6 Grey Hardwood Floors You’ll Love: Expert Advice, FAQs, & More!

Average Cost To Install New Flooring Price Range: $1,215 - $2,460
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Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
White oak parquet with a light brown stain
White oak, with a light brown stain, features rich patterns with closed grain patterns.
White oak has rich, tight, closed grains with lighter color tones. Lighter tones of white oak reflect light and provide contrast to the room. It makes the room seem bigger. Medium-toned white oak is the most popular as it lies between dark and light hardwoods and matches any home decor. This makes it more versatile. Strong white oak comes from the middle, old, and mature parts of the tree. Shorter, narrower planks of white oak come from the branches and are inferior in durability. White oak is one of the most beautiful types of wood money can buy; perfect for hardwood floors! It stains well but you can also clear-coat it to retain its natural look. Grey-stained oak hardwood floors bring depth to the room as the color enhances the wood’s natural apearance. White oak flooring stains naturally blend with the wood and its pores. White oak is water-resistant but not waterproof. If you clean accidental spills immediately, they won’t damage the wood. This type of wood hides dust, dents, and scratches well and saves you time on cleaning and maintenance. White oak is available in both solid and engineered wood options. Engineered white oak is moisture-friendly and can handle bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Finished white oak floors cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. Unfinished white oak is also available at a lower price but will require additional labor such as sanding and coating.

Pros

  • 1360 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Available in solid and engineered wood options
  • Hides dirt, dust, and scratches well
  • Versatile; goes well with any furniture and home decor
  • It takes stains well
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Cons

  • Pricey, compared to other wood types

Maple

With a score of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, maple hardwood floors are one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. It has a moderate price of $5 to $8 per square foot.
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Brush staining hardwood
Staining hardwoods allows you to employ any color, including grey.
Scratches, dents, and warping can deteriorate the floor to the point that it’s impossible to revive. Sanding the floor first minimizes scratches and dents, and smooths the floor. This process also removes the previous stain from the wood flooring. The type of the existing hardwood also affects the restaining process. You can refinish solid wood but not engineered wood. Staining existing hardwood flooring renews the floor and increases its lifespan. The advantage of traditional hardwood flooring is that it can last decades with the help of refinishing.


Types Of Grey Hardwood Floors

With many grey woods in the market, below are some of the best woods that work best in hardwood floors.

White Oak

White oak is a durable wood with a score of 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. With their durability, white oak floors can handle high foot traffic areas. It handles everyday wear and tear with no damage to the wood.
White oak parquet with a light brown stain
White oak, with a light brown stain, features rich patterns with closed grain patterns.
White oak has rich, tight, closed grains with lighter color tones. Lighter tones of white oak reflect light and provide contrast to the room. It makes the room seem bigger. Medium-toned white oak is the most popular as it lies between dark and light hardwoods and matches any home decor. This makes it more versatile. Strong white oak comes from the middle, old, and mature parts of the tree. Shorter, narrower planks of white oak come from the branches and are inferior in durability. White oak is one of the most beautiful types of wood money can buy; perfect for hardwood floors! It stains well but you can also clear-coat it to retain its natural look. Grey-stained oak hardwood floors bring depth to the room as the color enhances the wood’s natural apearance. White oak flooring stains naturally blend with the wood and its pores. White oak is water-resistant but not waterproof. If you clean accidental spills immediately, they won’t damage the wood. This type of wood hides dust, dents, and scratches well and saves you time on cleaning and maintenance. White oak is available in both solid and engineered wood options. Engineered white oak is moisture-friendly and can handle bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Finished white oak floors cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. Unfinished white oak is also available at a lower price but will require additional labor such as sanding and coating.

