So Which do you prefer – light or dark hardwood? Both dark and light floors work very well, and only you can choose which is best for you and your home. Dark floors tend to be more stylish and hide imperfections while light floors tend to show dirt less and scratches.
Selecting a floor such as Hickory, Hard Maple or White Oak can protect your floor from damage, as these hardwoods are less susceptible to scratches than softer woods like Pine, Cherry or Black Walnut. Hardwoods with more dramatic grain patterns can help to hide scratches more easily.
Regardless of the color of your hardwood flooring, it will get dented and scratched over time. However, dark hardwood flooring tends to show scratches more, mainly because most wood floor species are lighter and if you scratch through the dark colored stain, it shows more of a contrast with the wood underneath.
An engineered hardwood flooring like Nydree's Hardwoof will resist dog scratches and has a finish that goes beyond the floor's surface. This finish is paired with a top layer that is 1/10-inch thick and infused with liquid acrylic to make it longer wearing and less prone to abrasions.
So, what flooring looks cleanest? Typically, lighter color woods show less dirt and dust. Dark floors can easily show dust, while lighter floors mask it. Similarly, matte floors show less smudges, foot and paw prints than high gloss flooring.
Classic medium-toned browns such as cherrywood, mahogany, oak, maple, walnut, birch wood, and hickory are all timeless colors that never go out of style.
Best known as the traditional color of hardwood flooring, shades of brown are still as popular as ever. Much like tan-toned hardwood, brown flooring is suited for any aesthetic. Lighter tones can set the basis of a neutral design, while deeper tones have the power to convey depth and luxury.
Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.
Things That Can Damage Hardwood Floors
If dirt, abrasive materials, and dust accumulate, traffic on the floors can degrade the surface. Not using furniture pads under the legs of chairs. The movement of furniture can cause scratches on your hardwood floors. Using the wrong kind of rug pads to keep rugs from sliding.
Dark floors tend to be more stylish and hide imperfections while light floors tend to show dirt less and scratches. More importantly, both dark and light hardwood floors are great options!
Darker floors are better suited for larger rooms and open floor plans. Another seemingly unrelated factor to consider is how often you clean your floors. Light hardwood flooring can hide small flaws, dirt, and debris, but anything larger will be very noticeable.
Dark hardwood flooring is among the most popular styles. Its polished, rustic sheen makes for an unmatched quality look that will enhance the value of your home. With dark hardwood floors, you'll enjoy: Long-lasting color: Its color makes dark hardwood prone to absorbing sunlight, while light hardwood reflects it.
Although your floor's protective finish shields it from most of the damage that daily activity can cause, hardwood floors are always at risk for dings and scratches, especially in high-traffic areas of your home.
Stains in natural colors that range from beige to dark brown are the best choice for homes with dogs and other large pets. During periods of shedding, fur will be barely noticeable on floor surface.
Wood Flooring will scratch. Being a natural product there is truly no way of getting away from this fact. Scratches however need not necessarily be looked at as a bad thing with wooden flooring. Many believe that these markings very much add to the character of the flooring - taking away from the pristine nature.
Sweeping. Dirt, dust, and other abrasive particles can gather and scratch the floor without you even noticing. If you don't sweep on a regular basis, it can slowly damage your hardwood floors. If you want to ruin your floors, don't sweep them.
Finish off with Your Floor's Finish
Oil finishes encompass UV Oil, Hard Wax Oil, and more, while Urethane is commonly paired with Aluminum Oxide. Both Oil and Urethane have individual benefits when providing floors with a protective coating against scratches.
Porcelain Tile
A classic flooring material, tile resists wear, moisture, scratches, and stains.
Diamonds remain the most scratch-resistant material known to humanity. Metals like titanium are far less scratch-resistant, and even extremely hard ceramics or tungsten carbide cannot compete with diamonds in terms of hardness or scratch-resistance.
Porcelain and ceramic are some of the longest lasting flooring materials available, and they require little maintenance. Tile flooring is also moisture resistant, making it the perfect choice for areas where spills are common like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Greige and white oak are two of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring when it comes to house resale. They provide timeless elegance and neutrality, making them ideal for any home. Greige is a mixture of gray and beige, creating a subtle tone that can fit into any color palette or design style.
If you'd like a relaxing, peaceful environment, try light gray or light-toned wood. To emulate class and elegance, black or red are great options. These colors can also give the room a powerful or dramatic edge. An interior using brown colors can give the room a cozy, natural and rustic feel.
Dark hardwood flooring is in style. It makes your home easier to sell and also boosts your home's resale value. Shows off the furniture in the room. Dark hardwood floors have a way of contrasting with lighter colored furnishings.