How to Match New Hardwood Flooring to Existing Floors

December 2nd 2024

Matching new hardwood flooring to your existing floors might feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re adding flooring to another room or fixing a section, keeping the look seamless is totally doable. Let’s break it down step by step so your floors can look perfect!

Step 1: Identify Your Current Flooring

Before you can match your floors, you need to know what you’re working with.

Solid Wood or Engineered Wood? Solid hardwood is made of real wood all the way through, while engineered wood has a layer of wood on top. Not sure what you have? Here’s how to find out if you have solid wood flooring.

Step 2: Match the Wood Species

The type of wood matters! Popular hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut all have unique grains and colors. Take a sample of your flooring to a local expert to identify the species.

Step 3: Find the Right Stain or Finish

Stain color plays a huge role in how your floors look. If your existing floors have a custom stain, you’ll need to match it carefully.

Bring a piece of your existing floor to compare stains.
Test a few options on a scrap of wood to see what matches best.

Need to freshen up your finish? Learn how to make hardwood floors shine.

Step 4: Check the Plank Size

Are your planks wide or narrow? Matching the width is key for a seamless look.

Wide Planks: These give a bold, modern vibe. Check out the benefits of wide plank wood flooring for more ideas.
Narrow Planks: These are great for traditional or small spaces.

Step 5: Match the Finish Type

Your floor’s finish affects its shine and texture.

Matte Finish: Subtle and modern.
Glossy Finish: Bright and reflective.
Satin Finish: A balance between matte and glossy.

Compare finishes on small areas of wood to get it just right.

Step 6: Consider Natural Aging

Over time, hardwood changes color due to light exposure and wear. Your new flooring might need time to “catch up” with the older sections. You can stain the new wood slightly darker to mimic the aging process.

Step 7: Blend the Transition

If your new flooring meets old flooring in a doorway or hallway, a transition strip can help. These strips blend the two sections, making the difference less noticeable.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of adding new flooring depends on factors like wood type, stain, and installation. Learn more about prices in how much are hardwood floors.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your floors looking flawless, regular maintenance is a must!

Fix Scuffs: Check out how to cover scuff marks on hardwood floors.
Keep Them Gleaming: Learn how to make hardwood floors shine.

Ask the Experts

Matching hardwood can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. The team at Walk The Plank Flooring in Bakersfield is here to help you every step of the way.

From identifying your current wood to finding the perfect match, we’ve got you covered!

Visit us today to learn more about matching hardwood flooring and creating a seamless look you’ll love.