How to Darken Wood Floors

Dark Wooden FlooringDark wood flooring appears to be one of the most common and popular choices among homeowners and interior designers nowadays. There is something really attractive and impressive in the deepness and intensity of the dim shades matched with the natural pattern.

Dark floors make up for a very versatile and at the same time unique element of the interior of every room. The good news is that is suitable for both classic and modern interiors. There are a bunch of wood species that naturally come in dimmer shades and colours, so if you want to go for entirely natural, this is a choice that is worth it. However, the natural colour is not the only option to enjoy unique, sophisticated, and impressive flooring. Nowadays, the industry is offering plenty of opportunities to achieve the exact intensity and level of darkness your heart desires with a few simple steps.

Some of the most common domestic flooring species that come naturally dark are walnut, ipe, and cherry. These are considered exotic, which is why they usually come with a pricier tag. However, there is no need to break the bank to enjoy a deeply dark and dramatic floor. If you are on a tighter budget and you do not want to spend a lot of money you will be happy to find out that there are a bunch of services and treatments available that can make a simple wood look as good as you can imagine for just a fraction of the price. Find out more about these treatments and how you can get the effect your heart desires in this article!

First, you should start with the right base. The best wood species you can use as a base for achieving a different and eye-catching appearance is the good old oak. This is a very popular choice among homeowners due to its durability and hard-wearing power. The wood species is also a good idea for additional darkening treatments. Thanks to its clean, light, and simple appearance you can play around with it and build up style-wise. Oak can be coloured, painted and treated in so many different ways and you will get the exact results you are expecting. Furthermore, this type of wood is a very affordable option. Here is a comprehensive list of the most common, popular and effective methods used for darkening floors:

Fuming

Also known as smoking, fuming is a treatment process for darkening wood that gets its name from its method. It’s important to note that fuming is best performed by professionals and isn't a suitable project for inexperienced DIY enthusiasts due to safety concerns. In essence, fuming involves placing the oak wood in an enclosed space, such as a tent, container, or closed tank, where the floorboards are exposed to an ammonia-infused atmosphere.

How It Works:

  • The ammonia reacts with the tannins in the oak wood, causing them to rise to the surface and naturally darkening the colour of the wood.
  • The duration of exposure affects the shade—the longer the planks are kept in the ammonia environment, the darker they will become.
  • Ammonia must be never directly applied to the surface of the wood, as this would cause damage.

Despite its effectiveness in achieving a darker tone, fuming is a precise technique that requires expertise. It’s best left to professionals who can ensure a controlled and safe environment for the process.

Baking 

Baking, also known as thermo-treating, is a process used to darken the natural colour of wood while preserving its durability and hard-wearing qualities. This method requires a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and experience to achieve the desired results safely, as it involves exposing the wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment.

During the baking process, the wood is placed in a specialised kiln or oven, where it is heated to temperatures typically ranging from 180°C to 230°C. The heat causes the wood’s natural sugars and resins to react, leading to a deeper, richer colour throughout the entire plank, not just on the surface. This treatment also reduces the wood’s moisture content, making it more stable and resistant to warping or shrinking.

One of the major advantages of thermo-treating is that it enhances the wood's durability and resistance to decay, while still providing a beautiful, darker finish. However, due to the complexity and precision required, it's best left to trained professionals who understand the risks and necessary precautions.

Staining

Staining is one of the simpler methods for darkening wood, making it a suitable option for an enthusiastic DIY-er. However, it still requires attention to detail, knowledge, and caution. Staining can produce intense darkening results, so if you’re not confident in your skills, it may be wise to seek help from a professional team.

Steps for the Staining Process

  1. Start with Sanding:

    • Sanding the wood before staining ensures the surface is even and smooth, allowing the stain to be applied more uniformly.
    • This step also removes imperfections that could become more visible once the stain is applied. Begin with coarser grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for the best finish.
  2. Applying the Stain:

    • The number of coats determines the intensity of the colour. More coats will result in darker wood.
    • For intense colour, three coats are ideal. Make sure to allow a drying period of at least 12 hours between each coat to ensure proper absorption.
  3. Finish with a Protective Layer:

    • Once the desired darkness is achieved and the wood is completely dry, apply a floor varnish on top to protect the stain and seal in the color.

While this method can be time-consuming, it can also be cost-effective. Taking the time to properly prepare and finish the wood will yield satisfying and long-lasting results.

Oiling

Oiling is a versatile method that, like staining, offers the best of both worlds—transforming the colour of the floor while also providing the protective benefits of an oiled finish. This technique is ideal if you're looking for a more subtle transformation that enhances the wood's natural beauty without creating a dramatic colour change. The oil penetrates the wood’s surface, adding a rich, warm tone while highlighting the natural grain and texture, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the organic look of wood.

Oiling also helps to protect the wood from daily wear and tear by creating a water-resistant barrier that guards against spills and minor scratches. It’s especially beneficial for areas with high foot traffic, as the oil can be easily reapplied to refresh the finish and maintain the floor’s appearance. Depending on the type of oil used, you can achieve a range of effects, from a light tint to a deeper, darker shade. Some oils come in pigmented varieties that can subtly darken the wood while still retaining its natural character.

For best results, multiple layers of oil may be applied, allowing each coat to fully absorb into the wood. This will not only deepen the colour but also enhance the durability of the finish. Regular maintenance is important to keep the floor looking its best, which includes periodic re-oiling to replenish the protective barrier and maintain the richness of the colour.


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