Pros

  • 1360 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Available in solid and engineered wood options
  • Hides dirt, dust, and scratches well
  • Versatile; goes well with any furniture and home decor
  • It takes stains well
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Cons

  • Pricey, compared to other wood types

Maple

With a score of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, maple hardwood floors are one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. It has a moderate price of $5 to $8 per square foot.
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!
Beautiful white hallway
Grey hardwood floors are becoming more common, since they offer a unique style in any room.
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors and grey hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options today. It gives a unique, chic look to both traditional and modern homes, and goes well with any decor. Keep reading so you don’t miss out on my advice about grey hardwood floors.


Grey Hardwood Floors In A Nutshell

With grey hardwood floors becoming common in many households, having the right information is vital before taking the big step and converting to grey wood floors.
  • Hardwood flooring comes in two types; solid wood and engineered wood.
  • Solid wood is a single piece of pure wood and can last decades with proper care.
  • Engineered wood has several layers, with the hardwood being on the top and being more resistant to warping and cracking.
  • You can refinish and stain existing hardwood floors after a proper sanding process.
  • You can refinish solid wood multiple times, but you can only refinish engineered wood once or twice (if it has a thick wear layer to begin with).
  • White oak is a durable wood that stains exceptionally well but it’s pricier than most other wood options.
  • Maple is an eco-friendly wood, but it’s sensitive to drastic changes in humidity and moisture levels.
  • Bamboo is a renewable wood with a low price, but it’s extra sensitive to environmental factors.
  • Birchwood’s grain has swirly patterns. This wood scratches easily, as it has a low score of 1260 on the Janka hardness scale.
  • Ash is a durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s deep pores make it harder to install, meaning it requires experienced labor.
  • Hickory is a super durable wood, but it costs more than most other wood options.


What To Look For In Grey Hardwood Floors?

Before buying hardwood flooring, there are certain factors you should keep in mind.

Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring

Solid wood, or conventional hardwood, is a single piece of hardwood, such as cherry, maple, oak, and hickory. It’s more expensive than engineered wood flooring as it’s a premium product. Installing solid hardwood floors also increases the market value of your house. You can refinish these floors multiple times. Doing so increases their lifespan to 30+ years. Solid wood is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and moisture. It may warp under drastic changes in the environment. Engineered wood contains many layers of wood, including a plywood core, and a thin layer of hardwood at the top. This thin layer of hardwood makes it look like conventional hardwood. Since the top hardwood layer is thin, you can only sand and refinish engineered wood once or twice before the hardwood layer starts to deteriorate. As you can’t refinish engineered hardwood multiple times, its lifespan is shorter than solid wood flooring. Engineered flooring is inferior to hardwood flooring as it doesn’t contribute to the market value of your house. However, due to the many criss-crossed layers in its core, engineered wood handles humidity, temperature, and moisture better than solid wood. It doesn’t succumb to expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes. It costs less than solid wood but not by a large margin. The cost of both types of wood varies depending on the type of hardwood used.

Environmental Factors

Hardwoods fall prey to changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity. These factors can destroy hardwood flooring. Repeated expansion and contraction may also lead to cracks in the wood. Hardwood floors are better suited to areas where environmental conditions don’t change drastically. Every wood species has preferred conditions when it comes to water resistance, durability, and resilience. Consulting a local professional before buying hardwood will give you an idea of which hardwoods suit your specific conditions.

Budget

As there are many types of hardwood available on the market, you can easily find hardwoods that fit within your budget. Solid hardwood is more expensive than engineered wood but has its advantages. If you consult a local professional about your budget, environmental factors, and requirements, they’ll help you pick the best hardwood for your home. Choosing the right hardwood for your home, means that your wood floors can last decades.


Staining Existing Hardwood Floors

Grey hardwood floor stain is popular among homeowners today. However, staining existing hardwood can be tricky, depending on the condition of the hardwood.
Brush staining hardwood
Staining hardwoods allows you to employ any color, including grey.
Scratches, dents, and warping can deteriorate the floor to the point that it’s impossible to revive. Sanding the floor first minimizes scratches and dents, and smooths the floor. This process also removes the previous stain from the wood flooring. The type of the existing hardwood also affects the restaining process. You can refinish solid wood but not engineered wood. Staining existing hardwood flooring renews the floor and increases its lifespan. The advantage of traditional hardwood flooring is that it can last decades with the help of refinishing.


