Do hardwood floors change color over time?

Author: Cassie Smitham  |  Last update: Sunday, June 26, 2022

Yes, all hardwood floors will slightly change colour over periods of time, especially if they are in contact with direct sunlight. The most noticeable colour change will happen in the first few months after being installed.

How long does it take for wood floors to darken?

These hardwood floors typically take between six months to two years to reach their mature colour depending on the specie of wood and the amount of natural or artificial light the flooring is exposed to. Some wood species become darker and some become lighter over time.

What causes discoloration of hardwood floors?

They are a result of the chemical reaction between iron, water, and wood tannins. These stains may appear when remnants of abrasive minerals were left on the hardwood before the water-based finish was applied. Tannic Acid Discoloration – Tannic acid is a specific type of tannin found in trees.

Does oak flooring darken over time?

Oak. The light brown to darker tones of White Oak undergoes a medium degree of colour change with slight ambering over time.

What discolor hardwood floors?

Exposure to light is usually the biggest culprit causing discoloration in hardwood floors. This could be due to exposure to either UV rays or exposure to the light emitted by lightbulbs, especially fluorescent lightbulbs, but there are several other culprits as well.

CHANGING THE COLOR OF HARDWOOD FLOORS!

Do hardwood floors yellow over time?

Over time, hardwood floors, especially those with a polyurethane finish, tend to become a shade of yellow which is not very desirable and diminishes its elegance. If your white oakwood floor is under direct sunlight, it will change color over time. This is most noticeable in the first few months post-installation.

Do hardwood floors get lighten over time?

Yes, all hardwood floors will slightly change colour over periods of time, especially if they are in contact with direct sunlight. The most noticeable colour change will happen in the first few months after being installed.

Do hardwood floors fade in sunlight?

Wood is a photosensitive material. Depending on which wood your floors are made of, sunlight can cause them to darken or fade. You may not notice the effects from one day to the next, but over time, direct light may even change the color of your floors.

Do engineered hardwood floors get darker over time?

The short answer is yes, your hardwood floors will darken over time. This is inevitable, although there are steps you can take to slow down this process.

Does maple flooring darken over time?

Yes, Maple wood will darken over time. The very bright and light color of maple wood will slowly turn into dark color over the years. It turns into a deep golden honey color tone above its original bright white with reddish-brown hues with exposure to sunlight and oxygen.

How much does it cost to lighten hardwood floors?

Whitewashing hardwood floors costs $2 to $7 per square foot and requires sanding to remove the old finish and then applying a light wash and clear polyurethane topcoat instead of a darker stain.

How do you restore color to faded hardwood floors?

How to Fix Sun-Bleached Wood Floors
  1. Inspect the Floor. Although you can refinish just the sun-faded sections of the floor, it's best to do the whole room at the same time if you want an even color and finish. ...
  2. Gather Materials. ...
  3. Prepare Your Sun-Bleached Wood Floor. ...
  4. Sand and Buff. ...
  5. Apply Wood Stain. ...
  6. Apply Sealant.

How do you fix discolored wood floors?

Both oxalic acid and two-part peroxide bleach will lighten darkened wood, and since oxalic acid is the easier one to use, it's best to start with that. You mix the crystals with water to make a saturated solution and then spread it over the dark wood or the whole floor.

Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished?

If your hardwood floors have been sanded and finished with Bona Mega Clear HD, it is safe to sleep in the home about 2-3 hours after the project is finished, but again, only if there are other rooms that have not been robbed of their furniture – furniture should stay off floors for at least 24 hours after ANY project ...

Does oak wood change color over time?

Why Does Oak Wood Change Colors Over Time? Oak wood may darken slightly over time, taking on more amber tones. This happens due to exposure to oxygen and UV light, making it a largely unavoidable process.

Does oak floor change colour?

The simple answer to this is yes, wood flooring will change colour over the years. Wood is a natural product and changes in colour will occur due to the wood's reaction to the environment. A dark wood such as walnut will lighten and a lighter wood species like oak, will darken.

Does red oak flooring darken over time?

Usually just called “red oak,” this domestic hardwood tends to be warm and on the lighter side. Like its name, it often has pink or red undertones. As it ages, it darkens to golden brown or even amber in color.

Do floors look lighter or darker once installed?

Once the flooring has been installed, it opens up in the room and looks lighter than what was chosen. We recommend when you are choosing flooring from a sample, especially in a room with little to no furniture, choose something a shade darker than what you think you want to avoid it looking too light.

Does oak darken with age?

Oak flooring is naturally light in colour with golden, honey tones. Although oak will mellow and darken a little over time, it takes hundreds of years to develop the rich dark patina of aged oak. If you have existing dark oak furniture or more traditional décor, you may prefer a dark oak floor to match.

How do I keep my hardwood floors from fading?

The key here is to reduce your hardwood floor's exposure to sunlight. The best way to accomplish this is by covering up your windows, as windows are the main source of sunlight to your floors. Blinds, drapes, or shutters all work very well.

Does oak flooring fade in the sun?

The sun's rays don't just fade your soft furnishings; they can also fade your hardwood floors. And it's not the only enemy to your floors' finish.

What flooring does not fade in sunlight?

The good news is that sunlight doesn't impact every type of flooring. Hardwood floors, especially lighter-colored hardwood, won't be affected by UV rays. Vinyl, laminate and carpeting, on the other hand, can start to fade over time.

Does engineered hardwood change color over time?

Will Engineered floor fade or change color? Yes, it can fade in heavy sunlight. However, choose a light-color engineered hardwood that won't fade as easily as the darker woods if you insist on the engineered hardwood.

Does oil based polyurethane yellow over time?

Oil based polyurethanes turn the floors yellow…and over time, they become more yellow…and sometimes even a bit orangish. It's the UV rays from the sun that turn them a darker yellow or amber and the more they are exposed over time, the yellower they get.

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