Ever wonder if walnut floors in Lakeland, FL are right for your home? Learn more with Footprints Floors!

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 Lakeland, FL 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

Introduction
Pros of Walnut Flooring
Cons of Walnut Flooring
Is Walnut a Good Investment?

Brian Shaffer

Central Florida & Tampa Owner

Brian Shaffer is a passionate entrepreneur whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to a family of medical professionals, Brian quickly realized that his talents lay outside the hospital setting. Drawn instead to education, leadership, and eventually business ownership, he built a well-rounded foundation that now fuels his success in the home services industry.

After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida, Brian began his professional journey as an English teacher. Over an 11-year teaching career, he taught five different grade levels and built a reputation for excellence in the classroom. In 2016, he transitioned into a district-level administrative role in the nation’s seventh-largest school district, where he spent six years leading teams of teachers and administrators through successful implementation of large-scale educational programs.

While thriving in education, Brian was also drawn to the world of small business. His entrepreneurial path began with real estate and continued to grow with the launch of The Cabinet Painting Company in 2021. Through this venture, Brian helped homeowners refresh their kitchens and bathrooms without the cost of full renovations. By 2022, the company’s success allowed him to step away from education and devote himself fully to business ownership. Under his leadership, The Cabinet Painting Company quickly earned a reputation for high-quality work, exceptional service, and strong customer relationships—opening the door to expanded opportunities in the home remodeling space.

Wanting to expand and offer his customers additional services, Brian became the owner of Footprints Floors of Tampa and Central Florida, and began offering floor refinishing and installations, from hardwood, tile, LVP and Laminate, kitchen backsplashes and shower remodels. This shift marked an exciting new chapter in his commitment to serving homeowners and enhancing the long-term beauty and value of their homes. With the heart of a teacher, the mindset of a leader, and the drive of an entrepreneur, Brian is dedicated to elevating the Footprints Floors experience through integrity, craftsmanship, and outstanding service.

Outside of work, Brian’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. He and his wife, Leah, enjoy life in Florida with their three children: Emmett (12), EJ (10), and Eden (7). Whether exploring new places, cheering on their kids at activities, or simply enjoying time together at home, family remains the center of Brian’s world.

About The Author