Types Of Grey Hardwood Floors

With many grey woods in the market, below are some of the best woods that work best in hardwood floors.

White Oak

White oak is a durable wood with a score of 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. With their durability, white oak floors can handle high foot traffic areas. It handles everyday wear and tear with no damage to the wood.
White oak parquet with a light brown stain
White oak, with a light brown stain, features rich patterns with closed grain patterns.
White oak has rich, tight, closed grains with lighter color tones. Lighter tones of white oak reflect light and provide contrast to the room. It makes the room seem bigger. Medium-toned white oak is the most popular as it lies between dark and light hardwoods and matches any home decor. This makes it more versatile. Strong white oak comes from the middle, old, and mature parts of the tree. Shorter, narrower planks of white oak come from the branches and are inferior in durability. White oak is one of the most beautiful types of wood money can buy; perfect for hardwood floors! It stains well but you can also clear-coat it to retain its natural look. Grey-stained oak hardwood floors bring depth to the room as the color enhances the wood’s natural apearance. White oak flooring stains naturally blend with the wood and its pores. White oak is water-resistant but not waterproof. If you clean accidental spills immediately, they won’t damage the wood. This type of wood hides dust, dents, and scratches well and saves you time on cleaning and maintenance. White oak is available in both solid and engineered wood options. Engineered white oak is moisture-friendly and can handle bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Finished white oak floors cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. Unfinished white oak is also available at a lower price but will require additional labor such as sanding and coating.

Pros

  • 1360 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Available in solid and engineered wood options
  • Hides dirt, dust, and scratches well
  • Versatile; goes well with any furniture and home decor
  • It takes stains well
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Cons

  • Pricey, compared to other wood types

Maple

With a score of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, maple hardwood floors are one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. It has a moderate price of $5 to $8 per square foot.
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!

Hardwood floors have become the norm in many households for decades. People appreciate their durability, versatility, and staining capabilities.

Beautiful white hallway
Grey hardwood floors are becoming more common, since they offer a unique style in any room.
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors and grey hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options today. It gives a unique, chic look to both traditional and modern homes, and goes well with any decor. Keep reading so you don’t miss out on my advice about grey hardwood floors.


Grey Hardwood Floors In A Nutshell

With grey hardwood floors becoming common in many households, having the right information is vital before taking the big step and converting to grey wood floors.
  • Hardwood flooring comes in two types; solid wood and engineered wood.
  • Solid wood is a single piece of pure wood and can last decades with proper care.
  • Engineered wood has several layers, with the hardwood being on the top and being more resistant to warping and cracking.
  • You can refinish and stain existing hardwood floors after a proper sanding process.
  • You can refinish solid wood multiple times, but you can only refinish engineered wood once or twice (if it has a thick wear layer to begin with).
  • White oak is a durable wood that stains exceptionally well but it’s pricier than most other wood options.
  • Maple is an eco-friendly wood, but it’s sensitive to drastic changes in humidity and moisture levels.
  • Bamboo is a renewable wood with a low price, but it’s extra sensitive to environmental factors.
  • Birchwood’s grain has swirly patterns. This wood scratches easily, as it has a low score of 1260 on the Janka hardness scale.
  • Ash is a durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s deep pores make it harder to install, meaning it requires experienced labor.
  • Hickory is a super durable wood, but it costs more than most other wood options.


What To Look For In Grey Hardwood Floors?

Before buying hardwood flooring, there are certain factors you should keep in mind.

Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring

Solid wood, or conventional hardwood, is a single piece of hardwood, such as cherry, maple, oak, and hickory. It’s more expensive than engineered wood flooring as it’s a premium product. Installing solid hardwood floors also increases the market value of your house. You can refinish these floors multiple times. Doing so increases their lifespan to 30+ years. Solid wood is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and moisture. It may warp under drastic changes in the environment. Engineered wood contains many layers of wood, including a plywood core, and a thin layer of hardwood at the top. This thin layer of hardwood makes it look like conventional hardwood. Since the top hardwood layer is thin, you can only sand and refinish engineered wood once or twice before the hardwood layer starts to deteriorate. As you can’t refinish engineered hardwood multiple times, its lifespan is shorter than solid wood flooring. Engineered flooring is inferior to hardwood flooring as it doesn’t contribute to the market value of your house. However, due to the many criss-crossed layers in its core, engineered wood handles humidity, temperature, and moisture better than solid wood. It doesn’t succumb to expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes. It costs less than solid wood but not by a large margin. The cost of both types of wood varies depending on the type of hardwood used.

Environmental Factors

Hardwoods fall prey to changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity. These factors can destroy hardwood flooring. Repeated expansion and contraction may also lead to cracks in the wood. Hardwood floors are better suited to areas where environmental conditions don’t change drastically. Every wood species has preferred conditions when it comes to water resistance, durability, and resilience. Consulting a local professional before buying hardwood will give you an idea of which hardwoods suit your specific conditions.

Budget

As there are many types of hardwood available on the market, you can easily find hardwoods that fit within your budget. Solid hardwood is more expensive than engineered wood but has its advantages. If you consult a local professional about your budget, environmental factors, and requirements, they’ll help you pick the best hardwood for your home. Choosing the right hardwood for your home, means that your wood floors can last decades.


Staining Existing Hardwood Floors

Grey hardwood floor stain is popular among homeowners today. However, staining existing hardwood can be tricky, depending on the condition of the hardwood.
Brush staining hardwood
Staining hardwoods allows you to employ any color, including grey.
Scratches, dents, and warping can deteriorate the floor to the point that it’s impossible to revive. Sanding the floor first minimizes scratches and dents, and smooths the floor. This process also removes the previous stain from the wood flooring. The type of the existing hardwood also affects the restaining process. You can refinish solid wood but not engineered wood. Staining existing hardwood flooring renews the floor and increases its lifespan. The advantage of traditional hardwood flooring is that it can last decades with the help of refinishing.


Types Of Grey Hardwood Floors

With many grey woods in the market, below are some of the best woods that work best in hardwood floors.

White Oak

White oak is a durable wood with a score of 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. With their durability, white oak floors can handle high foot traffic areas. It handles everyday wear and tear with no damage to the wood.
White oak parquet with a light brown stain
White oak, with a light brown stain, features rich patterns with closed grain patterns.
White oak has rich, tight, closed grains with lighter color tones. Lighter tones of white oak reflect light and provide contrast to the room. It makes the room seem bigger. Medium-toned white oak is the most popular as it lies between dark and light hardwoods and matches any home decor. This makes it more versatile. Strong white oak comes from the middle, old, and mature parts of the tree. Shorter, narrower planks of white oak come from the branches and are inferior in durability. White oak is one of the most beautiful types of wood money can buy; perfect for hardwood floors! It stains well but you can also clear-coat it to retain its natural look. Grey-stained oak hardwood floors bring depth to the room as the color enhances the wood’s natural apearance. White oak flooring stains naturally blend with the wood and its pores. White oak is water-resistant but not waterproof. If you clean accidental spills immediately, they won’t damage the wood. This type of wood hides dust, dents, and scratches well and saves you time on cleaning and maintenance. White oak is available in both solid and engineered wood options. Engineered white oak is moisture-friendly and can handle bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Finished white oak floors cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. Unfinished white oak is also available at a lower price but will require additional labor such as sanding and coating.

Pros

  • 1360 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Available in solid and engineered wood options
  • Hides dirt, dust, and scratches well
  • Versatile; goes well with any furniture and home decor
  • It takes stains well
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Cons

  • Pricey, compared to other wood types

Maple

With a score of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, maple hardwood floors are one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. It has a moderate price of $5 to $8 per square foot.
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!

