Guide to Matching Hardwood Floors With Existing Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a timeless and versatile option for any home, adding warmth, character, and value to your space. However, if you're expanding or renovating and need to match new hardwood floors with your existing flooring, it can be a bit tricky. Whether you're updating a single room, expanding into an open floor plan, or just adding a new hardwood floor next to tile or carpet, achieving a seamless, cohesive look requires careful planning.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to successfully match hardwood floors with existing flooring, ensuring your home maintains its aesthetic appeal. From selecting the right wood species and finish to considering grain patterns and layout options, we’ll provide you with expert advice to make the transition between floors smooth and stylish.
 

Why Matching Hardwood Floors Matters

Matching hardwood floors is important for several reasons. If the transition between old and new floors is abrupt or clashing, it can disrupt the flow of your home and affect its overall look. Conversely, a well-matched floor creates visual harmony, making your space feel larger, more inviting, and professionally designed.

There are several factors to consider when trying to match new hardwood with existing flooring, including:

• Wood Species
• Color and Finish
• Grain Pattern
• Plank Size
• Transition and Layout

Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring that your new floors blend effortlessly with the existing ones. Let’s explore how you can address these factors to create a cohesive look.
 

Step 1: Identifying the Existing Hardwood Floor Species

The first step in matching new hardwood floors with your existing ones is to identify the species of the existing hardwood. Different wood species have unique grain patterns, hardness levels, and color tones that affect how they look and age over time. For instance, oak and maple are two of the most common hardwood flooring species, but they vary significantly in color, grain, and texture.

• Oak: Oak is highly versatile and available in red or white varieties. It has a pronounced grain pattern and works well with both modern and traditional interiors.
• Maple: Maple has a smoother, subtler grain compared to oak, and it tends to be lighter in color
• Hickory: Hickory is known for its durability and striking color variation, making it ideal for rustic or farmhouse styles.
• Walnut: Walnut is a darker, more luxurious hardwood with a rich, smooth grain pattern, often used in elegant or high-end designs.

If you’re unsure of your existing wood species, consult a flooring professional who can help you identify the species and recommend a close match.
 

Step 2: Matching the Color and Finish

Once you’ve identified the wood species, the next step is to match the color and finish. Even within the same species, hardwood flooring can vary widely in color due to differences in staining, natural aging, and exposure to sunlight.

• Color Matching: If you want the new floor to look identical to the old one, find a stain that matches the existing wood color as closely as possible. Bring a sample of your current flooring to the store to help with color selection. Keep in mind that older floors may have darkened or lightened over time, so you may need to adjust the stain slightly for a perfect match.
• Finishes: Hardwood flooring comes in different finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. Make sure that the finish of your new floor aligns with the finish of the existing one. For example, if your current floor has a semi-gloss finish, applying the same to the new floor will help achieve a uniform look.

Some homeowners may choose not to match the color and finish exactly but instead create a complementary look. For instance, using a darker wood in one area and a lighter wood in another can create contrast while maintaining visual harmony.


 

Step 3: Considering Grain Pattern and Texture

Matching the grain pattern of your existing floor is just as important as matching the color and finish. Grain patterns can vary significantly between wood species and even within the same species, depending on how the wood was cut. There are three main grain patterns to consider:

• Plain Sawn: The most common cut, plain-sawn wood has a traditional, wavy grain pattern.
• Quarter Sawn: This cut produces a straighter, more uniform grain with unique flecks and rays in certain species like oak.
• Rift Sawn: Rift-sawn wood has the straightest grain pattern, ideal for modern or minimalist designs.

If your existing hardwood has a strong, visible grain, you’ll want to choose new hardwood with a similar grain for consistency. On the other hand, if your current floor has a subtle grain pattern, choose a similar texture to maintain the look.

For an even more seamless match, consider the finish texture—for example, a hand-scraped or wire-brushed texture versus a smooth finish. A textured finish can add character and depth to your floors, while a smooth finish works well in sleek, contemporary settings.
 

Step 4: Matching Plank Size and Width

The width and length of the hardwood planks can dramatically affect the overall appearance of your flooring. To achieve a cohesive look, match the plank size of your new hardwood to that of your existing floors. For example, if your current floors have 5-inch-wide planks, using the same size for the new flooring will create a more seamless transition.

Here are the most common plank widths:

• Strip (narrow): Typically between 2 to 3 inches wide, narrow strips are traditional and can make a room feel larger.
• Wide Planks: Wide planks (5 inches and above) create a bold, contemporary look but require careful matching to avoid visual disruption.

You’ll also want to consider plank length and thickness. A mismatch in plank dimensions can make the transition between old and new floors noticeable, so aim for uniformity in all aspects of the planks.
 

Step 5: Managing Transitions Between Rooms

If you’re adding hardwood flooring next to different types of flooring, such as tile or carpet, managing the transitions between rooms is crucial. Transition strips and thresholds are helpful tools to create a smooth changeover from one flooring material to another. Some popular transition types include:

• T-Molding: Ideal for transitioning between two floors of equal height.
• Reducer Strip: Used when there is a height difference between the new and existing floors.
• Threshold Strip: Commonly used in doorways, it creates a defined transition between different flooring types.

In open floor plans, maintaining consistent hardwood flooring throughout can help create a continuous flow, making the space feel more cohesive.
 

Step 6: Get Professional Help

While it’s possible to match hardwood floors on your own, working with a professional flooring company like Express Flooring ensures that you get the best results. Our experienced consultants can help you select the right hardwood species, stain, and finish to match your existing flooring perfectly. We can also guide you through the installation process, ensuring that your floors are installed with precision and care.
 

Why Choose Express Flooring for Your Hardwood Flooring Project?

At Express Flooring, we specialize in providing top-quality hardwood flooring solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re expanding an existing space or renovating with new flooring, our team will bring the showroom to your home, allowing you to view flooring samples in your actual space. This helps you make confident choices that will enhance your home’s beauty and value.

We serve homeowners across San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and surrounding areas, ensuring professional installation and customer satisfaction every step of the way.
 

FAQs

How do I know if my existing floor is oak or another species?
You can often identify the species of your hardwood by examining the grain pattern, texture, and color. If you're unsure, consult a flooring professional who can help identify the wood type.

Is it possible to match old hardwood floors that have aged or changed color?
Yes, it’s possible to match old hardwood floors, but it may require adjusting the stain color to account for fading or darkening over time. A professional can help with custom staining to achieve the perfect match.

Can I use a different hardwood species for a complementary look?
Yes, many homeowners choose to use different wood species in various rooms for contrast. Just be sure the overall design is cohesive, with complementary colors and finishes.

What if my new hardwood is a different thickness than the existing floor?
A professional installer can use transition strips to create a smooth, even transition between floors of different thicknesses, ensuring a seamless look between rooms.

How do I transition from hardwood to tile or carpet?
Transition strips such as T-molding or reducer strips can be used to create a clean, safe, and visually appealing transition between hardwood and other flooring types like tile or carpet.
 

Conclusion

Matching new hardwood floors with your existing flooring is all about balance—finding the right species, color, grain, and plank size to achieve a seamless, harmonious look. By paying attention to these details and consulting with flooring experts like those at Express Flooring, you can ensure that your new hardwood floors blend perfectly with your home’s existing aesthetic.

If you’re ready to begin your flooring project, contact Express Flooring today to schedule a consultation. Our mobile showroom service ensures a stress-free shopping experience right from the comfort of your home. We proudly serve San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and nearby communities, offering expert advice and professional installation for all your hardwood flooring needs.