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 and whether their popularity is warranted as a classic or if they're not worth the investment.

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.

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.
• 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.

Back to All Posts