Designer Confessions: Torn Between Wood Floors
19 Photos to Help You Choose a Wood Floor Finish
This may surprise you, but many people struggle with choosing a wood floor color. Most people inherit the floors that come with the homes they buy, so they aren’t faced with this decision. And when working on remodels and additions, I always advise my clients to match any existing wood floors to maintain the flow and integrity of the home.
But what to do when you’re starting from scratch? I’m finding myself in this very position at the same time I’m helping a client choose a wood floor, too. I seriously considered painted white floors, and as much as I want that look, I have a golden retriever I adore, and if it’s between the dog and the floors, the dog is going to win. So while my clients are debating between wide-plank natural white oak and reclaimed, slightly stained oak, I’m debating between natural white oak herringbone floors and possibly adding a little bit of stain to bring out the variation. I’m sure you’re shocked, but my husband and I can’t seem to agree on this! Take a look at these examples, and let me know what you think.
But what to do when you’re starting from scratch? I’m finding myself in this very position at the same time I’m helping a client choose a wood floor, too. I seriously considered painted white floors, and as much as I want that look, I have a golden retriever I adore, and if it’s between the dog and the floors, the dog is going to win. So while my clients are debating between wide-plank natural white oak and reclaimed, slightly stained oak, I’m debating between natural white oak herringbone floors and possibly adding a little bit of stain to bring out the variation. I’m sure you’re shocked, but my husband and I can’t seem to agree on this! Take a look at these examples, and let me know what you think.
Unstained white oak plank: White oak floors in their natural state make a space feel so calm and serene. There’s a casual and unfussy feel to this room that I respond to, and of course, the light floors make this space look lighter.
I'm leaning the direction of unstained floors because of the light and airy feel they create in a space. Since we're dealing with a smaller, urban home and light is at a premium, there's a good argument for lighter floors.
White oak floors work great if you want to do black windows and doors.
Unstained herringbone. This is what we want our floors to look like someday ... but it takes time, unless you can afford reclaimed white oak out the gate. I love the natural variation of the planks, but it's still unstained and raw looking.
The thing about unstained light wood is that it can take on the color of the clear coat. And it goes more golden toned when you use oil-based polyurethane or tung oil. Also, wood is a natural material: It's going to age, weather and change color due to sunlight exposure and use. These are all things to consider when picking the color of your flooring. It's not just about what color it is now, but what color it will be in 5 or 10 years.
The wide-plank option: These white oak floors almost appear to have a white-wash or sun-bleached look. When choosing a floor, it’s important to consider the other brown and wood tones throughout the house, whether it’s furniture or architectural elements. Here, the door in the back corner is a much warmer tone, and the backsplash is more of a walnut-brown colored marble. I’d be curious to know what bar stools they ended up picking for this kitchen as well!
Unstained white oak with gray: Natural white oak and gray are natural partners. This combination works well in a modern space or in a vintage application where the gray is the wall color or painted cabinetry. Unstained white oak can have almost ashy tone which complements the grays when used together.
Here's a more traditional application of white oak floors mixed with gray trim. I love the choice of painting all the parts of the stair gray. I have a feeling this particular image is going to help a client of mine make a decision.
Unstained white oak with black: When going with natural oak floors, other decisions are critical as well — you have stair treads, risers, railings, doors and casings to consider. I love the drama of the black railing of this one. In my house, I’m going to do black doors and white casing throughout, so it’s another argument for unstained white oak floors.
Whether you opt for painted risers and stained treads or go with all painted, the black handrail takes the stairs from sweet to a little bit edgy. The black newel posts make a strong statement as well.
Stained oak herringbone: I love the grayish tone of these white oak floors.
Tip: Beware of selecting wood colors based on photos only! The lighting of a photo can drastically change the true color of a floor (of everything for that matter). Make sure to see a sample in person, and make sure to get a current sample. In this image, the left side of the room looks like the oak has been stained a gray tone, but in the far back right corner, you can see the the floors are stained a brown color.
Tip: Beware of selecting wood colors based on photos only! The lighting of a photo can drastically change the true color of a floor (of everything for that matter). Make sure to see a sample in person, and make sure to get a current sample. In this image, the left side of the room looks like the oak has been stained a gray tone, but in the far back right corner, you can see the the floors are stained a brown color.
This is a richer, deeper stain, but it's still translucent enough to show the wood grain and plank variation. If we end up staining our floors, I don't think we'll go this golden ... but I love the how the stain brings out the herringbone pattern.
Consider the furniture colors and wood tones when selecting a wood floor color. Ideally, you want to create contrast and depth, and if everything is the same color, that won’t happen.
Tip: If your table and floor is a similar wood tone, area rugs can break up the space, or create a transition between floor color and table color if need be.
Tip: If your table and floor is a similar wood tone, area rugs can break up the space, or create a transition between floor color and table color if need be.
Reclaimed wood floors. Reclaimed natural oak can sometimes look as if it's stained even when it's not. All that gorgeous patina add instant age and charm to any space. Who would want to put down an area rug on these gorgeous floors?
Reclaimed and stained. So now I'm feeling tortured. Clearly warm stained wood floors work great with black windows and white casing, too. There is no question that stained wood floors have a warmer feel, whereas the natural unstained floors are a bit more austere and serene. I think my split personality is having a tough time deciding, and I'm sure I'm not alone!
These wide-plank reclaimed wood floors are what I would die for — they're warm, rustic and inviting, without being too rustic. They still work well in a modern space.
Reclaimed wood floors, with all that gorgeous variation from the stain, make this new kitchen look like it's been there forever. Who knows, maybe the floors are even original.
When going with a stained wood floor, it’s critical to consider the table’s wood tone a as well.
Tip: Don’t forget contrast. Here the table is more brown than the floors, but the white chairs break it up a bit. Wood chairs would have been too much.
Consult your local hardwood flooring dealer for more options
Next: More ways to design with wood
What’s your verdict? What floors style would you use?
Tip: Don’t forget contrast. Here the table is more brown than the floors, but the white chairs break it up a bit. Wood chairs would have been too much.
Consult your local hardwood flooring dealer for more options
Next: More ways to design with wood
What’s your verdict? What floors style would you use?