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Walnut Floors: Trendy or a Good Investment?

January 10, 2023

Walnut is one of the oldest tree species, dating back to 7,000 BC, and has been used for flooring in homes since the 1880s. Walnut flooring has seen a rise in popularity in the last few years, so we've put together a list of pros and cons to help you decide if walnut is the right wood for your floors.

Hardwood Restoration

The popularity of hardwood floors will probably be around for a while. Wood floors bring warmth and a glow to a space that is difficult to recreate with other flooring materials. However, the popularity and use of certain wood types tend to change with time. Here, we talk about walnut floors in Grand Rapids, MI and whether their popularity is warranted as a classic or if they're not worth the investment.

Pros

Rich, deep colors: Walnut is known for its dark colors. Walnut ranges from warm, chocolatey brown to cool, dark black with hues of purple.
Beautiful natural look: This wood shows off its uniqueness with its easily visible grains and knots, a perfect choice for someone who loves the appearance of natural wood.
Easy to clean: All it takes to clean walnut floors is some mopping or a bit of spot–cleaning.
Increase home value: Having hardwood floors in your home is highly sought after, increasing your home's worth. Installing walnut flooring is a great way to boost your home’s value.
Natural insect repellant: Walnut wood naturally repels insects, so you can rest assured that there won’t be any harmful little bugs lurking underneath your floors.
Natural insect repellant: Walnut wood naturally repels insects, so you can rest assured that there won’t be any harmful little bugs lurking underneath your floors.
Moisture resistant: Walnut wood is moisture resistant, making it a good choice for high–humidity climates.
Easy to install: If you choose to install walnut wood flooring, you can count on a quick installation.

Cons

Dark colors only: Walnut wood only comes in dark tones, so walnut is not the best fit if you’re looking for lighter–toned flooring in your home.
Easily damaged: Walnut wood is not known for its density. Walnut flooring is softer than some other hardwood flooring and can dent, scratch, or scuff if not adequately cared for.
Not for small spaces: Dark flooring can make a space feel smaller and more enclosed. Lighter–toned flooring would be a better look for a small room.
Frequent cleaning: Though walnut flooring is easy to clean, dark wood shows debris more. Walnut floors will require more frequent cleaning to look tidy and polished.

Conclusion

Walnut hardwood flooring is a rich and beautiful wood that is insect repellant, great in humid climates, and easy to install and clean. However, it’s not well–suited for small spaces and may require more frequent cleaning. Consider how sturdy you need your wood floors to be and whether a darker wood suits your interior design preferences. If you’re okay with a darker, slightly softer wood, walnut flooring is worth the investment.

If you have more questions about walnut hardwood flooring or want to start a project, Footprints Floors is here to help! We are experts in hardwood flooring, installations, scratch repairs, restorations and more. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next project!

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Key Takeaways

Choosing walnut floors depends on your personal style and maintenance preferences
Walnut flooring has a rich, dark appearance that adds warmth and natural character to a home
Its softer composition makes it more prone to scratches and wear compared to other hardwoods

Introduction
Pros of Walnut Flooring
Cons of Walnut Flooring
Is Walnut a Good Investment?

Todd Spoelma

Eastern Grand Rapids / Lansing Owner

Todd Spoelma is the proud owner of Footprints Floors Grand Rapids. Currently, Todd is primarily serving the Grand Rapids metro area, however his territory spans from Western Michigan, down to Kalamazoo, all the way to Lansing! With plans on expansion in the years to come, Todd is first and foremost pursuing excellence in his immediate community. With a varied background in sales, management and IT, Todd also has a great understanding of managing properties, remodeling homes, and general contracting with regards to residential applications. With this skill set, Todd is quickly making Footprints Floors Grand Rapids into an industry leader! Being in the roles of a business owner and operator, required the learning and understanding of industry standards for the trade. Todd brings that knowledge and expertise to his customers now with his business, Footprints Floors Grand Rapids. Todd’s primary goal is to provide each and every customer with knowledge, support, and excellent customer service. To him, satisfaction with the finished product is just as important as the experience of the process. Todd is dedicated to providing a top of the line finished product that every customer of his will be proud to have in their home.

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