Taking on any home improvement project can be daunting – but when it comes to matching existing hardwood floors to new hardwood – well, that’s a completely separate beast. At Wide Plank Floor Supply, we have many tips and tricks to ensure your new hardwood doesn’t clash with the existing flooring. While it may seem impossible, our team can make it easy.
Selecting Your New Hardwood
Before you get too excited about choosing your new hardwood flooring, it is important to inspect the existing floor. This will involve determining the species (Oak, Pine, etc.) and grade of the existing hardwood floors to ensure compatibility with the new flooring. This will help you select new hardwood that closely matches in color, grain pattern, and texture. Here are some other things to consider:
- Take Accurate Measurements and Samples. Measure the dimensions of the existing hardwood planks, including length, width, and thickness. Take samples of the existing flooring to compare with potential new hardwood options in terms of color and texture.
- Consider Stain and Finish Options. If the existing hardwood floors have been stained or finished, consider matching the stain color and finish sheen of the new hardwood to achieve a consistent look. Test different stain samples on small sections of the new flooring to ensure a close match.
- Blend Different Plank Sizes. If the existing hardwood floors consist of varying plank sizes or widths, consider incorporating similar plank sizes in the new flooring to create a harmonious blend. This can help disguise any minor differences between the old and new flooring. At Wide Plank Floor Supply, we specialize in wide plank, natural options to accent any home or commercial space and would love to help you in the blending and selection process.
- Gradual Transition. If an exact match is not possible, consider creating a gradual transition between the existing and new hardwood floors by using transition strips or thresholds. This can help visually separate the two areas while still maintaining a cohesive overall look.
- Blend with Decor and Furniture. Choose new hardwood flooring that complements the existing decor, furniture, and architectural features of the room. Consider factors such as wall color, trim, and furnishings to achieve a cohesive design scheme.
Choosing the Right Colors
Of course, it will look a bit funky if you choose contrasting colors or tones. Fortunately, there are tricks to blending the perfect color with your existing hardwood floors. If you want your walls to seamlessly accentuate the beauty of your hardwoods, the first step is to choose some paint samples and test them in swatches on your wall – viewing them at different times of the day to get a sense of how the light changes how the hardwood and paint go together. 
Before you head to the paint store, consider your floor tones:
- Cool wood undertones: Green, blue, and pink undertones in floors work well with walls that are painted yellow or red to create a warm, inviting feeling.
- Warm wood undertones: Red, yellow, and orange undertones pair well with blue and green-painted walls. We recommend avoiding tan and cream colors as they will clash with the warmth of the natural wood.
- Neutral wood undertones: Beige, taupe, and gray wood undertones pair well with warm or cool paint colors for contrast.
The fun of it all is making it your own!
Your Beautiful New Hardwood Awaits
The most important aspect of matching hardwood floors to an existing floor is patience and flexibility. Matching existing hardwood floors may require more thought than you originally had in mind, especially if an exact match is not readily available. Be open to exploring different options and compromises to achieve the best possible outcome. Ultimately, it’s your home and our team is here to help you. If you have questions, schedule a consultation with our professional flooring specialists today.