Whitewash Flooring: The Many Shades Of White

Whitewashed wood floors have become a trending choice for homeowners looking to infuse their living spaces with a modern, beachy aesthetic. These floors offer a unique DIY whitewash finish, blending the charm of natural wood grain with a clean, soft look that seamlessly integrates into various interior design styles. From the sleek ambiance of a modern farmhouse to the eclectic vibe of a refurbished industrial loft, the many shades of white in whitewashed hardwood flooring create a dramatic and pristine environment.

The whitewashed look, a hallmark of Scandinavian design, is now a popular choice in living rooms worldwide. Unlike dark or natural-colored wood floors, whitewashed flooring brightens the entire floor area, giving the illusion of more space and enhancing the room’s natural light.

When selecting wood flooring, homeowners face the choice between site-finished and pre-finished options. Uniformity is key; prefinished hardwood floors in a controlled environment ensure consistency and eliminate the need for curing time. Another crucial aspect is the choice of top coat, vital for ensuring durability and safety, especially for DIY projects in home decor. 

For DIY enthusiasts, it’s important to note that using regular paint for a DIY whitewash on wood floors is not advisable. Instead, specialized products designed for whitewashing should be used to ensure proper penetration and adhesion, preserving the natural beauty of the wood grain and ensuring a durable finish.

Whitewashed Hardwood Flooring Styles

Whitewashed wood floors are versatile, complementing a wide range of home decor styles. These floors enhance the room’s aesthetic by showcasing the natural patterns of the wood grain in a muted, whitewashed finish. From bright, wide plank designs that evoke a beachy feel to darker shades that provide a striking contrast, whitewashed hardwood flooring can transform any space. Whether your project involves refurbishing your entire floor or just adding a touch of elegance to your living room, the diversity of flooring options allows you to achieve the desired look with ease.

Oak Flooring

Prized for its durability and handsome wood grain patterns, white oak is a very popular wood in the United States and throughout the world. Elmwood carries both European white oak and American white oak varieties. White oak is a cornerstone wood used throughout history and has a slightly less coarse surface than red oak. The light undertones of white oak floors and its ability to absorb stains well make it a great choice for whitewashed floors. Our reclaimed oak white washed option is a prime example of a lighter wood floor option.

Heart Pine Flooring

Bold wood grain patterns that contain both vertical and cathedral figuring, as well as rich undertones. The whitewashing process mutes the color of the heart pine making it feel modern and fresh.

Grey Flooring

Combining hints of light grey with the overall appearance of a white floor adds a lot of character to this reclaimed oak floor. The rustic texture is softened and makes the reclaimed oak feel more modern. Whitewashed finish with grey and brown undertones complement the original surface texture of the reclaimed rustic oak planks. Rich with great depth and tons of built-in character, this is a floor that will not be missed.

Walnut Flooring

With dark undertones, the rustic grade walnut is enhanced by a light whitewashing. The white color hangs up in the rustic areas of the floor adding to this already fun floor.

Reclaimed Oak Flooring

Reclaimed oak muted with a very light white stain is a gorgeous option. It’s no secret that reclaimed oak can be used very effectively in modern spaces, however, when the color is enhanced with a light color, it is truly timeless.

Elm Flooring

Already a light wood, reclaimed elm is a perfect candidate for a white treatment. With reclaimed character from small nail holes and other traces of a past life, this wood has really lived.

Pine Flooring

Deep brushing adds to the contrast in colors in this heart pine flooring. The whitewashed finish is stronger in the valleys, leaving the peaks more exposed and natural feeling, which gives the appearance of being more time-worn.

Scandi White Flooring

Classic Scandinavian style! European white oak muted with a whitewash stain and matte finish combination from Denmark creates a beautiful look. Wide plank widths and long lengths are an essential part of completing the look of our Scandi White wood flooring product.

With many hardwood floor styles to choose from, as well as custom options for creating a bespoke whitewashed floor. This makes your options for flooring almost limitless. Whether you choose a wood floor with contrasting dark and light colors or a more uniform flooring product, you are sure to enjoy the beauty of white for years to come.

Picking Out Your New White Washed Flooring

There are many options when it comes to picking the right hardwood flooring. All the flooring choices may be overwhelming to sift through on your own. At Elmwood, we’re happy to make the process easier for you by answering questions and providing guidance for your next home or business remodel. Contact us to learn more about our products and order a free sample to see how your top picks look in your house before making a final decision.