Species Spotlight: Walnut
If red oak or white oak aren’t the species of hardwood floors for you, here’s another option to consider: walnut flooring. Known for its beautifully rich color, planks made from this type of wood can provide a stunning statement in your home.
Walnut hardwood flooring comes in two varieties: American Walnut and Brazilian Walnut. Each type has unique characteristics that make them desirable for different reasons. Let’s delve deeper into what makes these two varieties stand out.
American Walnut Flooring
Also known as American Black Walnut, American Walnut, Black Walnut, North American Walnut, or Gunwood, this variety is mainly harvested in the central United States and rates 1010 on the Janka scale. It is known for having white sapwood and dark chocolate heartwood in addition to a wide range of grain variations, so you can find that perfect look for your home.
Characteristics of American Walnut:
- Color and Grain: American Walnut is famous for its rich, dark tones and the striking contrast between its white sapwood and dark heartwood. The grain can vary from straight to wavy, offering a unique aesthetic that can complement various interior styles.
- Softness: With a Janka hardness rating of 1010, American Walnut is relatively softer compared to other hardwoods. This makes it easier to work with and install but also means it can be more susceptible to dents and scratches.
- Versatility: Its deep, warm tones make it suitable for both traditional and modern homes. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of furniture and decor styles, from rustic to contemporary.
Brazilian Walnut Flooring
Also known as Ipe or Lapacho, this variety is found in Brazil and the Lesser Antilles. Brazilian walnut flooring also has dark tones, but is a much harder species with a rating of 3684 on the Janka scale. Brazilian walnut is resistant to insects and mold as well.
Characteristics of Brazilian Walnut:
- Color and Hardness: Brazilian Walnut is one of the hardest woods available, with a Janka rating of 3684. Its dark, rich tones are even more pronounced than those of American Walnut, making it a luxurious choice for high-end homes.
- Durability: The hardness of Brazilian Walnut makes it incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It’s also naturally resistant to insects and mold, making it a great option for humid environments.
- Maintenance: Due to its density, Brazilian Walnut is less likely to warp or shrink, making it a low-maintenance option. However, its hardness can make it more challenging to install and work with.
Pros & Cons of Walnut Flooring
As you think about adding walnut flooring to your home, here are the main pros and cons to consider:
Advantages:
- Beauty: These hardwood floors are exceptionally beautiful and provide a warm feel thanks to the rich, dark colors and natural grain designs.
- Versatility: This hardwood flooring species can be adapted to fit nicely into a traditional or modern home depending on the furniture and accessories you choose.
- Eco-Friendly: For those concerned about the environment, American walnut hardwood floors come from a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly option for your home.
- Cost-Effective: These hardwood floors are usually a cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.
- Durability: Both American and Brazilian walnut flooring varieties are durable options that are resilient to moisture and can be re-sanded over and over again.
- Conceals Scratches: Because the color is natural, scratches and dents aren’t obvious because the hues beneath the hardwood flooring’s surface match perfectly.
- Stability: Walnut flooring is a very stable option, making it ideal for radiant heating.
Disadvantages:
- Softness of American Walnut: Although it’s a durable option, American walnut flooring is also relatively soft, which means it marks, scratches, and dents easily. If you have pets, young children, or even wear a lot of pointy heels, you might want to rethink this hardwood flooring choice.
- Shows Traffic Marks: Because it’s so dark, these hardwood floors show traffic marks very easily. The dark hues can also make rooms seem smaller than they are, so choose where you put them carefully.
- Installation Challenges for Brazilian Walnut: The extreme hardness of Brazilian Walnut can make it more difficult to cut and install, potentially increasing labor costs.
Ideal Uses for Walnut Flooring
American and Brazilian walnut flooring are both excellent choices for various rooms in your home. Here are some ideal uses:
- Living Rooms: The rich tones of walnut flooring can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room.
- Dining Rooms: Walnut floors add a touch of elegance and sophistication to dining areas.
- Stair Treads: Both varieties are durable enough to withstand the heavy foot traffic that stairs endure.
Conclusion
A great option for living rooms, dining rooms and stair treads, American and Brazilian walnut flooring can be a truly stunning species to consider. Want to find out more? Come talk to our experts in our San Jose flooring showroom! Don’t forget to contact us for a free in-home estimate, too!
Photo Credit: Mirage floors