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Hardwood flooring color help

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hello

Has anyone ordered a full box of the hardwood they were considering using to get a true idea of the color. I have a large sample on a board from the store I'm working with but I'm not sure how old the sample is and how close the color will be. This flooring will go all through the main level of my home so I'd like there to be no dramatic change from the sample I'm considering. I totally understand if I have to pay a restocking fee.

Thanks

Comments (6)

flopsycat1
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The hardwood we installed has darkened slightly since being exposed to sunlight. No expert, but perhaps the sample is closer to the eventual color of the wood than the planks in the unopened box.
marylonn27 thanked flopsycat1
Cynthia
2 years ago
If you have a shadow of a doubt it's better to just order a box even if they won't take a return. It's a much less expensive "oops" than the full order and you'll have that peace of mind.
marylonn27 thanked Cynthia
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Suki Mom
2 years ago
That is a good idea. We ordered flooring based on a sample and were very surprised at the amount of variation from board to board.
marylonn27 thanked Suki Mom
calidesign
2 years ago
You can sometimes look at photos of full rooms to see how much variation there is, which is really important as they can vary a LOT. Go to the manufacturers website to see full rooms. A knowledgable salesperson can also help with variation, and some manufacturers rate the level of variation for each of their samples. Some flooring stores will order a box for you to see before you decide without a charge. If you are unsure, it is totally worth it to see a box ahead of time. Make sure you check the color in your home also, not just at the store.
marylonn27 thanked calidesign
PRO
Beth H. :
2 years ago
what kind of wood is it?

see if they will let you see a few more planks.

I got a french oak type of flooring and there was no change from the sample and the boxes. some of the wood species don't darken either. just depends.
marylonn27 thanked Beth H. :
marylonn27
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks to everyone for the good advice! The original flooring I had picked out had an issue so I have to reselect. The local store I purchased from is very helpful so I will ask about getting a box. My original flooring choice was a low character light hickory, When that didn't work out (and after visiting my home) the store owner suggested I go with a stained maple for a more uniform look.

The picutre on the back of the maple sample board is of a different floor within the same line and there were no room pictures on the manufacturers website. I've had Tigerwood hardwood before and that really darkened over the years, The new flooring will cover an open space over 1,000 sq ft so I'm hoping to make a good choice.

Thanks again I appreciate your input.

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