The term “dark wood” refers to any type of wood that has a dark colour. Dark woods are more costly and in high demand because of their luxurious appearance, which makes interior spaces more appealing.
You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re wanting to choose a dark wood type for your remodel. Each type of dark wood is unique in both appearance and characteristics. Dark hardwoods are strong, resilient, and suitable for a range of timber applications and interior design aesthetics
The Best Dark Wood Varieties?
It’s important to learn about the characteristics of dark wood in order to help you choose the best kind for your project. Dark wood comes in a wide range of variations. We’ll talk about the common and unique species of dark wood here.
1. An intense hue of black
Ebony is a dark wood kind that is entirely black in colour and has long, straight grain. Termites and insects cannot harm ebony, which is durable and strong. It is smooth and fine, has a high density, and is more durable. Hand tools’ high density makes them challenging to utilise.
Among its many uses are exquisite furniture and interior furnishings such as cabinets, ornaments, musical instruments, and inlays.
2. Walnut
Walnuts are another popular dark wood species that are thick and dark brown. Walnut wood is found all over the world, especially in the Americas, Asia, Southern Europe, and the West Indies. Its grain is medium in density, medium in durability, medium to coarse in texture, and generally straight and homogeneous, making it easy to work with.
Uses include interior design, veneers, flooring, furniture, and gunstocks.
3. The Teak
Hard wood Light to dark golden brown in hue, teak is durable and strong. Most teak is grown in South Asia. possessing a high density, resilience to termites and rot, and durability. Apart from its rough, uneven texture, teak also has straight, close grain. Simply said, it is too good to utilise machines.
Applications include furniture, boats, windows, doors, flooring, and both indoor and outdoor environments.
4. The Wenge
Wenge is a popular dark wood kind that is mostly found in Central Africa. The texture of the wenge is gritty, its grain is straight, its colour is medium-dark brown, and its density and durability are good.
Applying oil finishes turned it nearly completely black. Because of its density, handling it is difficult. Strong enough to resist termites.
Uses include carved decorations, flooring, cabinets, musical instruments, and exquisite furniture.
5. The mahogany wood.
One common dark wood species is mahogany. There are subtypes of it that are mostly found in South and Central America. Reddish-brown, fine-grained, stable, and extremely strong and durable. Its characteristics are reasonable costs and excellent workability.
Uses include veneers, cabinets, furniture, and outdoor and indoor furnishings. Additionally, it is used to produce turned objects, boats, and musical instruments.
6. Africa’s Blackwood
Blackwood from Africa is dark, almost black, and has a rich look. African blackwood’s strong density, durability, and even, fine grain make it difficult to work with.
Uses include wall panels, stylish flooring, bespoke furniture, and both indoor and outdoor environments.
7. The ziricote
Mostly prevalent in the Caribbean and Central America, ziricote is another dark wood species. Ziricote’s fine texture, interlocking grain, high density, durability, and moderate workability are its distinguishing features. It is medium-dark brown in colour with black and dark striations.
Features of Different Dark Wood Types
- Dark woods, like most hardwoods, have the following characteristics:
- Strong, substantial, and durable.
- Range from reddish-brown to medium-dark brown to intensely dark (black—ebony).
- Each and every dark hardwood has the same dark appearance.
- Dark woods, whether unfinished or in their natural state, are often thought to be more aesthetically beautiful than lighter woods.
- They are often regarded as more beautiful than lighter woods, whether or not they are polished. Because they are tough, they are usually a little difficult to work with.
Dark Wood Space Styling Advice
A refined touch may be added to any place with dark wood interiors, regardless of style. You may incorporate those dark wood pieces in your home’s design with these useful recommendations.
Combine and Contrast Furniture Styles
Dark wood is incredibly versatile and can be considered a classic. It is not difficult to contrast and combine with different types of furniture.
Consider adding dark-wood cabinets to a sleek, contemporary living space. The entire design will get a little contrast and roughness from it. It is also possible to install a dark wood-framed bed in a colourful bohemian-style room to create a deeper contrast with lighter, softer-hued, and textured furnishings.
Cabinet Highlights
It’s not true that dark wood is only utilised for chairs and tables.
Select dark-wood cabinets as well! All of it makes your living room, bedroom, or kitchen a centre point while also enhancing the design and utility.
Make Durable Hardwood Choices
If you decide to buy dark wood furniture, think about going with a piece of substantial hardwood, such as teak or African blackwood. This kind of wood is a wise investment for your house because it is resilient and can endure decades of wear and tear.
Pros and Cons of Dark Wood Types
- Robust, costly, rare, and long-lasting.
- Resistant to termites, rots, and insects.
- Absorbing heat.
- Enduring natural appearance.
- Constraints of the design.
- Magnificent, exquisite, high-end furnishings.
FAQs Associated with Dark Wood Types
What is the type of wood with the deepest colour?
It’s most likely ebony. One of the darkest kinds of wood that can be found is this one, which is quite black.
How Do You Preserve the Deep Colour of Dark Wood?
Dark-coloured objects need be cleaned, polished, and sometimes refinished to preserve their original look because of wear and tear.
More caution must be used to prevent getting scratched because dark wood is more prone to show scratches.
Can I Find Dark Wood at a Low Price?
In our opinion, the American black walnut is among the least costly dark woods on our list up here.
But bear in mind that most dark woods are highly costly, especially ebony, African blackwood, and purpleheart.
Therefore, if you want dark wood at a lower cost, consider staining commonly available and cheaply priced wood types, such as oak, to achieve a darker finish.
What Are Some Ways to Darken Light Woods?
Light wood species such as birch, oak, and pine can be given the impression of rich, dark wood by highlighting the grain with a premium stain or dye applied in thin, equal layers.
Use a clear finish that complements the hue you have selected to preserve your furniture and give it a posh, sophisticated look.
