Increasingly popular in modern properties, black flooring is taking a prominent place among consumers, and for good reason. Initially chosen for its contemporary and elegant look, it is now spreading to both new constructions and older homes. One of the reasons explaining this trend is quite obvious: its novelty. Indeed, light wood floors have, for almost always, been the norm in Quebec homes. Moreover, black flooring is harmonious with most decorating styles: cold, minimalist, warm, traditional, all tastes can shine in a room with black flooring.
The advantages of very dark flooring don’t stop at a simple trend or aesthetic choice. Since they are darker, wood floors absorb natural and artificial light better, which is not only particularly aesthetic in a home, but also ensures a certain durability to the floor. By absorbing light, black flooring will fade less quickly and requires less restoration in the long term.
With its luxurious appearance and rarity (for now) in our homes, it’s easy to think that black flooring is an exotic element coming from very, very far away, like ebony. And yet, it can come from very close, depending on the species chosen, in other words, the type of wood used. Indeed, although we are used to being in the presence of light wood, the same wood species can vary in color from the palest to the very dark. With natural dark wood species, one can easily create a black shade for a floor of the same color. To see more clearly, here are the most common wood species for black flooring.
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Maple
Well-known here, maple remains a safe choice both for its affordable cost and durability. Its fine grain and regular texture make it a choice species for homeowners. Moreover, its growth rings being less visible, it gives an almost perfect uniform appearance.
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Red Oak
With a more robust appearance, red oak has a very particular grain and visible texture. Its natural slightly amber hue is not visible in its black version, and its visible growth rings give it a special charm. These characteristics make it a choice species for black flooring.
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Walnut
Walnut can be naturally very dark, and has a smooth grain and rich hue. However, it is not one of the hardest species, which can make it more vulnerable. One solution in this case is to opt for Brazilian walnut, which is one of the most resistant wood species on the market. The rich tones of walnut also make it a perfect asset for high-traffic rooms, stylishly masking any marks left.
If you plan to opt for black flooring, it’s important to note that raw wood species like oak, for example, are particularly recommended for rooms with a lot of traffic, such as the entrance or the kitchen. Maple also remains a must, especially for its resistance to impacts, while walnut will generally be used in its Brazilian version: ipe. Whatever your preference, it is obvious that the advice of a professional is recommended to choose the best possible option according to your lifestyle, budget, and tastes.