6 Grey Hardwood Floors You’ll Love Expert: Advice, FAQs, & More!

Hardwood floors have become the norm in many households for decades. People appreciate their durability, versatility, and staining capabilities.

Beautiful white hallway
Grey hardwood floors are becoming more common, since they offer a unique style in any room.
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors and grey hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options today. It gives a unique, chic look to both traditional and modern homes, and goes well with any decor. Keep reading so you don’t miss out on my advice about grey hardwood floors.


Grey Hardwood Floors In A Nutshell

With grey hardwood floors becoming common in many households, having the right information is vital before taking the big step and converting to grey wood floors.
  • Hardwood flooring comes in two types; solid wood and engineered wood.
  • Solid wood is a single piece of pure wood and can last decades with proper care.
  • Engineered wood has several layers, with the hardwood being on the top and being more resistant to warping and cracking.
  • You can refinish and stain existing hardwood floors after a proper sanding process.
  • You can refinish solid wood multiple times, but you can only refinish engineered wood once or twice (if it has a thick wear layer to begin with).
  • White oak is a durable wood that stains exceptionally well but it’s pricier than most other wood options.
  • Maple is an eco-friendly wood, but it’s sensitive to drastic changes in humidity and moisture levels.
  • Bamboo is a renewable wood with a low price, but it’s extra sensitive to environmental factors.
  • Birchwood’s grain has swirly patterns. This wood scratches easily, as it has a low score of 1260 on the Janka hardness scale.
  • Ash is a durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s deep pores make it harder to install, meaning it requires experienced labor.
  • Hickory is a super durable wood, but it costs more than most other wood options.


What To Look For In Grey Hardwood Floors?

Before buying hardwood flooring, there are certain factors you should keep in mind.

Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring

Solid wood, or conventional hardwood, is a single piece of hardwood, such as cherry, maple, oak, and hickory. It’s more expensive than engineered wood flooring as it’s a premium product. Installing solid hardwood floors also increases the market value of your house. You can refinish these floors multiple times. Doing so increases their lifespan to 30+ years. Solid wood is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and moisture. It may warp under drastic changes in the environment. Engineered wood contains many layers of wood, including a plywood core, and a thin layer of hardwood at the top. This thin layer of hardwood makes it look like conventional hardwood. Since the top hardwood layer is thin, you can only sand and refinish engineered wood once or twice before the hardwood layer starts to deteriorate. As you can’t refinish engineered hardwood multiple times, its lifespan is shorter than solid wood flooring. Engineered flooring is inferior to hardwood flooring as it doesn’t contribute to the market value of your house. However, due to the many criss-crossed layers in its core, engineered wood handles humidity, temperature, and moisture better than solid wood. It doesn’t succumb to expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes. It costs less than solid wood but not by a large margin. The cost of both types of wood varies depending on the type of hardwood used.

Environmental Factors

Hardwoods fall prey to changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity. These factors can destroy hardwood flooring. Repeated expansion and contraction may also lead to cracks in the wood. Hardwood floors are better suited to areas where environmental conditions don’t change drastically. Every wood species has preferred conditions when it comes to water resistance, durability, and resilience. Consulting a local professional before buying hardwood will give you an idea of which hardwoods suit your specific conditions.

Budget

As there are many types of hardwood available on the market, you can easily find hardwoods that fit within your budget. Solid hardwood is more expensive than engineered wood but has its advantages. If you consult a local professional about your budget, environmental factors, and requirements, they’ll help you pick the best hardwood for your home. Choosing the right hardwood for your home, means that your wood floors can last decades.


