Green Shoots Blog
How to Pick Your Wood Flooring Color
If your home is due for an update, replacing your old flooring with beautiful hardwood floors will completely transform your living space, bringing richness to any room that never goes out of style. With endless colors to choose from, we know picking a floor can be overwhelming- Cali Bamboo alone has over 30+ flooring options! To help ease the process, we rounded up some common tips, tricks and theories behind picking the perfect floor color that matches your lifestyle.
Select Your Flooring Material
The first step to selecting the coloring of your new floor is to choose the material you’ll want in your home. Wood flooring options include Bamboo, Oak, Hickory, and Maple.
Bamboo Floor Colors
- Dark: Bordeaux, Vintage Java, and Vintage Port
- Medium: Antique Java, Cognac, Distressed Mocha, Savanna, Treehouse, and More
- Light: Antique Iron, Catalina, and Natural
Oak Floor Colors
- Dark: Russian River Oak, Syrah Oak, Ithaca Oak, and Athena Oak
- Medium: Sauvignon Oak, Knotty Barrel Oak, Mendocino Oak, Carmal Valley Oak, and Vinyard Oak
- Light: New World Oak, Santorini Oak, and Orion Oak
Hickory Floor Colors
- Dark: Delphi Hickory
- Medium:Corinth Hickory
- Light: Helios Hickory
Maple Floor Colors
- Dark: Mykonos Maple
- Medium:Calypso Maple
- Light:Apollo Maple and Spartan Maple
What Floor Color Works Best for Your Space and Décor?
-Picking similar tones for your walls and flooring will make the room appear flat, so be sure to choose a flooring that is at least two shades darker or lighter than your wall color. Go for a bolder look by contrasting the two.
-Pick a large architectural feature (such as kitchen cabinets or fireplace) to complement with your flooring. For example, you could complement the warmth of a brick fireplace with a neutral gray flooring, or bring out your natural kitchen cabinets with a darkerflooring hue.
-Darker flooring works best for large rooms with high ceiling and lots of natural light. Dark floors paired with dark walls will make the room look gloomy and small.
-Black floors work best with a simple palette of color and soft furnishings.
-Lighter flooring colors make rooms appear more spacious. Consider white or gray flooring for smaller spaces or rooms with low ceilings.
-If you have a busy, high-traffic household with dogs and children, you may want to opt for hand scraped flooring to blend inevitable scratches.Lighter colors are also good at concealing small scratches. Avoid dark, glossy colors as this will magnify your floor’s imperfections.
-Bold flooring colors such as eucalyptus flooring are great for larger spaces where flooring is essentially a central element of decor. Be sure to find a balance with your bold elements as not to overwhelm the space.
Know Your Style and Select Your Floor from There
-Darker shades of brown are popular among chic, modern interiors.
-Reds and browns add warmth and character, making a room feel instantly cozy- perfect for traditional homes.
-Very dark colored flooring creates a rich, elegant look and feel with a dramatic ambiance.
-White or light gray tones are great for breezy, contemporary spaces, and beach homes. Pair with green or blue furniture and accents for a clean, calm living environment.
-Go for a sleek, minimalistic look by matching your flooring to all your wood- such as the wood in your furniture, cabinets, etc. Be careful, however, and make sure the woods are an exact match. Offset the wood with unique patterns and colorful decor.
-Add a rustic touch with distressed, hand scraped flooring that exposes the wood’s natural grain. You may also want to consider flooring with a hard wax oil finish for a natural, unpolished look. Tan flooring also fits brilliantly with rustic decor.
Once you narrow down your flooring options, we recommend ordering multiple samples of each flooring color, as there will be slight variations and distressing throughout the plank. Place the samples near your walls and furniture to better visualize the floor’s effect. Be sure to look at your samples in daylight as well as nighttime under artificial light to ensure you have your desired color.
If none of these suggestions are helping you decide, when in doubt, choose a more conservative option for more versatility and greater resale value.
Still having a hard time choosing a color? Participate in My Cali Dream Floor to virtually visualize multiple flooring options.
