Everything You Need to Know About Walnut Flooring

Are your floors no longer up to par? Time does take its toll on hardwood floors, oftentimes resulting in a dull finish and scratches that are difficult to hide.

Walnut flooring is known for its rich tone, which is visually appealing and quite striking, but it also has other desirable qualities. Has walnut flooring piqued your interest? Keep reading to find out more.

Walnut Flooring: 4 Must-Know Facts

1) Very resistant

It is worth noting that walnut flooring is very resistant, scoring 1010 on the Janka hardness scale. Although there are higher scores, walnut flooring ranks ahead of cherry and red maple woods, and most notably, density guarantees durability. Its robustness as well as its resistance to impact make for beautiful, long-lasting floors.

Not only is this type of flooring exceptionally resistant and durable, but it is also a viable choice for spaces with high levels of humidity. In fact, its robusticity lessens the chances of warping in humid environments over time.

2) Rich tone is aesthetically pleasing

One characteristic that definitely sets this type of wood flooring apart from the rest is its colour. The warm tone matches a multitude of decors, such as modern, Scandinavian and industrial.

Therefore, this type of wood can be used to create a contrast between metallic elements and light or bold shades and furniture. It creates a visually striking effect that is bound to draw attention to any setting.

Also, its normally rich tone tends to better conceal minor scratches that may appear over time. It goes without saying, but scratches or markings are often more visible on light-coloured flooring.

3) Particularly smooth texture

While this feature is not often mentioned, keep in mind that some wood flooring can have a texture where the inherent knots and imperfections are more apparent. Given the rugged feel, it is especially fitting for rustic decors, although the same cannot be said for modern designs, which favour smoother, unified surfaces.

As walnut flooring has a finish of the same texture, aesthetically speaking, it is an ideal choice for renovation projects in which this decor style is prevalent. Its smooth finish is also appealing to those who prefer to walk barefoot on their floors.

4) Available in various widths and finishes

The available widths vary, meaning that the flooring can be adapted to the particularities of your renovation project. Here is an idea of what you can find when shopping for flooring:

• 2 1/4 in or 57 mm;

• 3 1/4 in or 83 mm;

• 4 1/4 in or 108 mm;

• 5 in or 127 mm.

In addition to the variety of widths, walnut flooring is available in the following finishes: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. However, note that the satin finish is most commonly used to enhance the sleek appearance of walnut.

Benefits of Walnut Flooring

Beyond the above-mentioned advantages, it is worth mentioning that walnut floors have the unique benefit of offsetting the effects of cooler surfaces such as marble, granite, or concrete.

Moreover, it blends beautifully with stone and dark leather furniture. Combining these elements will create a warm, elegant and luxurious setting. Last but not least, note that walnut flooring can be placed over a heated floor.

Need more information on other flooring options for your next renovation project? Check out these articles:

• Floor Renovation Project: Checklist of the Steps to Follow

• Price Guide: Flooring Material

• 5 Flooring Materials for the Basement

Are you looking to get a cost estimate for your flooring project? Try out our cost calculator!