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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 Nashville, TN 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?

Josh & Natalia Byrd

Nashville Owners

As a husband-and-wife team, we opened Footprints Floors Nashville with a mission to bring honesty, quality, and professionalism to flooring—one exceptional installation at a time. In just a few years, we’ve been honored with NWFA’s “40 Under 40,” Nashville Scene’s Best Specialty Contractor award, and the 2024 Service Award for Outstanding Customer Satisfaction. We take pride in transforming homes with the warmth, character, and longevity only hardwood can provide. From beautiful, century-old white oak and reclaimed pine restorations to modern wide-plank installations, our work is tailored to discerning homeowners who expect the highest level of craftsmanship.

Whether it’s an historic Belle Meade estate with delicate restoration needs, a Franklin brownstone where original floors need new life, or a modern luxury home looking for a showpiece installation, our team delivers results that blend tradition with innovation. With dust-controlled sanding, eco-friendly finishes, and meticulous attention to detail, we ensure floors that are not only beautiful but enduring.

In addition to hardwood, we also provide expert installation of tile, stone, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank—bringing the same care, precision, and design-forward approach to every surface we touch.

We’re proud to be veteran-owned, offering military discounts and donating a portion of our proceeds to veterans’ and children’s nonprofits. As our family grows, so does our passion—to build a legacy of excellence rooted in Nashville’s rich craftsmanship tradition.

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