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.
- 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.
- 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.
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- These hardwood floors are exceptionally beautiful and provide a warm feel thanks to the rich, dark colors and natural grain designs.
- This hardwood flooring species can be adapted to fit nicely into a traditional or modern home depending on the furniture and accessories you choose.
- For those concerned about the environment, American walnut hardwood floors come from a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly option for your home.
- These hardwood floors are usually a cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.
- Both American and Brazilian walnut flooring varieties are durable options that are resilient to moisture and that can be re-sanded over and over again.
- Because the color is natural, scratches and dents aren't obvious because the hues beneath the hardwood flooring's surface match perfectly.
- Walnut flooring is a very stable option, making it ideal for radiant heating.
- 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.
- 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.