Staining Existing Hardwood Floors

Grey hardwood floor stain is popular among homeowners today. However, staining existing hardwood can be tricky, depending on the condition of the hardwood.
Brush staining hardwood
Staining hardwoods allows you to employ any color, including grey.
Scratches, dents, and warping can deteriorate the floor to the point that it’s impossible to revive. Sanding the floor first minimizes scratches and dents, and smooths the floor. This process also removes the previous stain from the wood flooring. The type of the existing hardwood also affects the restaining process. You can refinish solid wood but not engineered wood. Staining existing hardwood flooring renews the floor and increases its lifespan. The advantage of traditional hardwood flooring is that it can last decades with the help of refinishing.


Types Of Grey Hardwood Floors

With many grey woods in the market, below are some of the best woods that work best in hardwood floors.

White Oak

White oak is a durable wood with a score of 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. With their durability, white oak floors can handle high foot traffic areas. It handles everyday wear and tear with no damage to the wood.
White oak parquet with a light brown stain
White oak, with a light brown stain, features rich patterns with closed grain patterns.
White oak has rich, tight, closed grains with lighter color tones. Lighter tones of white oak reflect light and provide contrast to the room. It makes the room seem bigger. Medium-toned white oak is the most popular as it lies between dark and light hardwoods and matches any home decor. This makes it more versatile. Strong white oak comes from the middle, old, and mature parts of the tree. Shorter, narrower planks of white oak come from the branches and are inferior in durability. White oak is one of the most beautiful types of wood money can buy; perfect for hardwood floors! It stains well but you can also clear-coat it to retain its natural look. Grey-stained oak hardwood floors bring depth to the room as the color enhances the wood’s natural apearance. White oak flooring stains naturally blend with the wood and its pores. White oak is water-resistant but not waterproof. If you clean accidental spills immediately, they won’t damage the wood. This type of wood hides dust, dents, and scratches well and saves you time on cleaning and maintenance. White oak is available in both solid and engineered wood options. Engineered white oak is moisture-friendly and can handle bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Finished white oak floors cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. Unfinished white oak is also available at a lower price but will require additional labor such as sanding and coating.

Pros

  • 1360 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Available in solid and engineered wood options
  • Hides dirt, dust, and scratches well
  • Versatile; goes well with any furniture and home decor
  • It takes stains well
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Cons

  • Pricey, compared to other wood types

Maple

With a score of 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, maple hardwood floors are one of the most durable hardwoods on the market. It has a moderate price of $5 to $8 per square foot.
Darkened maple wood flooring
Darkened maple wood floors have a hint of grey and are sealed with a clear coating.
Maple wood is sustainable and eco-friendly since the maple tree grows faster than most other trees. Maple wood features a creamy white color, with darker shades in light brown. There aren’t many color options available. It’s harder to stain as the color doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the wood. So, it’s available in its natural form with a clear coating for protection. Maple wood is sensitive to humidity. Drastic changes to the humidity levels can cause the wood to split and shrink in size. Due to its durability, maple wood stays dent-free but is scratchable. These scratches are visible on the wood due to the subtle, fine-grain patterns. Rugs and carpets can help to reduce and hide scratches. Maple isn’t easy to clean and maintain, and you can’t use wet mops. Dry, soft mops save the maple wood from any moisture damage. Maple wood is available in both solid and engineered wood types. Engineered maple wood is unusable in places where the humidity drops below 30%. As it’s a lighter wood, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the color to fade.

Pros

  • Scores 1450 on the Janka hardness scale, so highly durable
  • Moderate pricing of $5 to $8 per square foot
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly
  • Secure from dents

Cons

  • Not many color options
  • Sensitive to moisture and changing humidity levels
  • Not easy to clean
  • Easy to scratch
  • It doesn’t hide scratches
  • Continuous sunlight causes the color to fade away
  • It doesn’t stain well

