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Walnut Floors: Trendy or a Good Investment?

January 10, 2023

Walnut is one of the oldest tree species, dating back to 7,000 BC, and has been used for flooring in homes since the 1880s. Walnut flooring has seen a rise in popularity in the last few years, so we've put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide if walnut is the right wood for your floors.

Hardwood Restoration

The popularity of hardwood floors will probably be around for a while. Wood floors bring warmth and a glow to a space that is difficult to recreate with other flooring materials. However, the popularity and use of certain wood types tend to change with time. Here, we talk about walnut floors in Austin, TX and whether their popularity is warranted as a classic or if they're not worth the investment.

Pros
  • Rich, deep colors: Walnut is known for its dark colors. Walnut ranges from warm, chocolatey brown to cool, dark black with hues of purple.
  • Beautiful natural look: This wood shows off its uniqueness with its easily visible grains and knots, a perfect choice for someone who loves the appearance of natural wood.
  • Easy to clean: All it takes to clean walnut floors is some mopping or a bit of spot–cleaning.
  • Increase home value: Having hardwood floors in your home is highly sought after, increasing your home's worth. Installing walnut flooring is a great way to boost your home’s value.
  • Natural insect repellant: Walnut wood naturally repels insects, so you can rest assured that there won’t be any harmful little bugs lurking underneath your floors.
  • Natural insect repellant: Walnut wood naturally repels insects, so you can rest assured that there won’t be any harmful little bugs lurking underneath your floors.
  • Moisture resistant: Walnut wood is moisture resistant, making it a good choice for high–humidity climates.
  • Easy to install: If you choose to install walnut wood flooring, you can count on a quick installation.
Cons
  • Dark colors only: Walnut wood only comes in dark tones, so walnut is not the best fit if you’re looking for lighter–toned flooring in your home.
  • Easily damaged: Walnut wood is not known for its density. Walnut flooring is softer than some other hardwood flooring and can dent, scratch, or scuff if not adequately cared for.
  • Not for small spaces: Dark flooring can make a space feel smaller and more enclosed. Lighter–toned flooring would be a better look for a small room.
  • Frequent cleaning: Though walnut flooring is easy to clean, dark wood shows debris more. Walnut floors will require more frequent cleaning to look tidy and polished.
Conclusion

Walnut hardwood flooring is a rich and beautiful wood that is insect repellant, great in humid climates, and easy to install and clean. However, it’s not well–suited for small spaces and may require more frequent cleaning. Consider how sturdy you need your wood floors to be and whether a darker wood suits your interior design preferences. If you’re okay with a darker, slightly softer wood, walnut flooring is worth the investment.

If you have more questions about walnut hardwood flooring or want to start a project, Footprints Floors is here to help! We are experts in hardwood flooring, installations, scratch repairs, restorations and more. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next project!

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Key Takeaways

  • Choosing walnut floors depends on your personal style and maintenance preferences
  • Walnut flooring has a rich, dark appearance that adds warmth and natural character to a home
  • Its softer composition makes it more prone to scratches and wear compared to other hardwoods
Footprints Floors Austin Blog Author - Kris Bohman

Kris Bohman

Austin Owner

Kris Bohman is the proud owner of Footprints Floors servicing the areas of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Highland Haven, Cottonwood Springs, Spicewood and Kingsland areas. Having lived most of his life in Anchorage, Alaska, Kris, his wife Katya and daughter Isabell sought a change for their family and are new to the Austin area. They are excited to bring their professionalism, family values, and experience to the flooring industry with Footprints Floors Austin.

Kris has extensive knowledge in both the construction and real estate industry and brings with him years of first hand experience in working with, and serving homeowners finding exactly what they are looking for, both in home purchases and in remodeling. Having had a successful real estate career, Kris decided to expand once more and to offer his excellent customer service skills, integrity, work ethic, and honest approach to the flooring industry.

Kris enjoys spending his free time with his family and is excited about the great quality of life that Austin offers to him and his family. Kris enjoys pursuing a healthy lifestyle through fitness training, sports and outdoor activities with his family.

About The Author

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