Walnut Hardwood Flooring

About Walnut Wood Flooring 

The rich beauty of walnut goes beyond the opulent interiors of multi-million dollar yachts on the high seas. It also dresses up homes throughout America. Walnut hardwood floors begin as American black walnut trees, a less abundant hardwood species that grows at a medium rate across North America. The luminous brown heartwood and prominent grain create a unique look that's also popular in fine furniture, interior finishes, paneling, and valuable gunstock. 

What Is Walnut Hardwood Flooring?

Are you looking for an understated elegance that comes with a polished, dark hardwood floor? Black walnut flooring, also known as American walnut flooring, makes a bold statement in any home. Its rich color palette is complemented by a strong, fine-grained heartwood and a grain pattern that's a happy medium between the graininess of oak and the uniform texture of maple. As a medium-density hardwood, walnut provides enough durability to handle an average household for decades.

Appearance

The drama and richness of walnut wood flooring stem from its natural beauty that accents contemporary, rustic, and traditional homes. Coffee brown hues and purple overtones partner with grain patterns ranging from uniform lines to fun waves and curls. Unlike other hardwoods, the color of walnut wood flooring fades over time and with exposure to light but leaves it a beautiful honey color. 

Durability and Maintenance

Are you looking for a hardwood that adds richness and character to your formal dining room or living room? Walnut wood flooring provides a sturdy surface thanks to the wood's moderate density and medium hardness, but planks are still susceptible to scratches and dents. To help ensure a long life for your black walnut flooring, protect high-traffic areas with rugs and doormats and avoid blunt impacts with heavy furniture or sharp-heeled shoes.

Walnut wood flooring requires minimal cleaning, especially when you compare it to the multi-step regimen you go through every time you clean your carpet. Routine sweeping or vacuuming can help prevent unnecessary scratches and wear from dirt and debris. Make sure to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for the walnut flooring you choose.   

Lifespan

If you’re looking for a hardwood that’s shine will never fade, walnut hardwood flooring might be the ideal choice for you. Walnut hardwood floors can hold their luster for generations with the right maintenance and care. 

The longevity of your walnut flooring is also dependent on proper installation with quality materials. Your best bet for a long life is one with a comprehensive warranty. At Carpet One Floor & Home, we offer warranty protection with your new hardwood flooring that ensures years of effortless beauty to come.

Installation

The installation methods for walnut hardwood floors match those of other hardwood options: nail-down, staple-down, and glue-down. The best option for your home depends, in part, on the subflooring.

DIY flooring installation projects are often attempted, but not without risk. An improper flooring installation can impact the appearance and performance of your flooring. Hiring a professional flooring installer can save you quite a bit of money in the end, and with many offering installation warranties, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands.

Walnut Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

Walnut flooring has its advantages:

• Rich aesthetic with natural chocolate and mocha hues
• Medium-density hardwood that's durable and long-lasting
• Natural resistance to decay and insects

But, like all things, walnut hardwood also has its drawbacks: 

• Doesn't show lighter shades well
• Dark color can feel heavy in smaller rooms or those lacking natural light
• Pet hair and other debris may be easier to spot on darker planks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is walnut a good choice for flooring? 

Yes! Though walnut flooring pros and cons are worth considering before making your final selection, walnut flooring does excel in many environments. Looking for a dramatic and durable dark floor for spaces with low to medium foot traffic? Walnut hardwood floors deliver.

What color is walnut flooring?

Walnut hardwood flooring is naturally dark brown with unique color variations. The outer sapwood features streaks of light brown to almost blonde while the inner heartwood ranges from gold to dark brown or purple overtones. 

How hard is a walnut floor?

Though walnut flooring is on the softer side of hardwoods, it's still incredibly durable and perfect for handling high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.