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable and eco-friendly wood type that comes from a “plant” rather than a “tree”. Bamboo stalks grow faster than trees do, so bamboo is highly renewable.
Living room setting with bamboo flooring
Light bamboo adds contrast to a room and makes it seem bigger.
They also don’t remove the whole plant. Bamboo keeps on growing from the same stalks after harvesting. Bamboo naturally comes in a blonde to amber color. It gives the room a clean, organic look. It’s highly durable as it scores 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness scale. However, it still scratches and dents easily. Bamboo is available in both solid and engineered kinds of wood. It comes in three types; horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Engineered bamboo is inexpensive but lower in durability. You can only refinish solid bamboo wood. Doing so can save a scratched and dented bamboo hardwood floor and prolong the floor’s lifespan. Bamboo is sensitive to drastic changes in humidity levels. Sudden changes can cause cracking within the wood. This type of flooring is moisture sensitive; leaving excess water on the bamboo floor can cause immense damage. Bamboo floors are easy to maintain and clean. A microfiber mop and vacuuming are enough for regular cleaning. With a moderate price of $2 to $10 per square foot, bamboo hardwood floors are affordable for the masses. Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the bamboo’s color to fade. Lower-quality bamboo is poorly made, and often include VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in the adhesives.

Pros

  • 1300 to 1400 on the Janka hardness score
  • Moderate pricing of $2 to $10 per square foot
  • Renewable and eco-friendly
  • Provides a clean, organic look
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Possible to refinish
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • Sensitive to drastic changes in the humidity levels
  • Sensitive to excess water and moisture
  • Lower quality bamboo has toxins, such as urea-formaldehyde, in the adhesives
  • Scratchable
  • Color fades away with continuous exposure to sunlight

Birch

Birch hardwood floors present a swirly grain pattern that brings a unique design to your home. It has warm colors, ranging from reddish-brown to a blonde color.
Birch wood grain patterns
The swirls in its grain patterns means that birch wood floors give your home a unique look.
Birch scores 1260 on the Janka hardness scale. It isn’t the strongest wood in the market but it makes up for it with its unique grain patterns. Birch floors are perfect for low-foot-traffic areas, such as dining rooms, guest rooms, and attics. Using carpets and rugs can reduce the impact of the feet on the birch hardwood floors. With proper care and maintenance, it can last decades.It’s available in solid and engineered wood options. Birch stains well, but it is hard to stain properly. A professional will be able to stain birch wood with promising results. This wood type is cheaper than some other hardwoods, costing around $3 to $5 per square foot.

Pros

  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Unique, swirly grain patterns
  • With proper maintenance, it has the potential to last decades
  • Cheaper than other hardwoods

Cons

  • 1260 in the Janka hardness scale, so softer than other hardwoods
  • Scratches easily

Ash

Ashwood floor is a moderately priced hardwood floor, around $6 to $8 per square foot. With a light tan to dark brown color, ashwood resembles maple wood but differs in its unique grain patterns.
Ashwood flooring with open pores
The deep, open pores of ash make it one of the most difficult woods to work with.
This type of wood has an open grain, and proper sanding helps get a smooth finish. Ashwood takes stains well. You can also use it in its natural state with a clear coating for protection. Ashwood scores 1320 on the Janka hardness scale, making it durable and resilient to scratches and dents. It can withstand heavy foot traffic. Due to ashwood being prone to rotting, it isn’t long-lasting. Water, even in minimal amounts, can damage the wood and lead to rot. However, it naturally hides dust and dents and is easy to clean and maintain. Ashwood is available in solid and engineered wood types. Ash is a versatile wood but is unusable in high moisture areas such as outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros

  • 1320 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Resilient to dents and scratches
  • Moderately priced at $6 to $8 per square foot
  • It can be easily stained

Cons

  • It has to be properly sanded as the wood has open pores
  • Moisture causes the wood to rot

