Dark Hardwood vs. Light Hardwood: What Are the Pros and Cons?

Dark Hardwood vs. Light Hardwood: What Are the Pros and Cons?

Hardwood is a home flooring material preferred for its durability. The abundance of different types of dark and light coloured hardwood can lead to confusion. You need to know what type of hardwood will be appropriate for the room where you want to get it installed. Here’s a comparison of light hardwood and dark hardwood. Learn about their advantages and disadvantages so it’s easier for you to make a decision.

The Pros and Cons of Dark and Light Hardwood Flooring

Whether you prefer darker, richer tones or lighter shades, read these pros and cons to understand which is best for your home.

Dark Hardwood

Dark hardwood floors have a rich, deep appearance that makes them popular in both commercial and residential properties. Their many varieties, such as oak, hickory, mahogany, cherry and ash, are luxurious and beautiful.

Here are their pros and cons.

PROS

• Unlike lighter varieties, dark hardwoods don’t fade quickly when exposed to the sun. This makes them suitable for rooms that receive a lot of sunlight.
• You don’t have to worry about visible dirt and debris (unless it’s light coloured), so you only need to dust or vacuum intermittently.
• Dark hardwood flooring creates more value for your property if you ever decide to put it on the market.
• Its versatile appearance makes it suitable for any type of property, be it a classic design, like those found in plantation-style homes, or something more contemporary.
• Darker stains complement various colours and fabrics, giving you the flexibility to choose from a wide range of furniture styles and accessories.

CONS

• Darker hardwood can make your home appear smaller than it is. For this reason, you may need to paint your walls a lighter colour.
• Dark stain can dim a room’s overall appearance.
• Dust and dirt is more visible on darker flooring, meaning you’ll have to use suitable cleaners. Avoid wearing shoes to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates. Also, maintain a cleaning schedule to ensure your flooring remains in great condition.

Light Hardwood

Light hardwood flooring is mainly popular for its bright, modern and natural appearance. When installed and finished properly, it can make any room appear spacious.

That written, here are pros and cons you should be aware of before investing in it.

PROS

• Lighter shades of hardwood flooring are generally easier to work with as they can be matched with virtually any colour and design.
• Since light reflects off light-coloured surfaces, they’re a great option for rooms that don’t get much natural light. This makes the room seem bigger than it is, so is a good choice for townhomes and apartments.
• Light hardwood floors are easier to maintain and are great at masking damage and dirt. This makes it a good fit for children and pets as damage will be masked better.

CONS

• Light hardwood can fade when exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
• Certain varieties of light hardwoods, such as white ash and beech, don’t perform well in high-traffic areas such as home gyms, playrooms or kitchens.
• Lighter hardwoods work better with traditional interiors, so installing them in a contemporary home might make them look out of place.

Choosing between light or dark hardwood flooring can be difficult. Regardless of your preference, there are factors to consider to ensure you choose a product that meets the requirements of both you and your home. When opting for a darker finish, remember that different types of wood take stains differently. Your best bet is to conduct several tests to ensure you achieve the level of brightness or darkness that works best. There are many options available for both types of flooring, so make sure you know what you want.