I am looking at options with a thicker bamboo layer to increase the ability to refinish when and if needed. From the samples I have, it looks like the color is the same through the depth of the bamboo so I am guessing it can’t be finished to a lighter color – is it able to be finished to a darker color if that is wanted in the future? Is there a special kind of finishing that would be needed due to being bamboo rather than wood? Also, is there a distressed variety that doesn’t have the dark color running down the sides of the plank? I like the distressed mocha color – hate those dark accents. Sorry – lots of questions but when you’re looking at spending this much, you want to make sure it’s the right choice!
Hi Tarina,
I wish I had the data on how many people who think they want to refinish actually refinish our floors. I’m fairly certain it’s in the low single digits. If you like to refinish to give the floors a new look, I get that, and yes bamboo will take stains very similar to other woods, and you can do washes and make the bamboo white if you wanted to. If, however, you refinish because of wear and tear then you can just stop worrying about that right now. I suspect it has to do with people’s past experience with softer woods like oak, maple or hickory. Our aluminum oxide finishes and ultra-high janka test scores virtually eliminate the need for refinishing due to wear.
The “Distressed” in distressed Mocha refers mostly to those dark accents that are actually painted onto the planks by hand. We have the same Mocha color in solid band engineered bamboo options that don’t have the streaks. Hopefully that’s what you’re looking for.
I couldn’t agree more, it’s a big purchase and you want to make sure that you have all the conversations to want to have before making a decision. Feel free to ask more questions here or you can use the chat feature on desktop or call us at 1(888) 788-2254 and we can talk flooring till we’re blue in the face. Best of luck on your floor journey and stay safe.
Walker
We are redoing our daughters room and are wondering what color of bamboo flooring would look good with a wine mahogany trim. We wanted to try and lighten up the room, because the dark baseboards and trim seem to make the bedroom look dark. Any suggestions you have would help. She has picked a warm salmon color for walls.
Hi Dawn,
Can you send a photo to [email protected] and I’ll take a look?
I have moso 609hflws I’m trying to match
Hi Lowell,
Send a photo to [email protected] and I’ll take a look.
I have an old horizontal bamboo floor, and want to install a new bamboo floor adjacent to it. The existing floor is blond and I want to match it to a dark (coffee) new floor. Will it be possible to match the stains? Should the old floor be refinished professionally?
Hi Margaret,
The amount of time and money it would cost to refinish the horizontal bamboo is not worth it, and it will probably never blend correctly. I would just refloor everything the color you want.
Walker
Hi can you tell me what undertone colors does the vintage port bamboo have and does it come in 5 inch wide planks
Hi JR,
By undertone are you referring to the plank’s core color? It’s a light brown, similar to java. Yes we have 5-3/8″ planks in the T&G milling model number: 7003009100.
I’ve read that humidity is an issue regarding bamboo flooring.
Living in the humid climate that is Florida, is this a choice I should steer clear of?
If it is ok, is additional maintenance required?
Thanks…
Hi Kristie,
We have lots of floor owners in Florida, but you are correct, higher humidity environments (or extremely dry ones too) can affect hardwood floors. The trick is taking the proper steps to plan for the movement especially if you plan to float the floor. We just published this great little video that shows you how to plan for expansion and contraction. I will also add that our engineered floors are specifically designed for extremely dry or humid environments but the same precautions should still be taken with them too. Hope this helps!
Best,
What do you recommend for covering a scratch made in the Rustic Barnwood? We do not know how it got there, but it is a long scratch. Someone dragged something maybe. Anyway, I was hoping you made a product for that purpose.
We have Floor Care Kits for this. Follow this link and choose Barnwood from the drop-down.
I am retired and recently purchased a used mobile home that was built in 1984. The location is upstate NY, namely Saratoga Springs. The home was well maintained over the years BUT definitely needs some updating. Aside from the kitchen (laminate wood over sheet vinyl) the entire trailer has wall to wall carpet. Yes even the bathroom. All of which looks relatively recent (1 yr. ?) There are probably sub floor issues that were covered up with the carpet that go undetected but all in all no major concerns at this point.
