Walnut Flooring Comparison: 4 Types & Key Differences

Author name
Walnut flooring.


When it comes to premium hardwood flooring, walnut stands out as a top choice for homeowners and designers alike. Known for its deep, rich tones and striking grain patterns, walnut flooring adds warmth, elegance, and sophistication to any space. Whether you're renovating your home or selecting flooring for a new build, understanding the benefits, characteristics, and maintenance requirements of walnut flooring can help you make an informed decision.


Why Choose Walnut Flooring? 

Walnut flooring is synonymous with luxury, warmth, and timeless beauty. Known for its rich hues, smooth grain patterns, and durability, walnut is a favorite among homeowners and interior designers. Whether you prefer the classic look of American Walnut, the exotic strength of Brazilian Walnut, the refined elegance of European Walnut, or the affordability of Asian Walnut, there’s a walnut flooring option for every style and need. 


In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of walnut flooring, their Janka hardness ratings, aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost, helping you decide which one is best for your home. 

 

Types of Walnut Flooring 

1. American Walnut (Black Walnut) Flooring 

American Walnut, often referred to as Black Walnut, is one of the most sought-after hardwood flooring options in North America. Known for its deep reddish chocolate hues and elegant grain, it brings a sophisticated yet inviting warmth to interiors. 


American walnut flooring.


Scientific Name:Juglans nigra 
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,010 lbf
Color & Grain: Rich brown with purple undertones, straight grain with occasional waves
Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and low-to-moderate traffic areas 


Pros:

  • Beautiful, dark brown tones that deepen over time
  • Easy to work with and install
  • Doesn’t require excessive staining 


Cons:

  • Softer than other walnut types, making it prone to scratches
  • Requires protective measures like furniture pads and rugs in high-traffic areas 

 

2. Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) Flooring 

Brazilian Walnut, commonly known as Ipe, is one of the hardest and most durable flooring options available. Its extreme density makes it highly resistant to scratches, moisture, and termites, making it ideal for homes with pets, heavy foot traffic, or humid climates.


Brazilian walnut flooring.


Scientific Name:Handroanthus spp. 
Janka Hardness Rating: 3,680 lbf
Color & Grain: Deep reddish-brown to nearly black, fine-grained and extremely dense
Best For: High-traffic areas, commercial spaces, and even outdoor decks 


Pros:

  • Exceptionally hard and durable
  • Naturally moisture- and insect-resistant
  • Stunning high-end appearance 


Cons:

  • Expensive due to import costs
  • Difficult to cut and install (requires pre-drilling) 

 

3. European Walnut (English Walnut) Flooring 

European Walnut, also called English Walnut, is known for its sophisticated and refined look. It has a more uniform grain pattern compared to American Walnut and tends to have lighter brown tones with a warm, golden finish.


European walnut flooring.


Scientific Name:Juglans regia 
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,220 lbf
Color & Grain: Lighter than American Walnut, with warm brown and honey-golden tones
Best For: Elegant and traditional interiors, medium-traffic areas 


Pros:

  • More durable than American Walnut but still easy to work with
  • Elegant, classic look with softer hues
  • Less expensive than Brazilian Walnut 


Cons:

  • Not as readily available in North America
  • Still softer than oak or hickory, making it susceptible to dents 

 

4. Asian Walnut (Acacia) Flooring 

Asian Walnut, often referred to as Acacia flooring, is an affordable alternative to Brazilian Walnut. It offers bold color variations and a distinctive grain, making it a great choice for those who want a more unique flooring appearance.



Asian walnut flooring.


Scientific Name:Acacia spp. 
Janka Hardness Rating: 2,200 – 2,350 lbf
Color & Grain: Highly varied colors, from golden to deep brown, with a unique swirling grain pattern
Best For: Homes looking for an exotic look on a budget 


Pros:

  • Harder than American Walnut, making it more resistant to wear
  • More affordable than Brazilian Walnut
  • Exotic, visually striking look 


Cons:

  • High color variation may not suit all design styles
  • Some lower-quality varieties may be prone to warping if not properly installed 


How to Maintain Walnut Flooring 

Walnut flooring, regardless of type, requires proper maintenance to preserve its beauty and longevity: 

  • Sweep & Vacuum Regularly – Prevents dust and debris from scratching the surface
  • Use Furniture Pads – Protects against dents and scratches
  • Avoid Excess Moisture – Wipe up spills immediately to prevent warping
  • Recoat & Refinish – American and European Walnut may need periodic refinishing
  • Control Humidity Levels – Prevents expansion and contraction of wood 

 

Cost of Walnut Flooring 

  • American Walnut: $6 – $12 per sq. ft.
  • Brazilian Walnut: $9 – $18 per sq. ft.
  • European Walnut: $7 – $14 per sq. ft.
  • Asian Walnut: $5 – $10 per sq. ft. 


While Brazilian Walnut is the most expensive, it is also the most durable. Asian Walnut offers affordability, but with greater variation in quality. 

 

Is Walnut Flooring Right for You? 

Walnut flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners who appreciate natural beauty, elegance, and a touch of luxury. While it may require slightly more care than harder woods, its stunning aesthetics and long-term value make it a worthwhile investment.

Whether you opt for American walnut’s classic warmth or Brazilian walnut’s unmatched durability, this hardwood will bring sophistication and style to your home for years to come. If you're looking for a floor that combines timeless elegance with unique character, walnut flooring is a perfect choice.

 

Looking for walnut flooring in Portland, Oregon? Contact Rejuvenation Floor and Design to explore high-quality walnut options and professional installation services! 

