Grey Wood Floors | How To Get It Perfect

Grey Wood Floors | How To Get It Perfect

Master The Look With Our Expert Guide To Grey Wood Floors...

In recent years, grey colour schemes have really taken off, whether it’s a pared-back light grey that delivers the perfect neutral backdrop, or a striking, hyper-contrasting dark grey/ black, which shows off those statement pieces of furniture; no matter what your taste, it’s clear that grey is here to stay.

When it comes to greys, flooring is well and truly on trend too, with a whole range of light grey to dark grey solid wood, laminate, and engineered wood flooring available to suit any monochromatic colour scheme and taste, but with so much choice, it can be tricky to get the right grey wood floor for you.

Then there are the practical elements to consider; Does grey flooring wear differently? Are there any different finishes needed? Will it last? Don’t worry, we’ve got everything covered below, but first, let’s take a look at the basics…

What Are The Options For Grey Wood Floors?

As greys become more popular, so do the options for flooring too. What was once reserved for laminate or vinyl tiling, grey is now available in a number of different finishes and materials, including:

Grey Solid Wood Flooring

Thanks to advances in finishing, grey solid wood flooring is now much easier to get hold of and cost-effective, offering the ultimate in authentic wood, without breaking the bank.

Aged, distressed greys are perfect for those country cottage kitchens, with lighter greys and matt finishes adding a modern twist to any living room.

Grey Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring has a solid wood top layer, with a composite base, which gives the same finish (to the naked eye) as solid wood flooring, without the price and an added resistance to flexing.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring, which is made up of a high-density fibreboard, isn’t always considered a traditional ‘wood floor’, but we’re including it in our list as there are so many grey options, that it’s hard to ignore!

In the past, laminate flooring finishes left a lot to be desired, but most these days are such high quality, it can be hard to distinguish between them and more expensive, solid options.

What Are The Different Types Of Grey Finish?

Most solid and engineered wood floors are available in a number of standard finishes, regardless of the colour. For grey, the most popular finish types are:

  • Brushed: Brushed flooring (in solid wood or engineered) undergoes a light ‘brushing’ with wire wool to remove fine layers of wood from the surface during manufacture. This leaves a subtle, but more prominent grain, with enhanced texture.
  • Brushed & Lacquered: Brushed and Lacquered flooring has undergone the same treatment as unfinished brushed boards, with the exception that a layer of lacquer has been applied for additional surface protection.
    Different lacquers provide different finishes from matt to high gloss.
  • Brushed & Oiled: Whilst undergoing the same grain-enhancing brushing technique, oiled flooring has deeply ingrained oil protection that, whilst not offering the same level of guard against spills, does create a beautiful, natural aesthetic.
  • Distressed: Distressed flooring has been subject to more rigorous ‘damage’ to give it the fully ‘lived in’ look, which makes it ideal for anyone wanting a floor that seems like it’s been laid for years.

Things To Consider Before Buying Grey Wood Flooring

Which Room Is It Going In?

Which room you’re laying your flooring in will have a big impact on the best type of flooring to use, no matter whether that’s a lightly smoked plank or a black herringbone. If you’re looking for bathroom flooring for example, then you’ll definitely want to steer clear of solid wood flooring, which will be too susceptible to moisture.

LVT flooring, a vinyl tile alternative, offers a grey wood floor finish which is still suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

Do Grey Wood Floors Wear More Quickly Than Others?

Grey wood floors are treated in similar ways to other flooring colours and finishes, which means they’ll not wear any quicker than other styles. However, that doesn’t mean they won't wear at all!

All solid wood and engineered wood floors will wear eventually after constant use, as footfall gradually sweeps away the upper layers; something which is normal throughout most flooring types.

Don’t worry though, both solid wood and engineered wood floors will have years of life in them and can be replenished as needed. If you’re looking for a floor that lasts that little bit longer, consider solid wood floors with a thicker top layer too, which can be sanded and refinished more often.

Will A Grey Floor Make My Room Dark?

No matter whether you opt for a lighter grey, such as our Cressington Engineered light grey or a bold Calder Engineered Black it won’t darken your room! The key with grey flooring (particularly darker greys) is to use darker furniture sparingly, instead, using the floor and walls as a canvas for brighter furniture; in fact, this has been proven to give a sense of space, even in smaller rooms.

Light Grey Floors

Light grey flooring is the perfect option for most family homes, helping to create a relaxing base that lends itself to a range of furniture, from soft, traditional styles through to more impactful, contrasting colours and angles.

As light grey floors are relatively inconspicuous, they’ll stand the test of time, without competing for the ‘limelight’, meaning they’ll work with pretty much any colour scheme. Blues pair successfully with grey wood flooring in a kitchen or bathroom (provided it’s a water-resistant option), achieving anything from seaside charm to a clean and clinical spa style.

Over the last few years, pastel colours have become popular, with light grey flooring being a staple in any coral, lilac, or pea-green living room. If you’re thinking of being a little bolder, consider dark navy or (close to) black, which light grey floors really compliment.

Pairing your flooring with selected fabrics is key to achieving a specific look, with softer, earthier fabrics and soft furnishings, such as cotton, coir, linen, and wool delivering a rustic, laid-back, ‘lived in’ feel. Pastel tones and geometric patterns, on the other hand, are bang on trend, creating a more modern feel.

Mid Grey Floors

Mid grey flooring is perhaps the most popular grey on the market, often seen with contrasting mustards, teal, and tropical prints.

Whilst it can make a seriously big impact, rooms can end up a little dark, if your furniture and decor isn’t uplifting enough, so be sure to add as much contrast as possible; as well as mixing in rich, glossy metallics that will bring your room (and flooring) to life.

Dark Grey & Black Floors

One of our personal favourites, dark grey and black floors really add a wow factor to any contemporary space, especially the lounge or kitchen.

Although it’s not for the faint-hearted, dark grey flooring, when used properly can make a big impact, using contrasting wall colours and one-off, statement furniture pieces. If you’re using dark grey or black flooring, we recommend mixing in brighter colours via sofas, soft furnishings, or fabrics.

Glossy surfaces such as coffee tables and sideboards can also help lift a room if you’re worried about it being overly dark.

Conclusion

We're big fans of grey floors, they've really come a long way since they first started making an appearance in our showrooms, with plenty of options and endless finishes available now to suit any palette. That said, they can be quite intimidating for the novice decorator or interior designer, which is why we're offering our usual advice; try them out first!

Ordering free samples and matching them with your tester pots and fabric swatches is a great way to find out which scheme you like the most. Better yet, get creative! Creating entire mood boards, painting, and sticking directly onto your flooring samples will help bring your designs to life.

We hope we've helped you get closer to choosing your dream flooring. If we have, why not share this blog using the icons below. If not, we're always happy to help, get in touch with our team today and have a chat.

 

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