My request of your expertise is that I want to replace the kitchen, living room, and hallway leading to the two bedrooms and bathroom with your fossilized bamboo flooring (snap lock). The 2 bedrooms can stay carpeted and I would want the bathroom in your new hi tech vinyl. Your underlayment also appears to be superior to other products on the market is this so and why ?
I can calculate the square foot needed and would like an estimate. Do I buy direct or go to Lowes for the best pricing ?? My choice for the solid flooring would be the Mocha Fossilized Eucalyptus Wide Click (Kitchen, Living Room, and Hallway). Bathroom vinyl tbd.
I am a dog person, currently have 2 dogs and I am always open to a rescue in need of a forever home vs. the unthinkable.
Sounds perfectly quaint Jean-Claude. The bamboo and eucalyptus are beautiful woods for sure, and both would hold up well with pets, but since we are dealing with a questionable subfloor, and mobile homes typically have crawlspace below which can facilitate temperature and humidity fluctuations, I would consider going with the vinyl plank flooring throughout. The Mute Step line has a built-in underlayment, or our vinyl Pro line would be appropriate when paired with the CaliComplete underlayment. Give us a call at 1(888) 788-2254 and we can get some free samples over to you.
All the best,
Walker
I’m getting the Vintage Port hardwood T&G and it’s a DIY project. What is the waste percentage for Herringbone pattern? I added about %10 above my 400sq-ft.
10% is cutting it close (no punn intended). I’d go 15%. Herringbone installations are extremely difficult as you need to change the direction of the T&G on half your planks. That’s a lot of splines and mill work. If you can hold out till the Spring we will have 2 styles of bamboo specifically milled for herringbone installations. Here’s a sneek peek.
Can bamboo floors be refinished/sanded? I am considering the bamboo in a kitchen remodel and just thinking of the future . Thank you.
Sure can, but you will probably never need to, this stuff is crazy hard.
Hi i am installing your product in my home and have several areas where it meets other types of flooring.
1). the bamboo flooring meets my marble saddle in front of the bathroom
2). the flooring will meet hardwood at a doorway
3). the flooring meets carpet
Are there trim products available? Do you sell them on your site? If not, we purchased your product at Lowe’s; do they sell these items?
Thank you
Hi Howard,
Yes, we have all kinds of color-matched floor trim pieces. Here’s a short little video that shows where and how to use floor trim. Lowes.com now carries all of our floor trim, search for cali bamboo and click on “milling and trim”.
Hi! I am seriously considering installing bamboo throughout my whole house. How does it hold up in a bathroom? Is this a good idea? We have had four different floors in our kitchen and I have been unhappy with all of them. Half of our kitchen is on plywood subflooring with a joint in the middle where the rest of the kitchen laundry room and bathroom are on concrete. We also have a lot of squeaks in the plywood subflooring and unevenness in the concrete. We have had 3 A*******g sheet vinyl floors that are glued around the edges to cover the expansion. We have had problems with all of them coming unglued and pulling apart at the scene which just happens to be where the plywood and concrete meet. A*******g has replaced the floor each time, however it has been unsatisfactory and I would really like to have somebody who knows what they’re doing with all of these issues to install the flooring for me. Thanks!
Hi Holly,
We don’t recommend solid bamboo or any hardwood for that matter in bathrooms. The risk is too high, a simple toilet overflow could be devastating. That said I still see people do it, I guess they are willing to take the risk but we wouldn’t cover replacement. Kitchens are lower risk, the dishwasher is typically the weakest link, again one major leak and it can be ruined. We recommend our cork flooring in these areas right now. I say right now because we have some new products coming out in a month or so to address this very scenario. Look for a major announcement from us in early December.
Hi, Have read several reviews about the fossilized bamboo floors concerning scratching. Thought this was one of the hardest woods, yet see lots of reviews claiming how easily it scratches. Have 4 mini dauchaunds that run around the house and are concerned about them scratching up the floors. Also, how well do the floors hold up to pet accidents.