Hickory

Hickory has a score of 1820 on the Janka hardness scale, the highest in this list of hardwoods. It‘s a durable wood that can withstand dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear; perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic!
Dark-stained hickory with unique grain patterns
Dark-stained hickory has unique grain patterns, and this flooring complements most rooms.
Hickory is available in solid and engineered wood types. It comes in shades of white, but darker tones are most popular. Hickory has many color tones, ranging from brown to beige or red. Lighter tones add contrast to the environment and make the space feel bigger. Darker-toned hickory is prone to show dust and other debris prominently. Darker colors give the wood a rustic look that adds depth to the room. The grain pattern consists of streaks and knots. Hickory wood is easy to stain and is transformable to different colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. This type of wood isn’t easy to work with, and requires professional installation. Accordingly, you can expect a higher cost overall. Hickory hardwood floors cost between $6 and $15 per square foot. A top-quality hickory wood may cost more. With the high labor charges, hickory floors can be expensive.

Pros

  • 1820 on the Janka hardness scale
  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Resilient to scratches and dents
  • Easy to stain
  • Available in solid and engineered wood types
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Grain patterns consist of streaks and knots

Cons

  • Not an easy wood to work with
  • High costs at $6 to $15 per square foot with the additional cost of experienced labor


What Are The Advantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Here are some of the advantages of Grey Hardwood Floors:
  • Many choices in design and grain patterns
  • Grey wood floors bring a modern look to the room
  • Grey floors have a calmer, peaceful feel when compared to dark wood floors
  • Many grey hardwood floor colors; light, blue-toned, ashy, and dark grey wood floors
  • Light grey wood floors make the room feel bigger and are perfect for smaller rooms
  • Dark grey hardwood floors make the room feel smaller and are perfect for larger rooms
  • Grey floors go well with any type of decor
  • Easy to clean and maintain


What Are The Disadvantages Of Grey Hardwood Floors?

Grey hardwood floors can have a few downsides too. Here are some:
  • Hardwood flooring is not cheap if you’re buying top quality wood
  • Hardwoods are prone to termites, so this can cause your wood flooring to creak and deteriorate
  • Scratchable and shows these dents and marks prominently
  • Excess water contact can damage hardwood flooring
  • Can require polishing and maintenance every few years for upkeep


Are Grey Hardwood Floors Popular?

Grey wood flooring is popular among many people. It all comes down to your preference and style.
Surface of grey hardwood floor
Grey hardwood floors offer an excellent contrast.
Trends come and go with time, and grey hardwood floors are no exception. While light wood floors have dominated households for many years, dark wood floors are making a comeback.


Should I Refinish Hardwood Floors Grey?

Refinishing hardwood floors grey is an excellent idea, but the results can vary. The condition of the existing wood matters as it might be too old for staining. Old floors may have dents, blotches, and gaps that are too deep and may not disappear during the sanding process. This problem can make the stain uneven. Prior stains can also affect the quality of new stains if you don’t sand them off properly. Newly installed hardwood floors take stain easily as they don’t have any preexisting stains or marks on them. Consulting a professional will give you a better perspective on whether to stain your specific hardwood floor. Wire brushed flooring is an option after refinishing your floors. Wire brushed hardwood floors create rustic and textured floors that resemble outdoor, barn wood.


Is Grey Hardwood Flooring Hard To Keep Clean?

Like light hardwood floors, grey flooring is also easy to clean. Grey hardwood floors hide dust, light debris, and even pet hair, unlike dark wood floors that show light-toned dirt and dust more prominently. For many hardwood floors, a mixture of one or two ounces of vinegar and two gallons of water makes an excellent cleaning solution. It works best when combined with a microfiber mop and a vacuum to clean any dirt and dust contaminants off of the floor.


What Kind Of Grey Wood Is Best For Porches?

Choosing the best type of wood for your porch depends on your environmental conditions. Many factors affect the wood, including humidity levels, sunlight, and precipitation. You want to get wood that can age well, is water-resistant, and can handle the above factors. Hiring a professional contractor, who has experience in your locale, will help you find the perfect wood species for your porch. That ends the full guide on grey hardwood floors. Be sure to check more hardwood content!

Average Cost To Install New Flooring Price Range: $1,215 - $2,460
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