- All real wood changes colour with light. Most of it happens in the first months.
- Oak tends to warm/amber, cherry and Brazilian cherry darken, walnut can lighten.
- Vinyl and laminate are much more colour-stable, but cheap vinyl can still fade near big windows.
- Move rugs and furniture around early so you don't get outlines.
Why wood changes colour
Sunlight (UV and visible light) reacts with the wood and the finish. It isn't a defect, and warranties don't cover it. Engineered and solid hardwood behave the same way because the top is real wood.
By species
| Species | Tends to |
|---|---|
| White oak | Ambers slightly, natural tones warm up |
| Red oak | Ambers, pinker tones warm |
| Maple | Yellows over time |
| Hickory | Ambers |
| American cherry | Darkens a lot |
| Brazilian cherry (jatoba) | Darkens noticeably |
| Walnut | Can lighten |
More on each wood in hardwood species compared.
Avoiding the rug outline
- Wait a few months before laying big rugs on new hardwood, or shift them now and then.
- Rearrange furniture occasionally in the first year.
- Blinds or UV window film help a lot in south and west rooms.
Common questions
Does sunlight fade hardwood floors?
Sunlight changes hardwood's colour. Some species darken and others lighten. Most of the change happens in the first months and is normal, not a warranty defect.
Does vinyl plank fade in the sun?
Quality vinyl plank is UV stable and fades much less than wood, but lower-quality products can discolour near large sunny windows. Check the product's UV rating and warranty.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.