Thanks
Our floors are loved by pet owners, but no hardwood flooring is scratch proof. Our 10 coat aluminium oxide finishes hold up very well to 100lb+ dogs so your mini dachshunds should be no worries. To keep your new floors looking brand new, you’ll still want to keep them clean and free of debris and don’t drag heavy furniture across the floor without felt pads. As for pet accidents it performs on par with any other hardwood, you’ll want to clean up any spills as soon as you notice them. Puddles of liquid that sit on the seam of the floor for several hours can seep between the planks. One thing I’ve heard people do is to get several flooring samples you are considering and do you own scratch and moisture test. Nothing beats real world scenarios. Most people that do these tests find Cali Bamboo to be a superior product.
Hi I got a call from your staff now more confused then ever… I’m having the floating floor just found out that they won’t be installing under my refrigerator not sure why. I have a bathroom off my kitchen and asked since I’m installing a new stool what comes first the flooring or do I install the stool and they fit the flooring around it.
Sounds like you’ve hired flooring installers? Each installer has preferred ways to do things and the best thing to do is talk it through with them. I floated my floor and installed under the fridge, not sure what the logic is there, I don’t think a fridge is over 500 lbs. If you have a special stool that is mounted to the floor, then you’ll want to install the flooring around the stool making sure to leave a little expansion gap, floated floors need to be able to freely expand and contract.
Walker I have the Java fossilized floor. The problem is Lowe’s did not send enough flooring for the job and now can’t match the color. Is there any way to tell what color I have from the boxes? Thanks joe
Hi Joe,
Have you tried contacting our customer service department? They may be able to track down the lot number and some material from that lot. Just email [email protected]
I am an older woman in good health. I want to go take a class offered near here on how to put down the floor, but I will see if the guy who gave me an estimate will work along with me, especially to remove baseboard and large furniture at a reduced price. For I have been reading up on the right way to do it and I don’t want a poor job done. Any thoughts?
Hi Ms J,
I’m excited you are considering the DIY route! I just installed my Cali Bamboo floors a few weeks back and I will tell you it takes twice as long as you expect and it’s very tough on your body especially if you live in a muti-story home. I would definitely recommend having someone handy help you preferably someone with flooring installation experience. It sounds like you’ve done your homework and want to ensure the proper steps are taken? This is fantastic since many installers want to get in and out as fast as possible and don’t take the time with the important details like acclimation, expansion space and subfloor preparation. If your subfloors are concrete, you’ll want to make sure you seal them with 531+ a day or so prior to installation. I’d float the flooring if I were you, otherwise you’ll have to buy a lot of expensive glue or rent a nail gun. Also, when you float you can use an underlayment to give the floor a bit more comfort and insulation.
Here’s a few tools you’ll want to have:
Chop saw, circular saw or table saw, jigsaw, multi-function tool or undercut saw to trim the bottom of your door jambs(frames), rasps and files, rubber mallet, utility knife, tape measures, putty knife, hammer to pound down any nails in your subfloor that have wiggled loose. Be sure and also wear eye protection, I wore a dust mask at times, work gloves (bamboo splinters are the worst) and some people like to wear kneepads.
Let me know if you have an additional questions, I’m happy to help.
Walker
is it true you have to keep the planks out for a month before you have the bamboo installed? Also, does your the temp. in your home have to be 75 degrees or below to keep the flooring from warping?
I’m glad this is on your radar Sylvia but you have it a bit extreme. We recommend acclimating (video) solid bamboo or eucalyptus flooring for 2 weeks prior to installation. If you live in an extremely dry (think Phoenix) or extremely humid (think Miami) climate, longer acclimation may be necessary. Fluctuations in air temperature don’t matter too much but changes in relative humidity do. We suggest trying to keep your home’s relative humidity within a 20% range if possible. As long as you acclimate and your installer is smart and leaves 1/2″ expansion space around all fixed objects, you’re golden. Here an infographic that explains it a bit better than I.
Best,
Walker
Can I use the wide plank bamboo for ceilings.
Absolutely! Check out all these creative flooring ideas that aren’t floors.
Hi there, I live in Salt Lake City, UT….do I buy direct from your online store or are there dealers in my area where I can look and buy from?
Zip code 84095.
Hi Stacey! You can buy and look at our flooring at your local Lowe’s store. If you do not have a Lowe’s store near you, give our Green Building Specialists a call at 1(888) 788-2254 and we will help you locate a dealer in your area.
Thanks!