two colours - chocolate or an orangy caramel. I was so happy to have finally made a decision. Until I started showing people the sample, and everyone's first reaction has been: Wow, that is dark! And their second reaction is: you'll see the dust.

Thoughts? We have light beige couches, and are planning to get a white/cream area rug. I meet with the flooring guy tomorrow and must finalize my decision.

Oh, here's the link to the floor:

http://beaulieucanada-com.rebeltrail.com/en/hardsurface_floors/pdf/BeaulieuWood_UVOiled_en.pdf

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Comments (6)

susanlynn2012
15 years ago
chloe_S_mom, I love the floors and I think the width of the plank, the handscraped look, the low sheen and the grain will not be difficult to clean. I feel you will be happy and really do not like the lookf of light wood floors. The caramel color to me was very pretty also.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chocolate Stained White Oak Handscraped Floors
chloe_s_mom
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you! I'll be sure to post some photos, once they are installed (early Feb). I'm also thinking of getting an irobot to help out with any dust...?

I've been reading up on UV cured oil, and it seems to be quite low upkeep (the oil is cured in the factory w UV light). The only downside is that such oil is not available should I need to recoat the floor...?
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tjodine
15 years ago
The floor looks fantastic, very similar to the colour I had installed in September. I have spoken to everyone I can within the last few months that have dark floors and if dust and footprints bother you don't install dark floors. They show everything and are high maintenance...I am very unhappy with that aspect of the floor and would never install dark floors again.
chloe_s_mom
Original Author
15 years ago
I am resigned to the dust aspect....sigh...but am hopeful that the ultra matte finish will surpress footprints?

Tjodine, what kind of light do you have coming into your house? I found that southern exposure showed the dust, but northern showed the footprints :)
tjodine
15 years ago
Let me know how it all works out....I am interested to see if other dark floors show the footprints. I cannot believe how much it bothers me. I have an open concept style of house with alot of windows so we get all kinds of light from the north, south and west. Come to think of it that is very interesting....when we get alot of southern exposure with the blinds up I notice the dust alot more. Dust is not the issue for me though as it is an easy and quick dry mop to solve. My issue is the footprints that make the floor look dirty...it is unfortunate as they show alot at night when the lights are on in the house. If you can let me know how your floors turn out about a month after install.
chloe_s_mom
Original Author
15 years ago
Will do. I hear you on the foot print issue. I found myself, at my last house, walking from the tile to the area rugs to avoid stepping on the floors - hahahah!

Decision time! Very dark hardwood?

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