Recent Articles

Open modern home interior.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 July 11, 2025
Portland homes in 2025 embrace natural textures, smart tech, and personalized style. See what’s trending in home design this year. See what's hot.
Hardwood flooring laid out on the floor with a hammer resting on top.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 June 27, 2025
Discover the 8 best hardwood flooring brands for 2025, including Mirage, Lauzon, and Somerset. Compare durability, sustainability, and finish options.
Modern kitchen.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 June 26, 2025
Discover the top modern kitchen design trends in Portland—from cozy open layouts to sustainable flooring, smart storage, and statement backsplashes.
Delaminated engineered hardwood flooring.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 June 17, 2025
Avoid costly flooring mistakes. Discover 5 engineered hardwood brands that fall short on quality, plus expert tips on what to look for instead.
Engineered wood flooring.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 June 12, 2025
From air-purifying finishes to kid-proof durability—these 6 engineered wood flooring brands deliver both beauty and performance. Let's dive in!
Badly scratched vinyl plank flooring.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 May 27, 2025
Some vinyl floors don’t last. Find out which brands to avoid due to water damage, weak warranties, and poor durability. Better options await!
Woman sitting on a bedroom floor while playing with her dog.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 May 19, 2025
Transform your bedroom with these 6 flooring ideas that offer a balance of beauty, comfort, and functionality for every style.
Applying wood floor filler.
May 12, 2025
Learn the key differences between wood floor filler and putty for hardwood floors, plus expert tips on when and how to use each for a flawless finish.
Dark SPC flooring.
May 12, 2025
Discover why SPC flooring is the perfect blend of style, strength, and waterproof durability for homes and commercial spaces.
Couple shopping for the best vinyl flooring brands online.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 April 16, 2025
Shopping for vinyl flooring? Discover the best vinyl flooring brands that offer high-quality, stylish, and long-lasting options perfect for any room.
Closeup of someone holding a hand scraped hardwood flooring plank.
March 26, 2025
Discover the beauty of hand-scraped hardwood flooring! Learn about its benefits, styles, maintenance, and why it's a top choice for a rustic and timeless home.
Young, well-dressed man laying down on a hardwood floor.
March 24, 2025
Avoid costly hardwood flooring mistakes! Learn expert tips on selection, installation, and maintenance to keep your floors stunning and durable for years.
Vinyl flooring for bathroom with a white bath tub.
March 20, 2025
Find the best vinyl flooring for your bathroom! Explore LVP & LVT, stylish designs, costs, installation options, and why it's a top waterproof choice.
Woman shopping for laminate flooring.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 March 8, 2025
Discover the key features of today’s best laminate flooring—from waterproof designs to environmentally friendly materials.
Woman standing on a squeaky wood floor.
March 7, 2025
Eliminate squeaky wood floors with these expert tips. Learn quick fixes and long-term solutions to stop creaks and restore peace to your home.
How to fix scratches on wood floors.
March 3, 2025
Learn how to fix scratches on wood flooring with DIY solutions and professional repair methods. Keep your hardwood floors looking flawless.
Neatly organized laundry room.
February 23, 2025
Ideal laundry room flooring needs to be durable and water-resistant. Discover and compare the best materials and find the right fit for your space and budget.
Maple flooring in a bedroom.
February 12, 2025
Curious about maple flooring? Uncover its stunning benefits, hidden challenges, and pro tips to keep your floors looking brand new for years!
Portland Home & Garden Show featuring a modern home interior and large windows overlooking a garden.
February 6, 2025
Get the inside scoop on the 2025 Portland Spring Home & Garden Show, including showcase gardens, expert workshops, featured guests, and exhibitor deals!
Man installing a cheap flooring option, vinyl sheet.
January 31, 2025
Explore cheap flooring options that look & feel luxurious. Discover affordable materials that offer style, durability, & elegance—without the hefty price tag.
Staggered vinyl plank flooring.
January 24, 2025
Learn how to stagger vinyl plank flooring with our easy step-by-step instructions and expert LVP installation tips for a flawless finish.
Applying a dark hardwood floor stain color.
January 17, 2025
Explore popular hardwood floor stain colors, from golden tones to modern grays. Learn about wood species and factory-applied vs. onsite staining methods.
hydronic radiant floor heating.
January 10, 2025
See if hydronic radiant floor heating is right for your home. Learn about flooring compatibility, installation and essential warranty tips.
Pine flooring in an empty apartment.
December 30, 2024
Learn about different types of pine flooring and how they compares to durable domestic hardwoods like birch, oak, maple, and hickory.
Tongue and groove flooring closeup.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 December 16, 2024
Discover all you need to know about tongue and groove flooring, including benefits, materials, and helpful tips on how to choose, install, or remove it.
Dogs laying down on wood flooring.
By zlt2cpjp6eyc3w41 December 11, 2024
Discover the best & worst flooring options for dogs. Explore pet-friendly, durable options like vinyl, tile, and bamboo for a stylish, low-maintenance home.
Close up of laminate flooring being installed.
December 5, 2024
LVP or laminate? Learn the key differences, unique benefits, and which option offers the perfect balance of style and durability for your space.
Flooring trends for 2025
December 2, 2024
Discover 2025 flooring trends, featuring eco-friendly materials, bold patterns, and cutting-edge technology for a modern, stylish home upgrade.
Small kitchen flooring ideas.
November 28, 2024
Discover small kitchen flooring ideas that make your space look bigger and brighter. Explore stylish, durable options to enhance functionality & aesthetic.
Basement flooring.
November 14, 2024
Compare the best flooring options for your basement, including waterproof laminate, luxury vinyl, engineered hardwood, bamboo and more.
More Posts