Anyone own dark hardwood floors?
 

Well, the time has come to pick the flooring for the new house. I've always loved dark hardwood floors and was determined to get them.

However, I've heard a lot of conflicting reviews about the maintence and how dirty they can look.

So we decided on a lighter wood but now the wife is back to saying she wants the dark. We ordered the lighter, but can switch.

Does anyone own dark wood floors? Do you regret the decision?

Here are the 2 we are between. Would appreciate some feedback as to what one you would pick.

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/cat...=0&storeId=213

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/cat...=0&storeId=213

I love the first link, that being said I've had bamboo before and it was so soft that when the wife walked across it in heals it would leave marks in the wood.

How many windows do you have? You can go darker if you have lots of light, but otherwise it's going to be very dark.

We have different types on different floors. The first floor is a classic oak and is nice, but we love the second and third floor color. It's a cypress or pine or something and is almost blonde, and it's really glossy and makes the rooms seem bright.

I have dark oak, medium oak, bamboo (light), yellow pine (natural) and I like them all.

It's no different than light just go with what you like and don't worry.

Everyone loves the yellow pine I get huge comments on how bright and beautiful it is.

Not worried about that. Lumber Liquidators claim it's 116% stronger than oak.

Lots of windows in the living room and kitchen.

We are putting white cabinets with black quartz countertops in the kitchen. I'm thinking we are leaning toward the dark.

Another issue my wife is worried about is it will limit what type of furnature we can get. We like dark furnature and the wife thinks if we go dark wood, we can't get dark in the couch or dining room set.

Do you have ghosts and cats?

Yes, we have 6 ghosts. No cats.

Dark looks great, but it shows scratches much more easily.

This. We have dark hardwood floors and while I like them, the scratching is crazy noticeable as is the spots if you don't clean them as soon as they happen. Just like any floor, sometimes you just don't notice the spots until later though.

I do like our flooring but I kind of wish we went with less area as well as a slightly lighter shade with less shine to it.

Great feedback from everyone. Natural light is probably the biggest key, as RM mentioned. It also depends on numerous other variables -- trim color, wall color, etc. I know where I work we've sold more of the lighter distressed strand bamboo.

Everyone told me not to go dark because of resale reasons... limited audience I guess.

I've got red oak that I refinished. No stain, just natural. I couldn't be happier with them.

Excellent advice in this thread. Really appreciate it guys.

I'm going to go lighter. I love the dark, but with a 2-year old, it's not very practical.

Thanks again.