How Wood Changes Color Naturally Over Time

Wood is a delightful, natural material that can add warmth and character to any interior. However, like all natural materials, wood changes over time, especially with light exposure; This is a perfectly usual procedure and does not necessarily indicate that your wood furniture is damaged.

Many appreciate the changes as wood ages because they add a distinct patina and charm. If you don't like how your wood floors are changing color, you can do a few things to stop or slow the process.

What Exactly Is Photosensitivity?

The degree to which wood changes color when exposed to light is called photosensitivity. The more photosensitive a wood is, the faster its color will change when exposed to light. The process by which light energy causes chemical changes is referred to as a "photochemical reaction."

The most well-known example is how sunlight causes the skin to tan. Wood's photochemical reaction is much slower and less understood. However, certain extractives in the wood are known to be responsible for its photosensitivity.

The most common change is for the wood to darken in color. The level of change depends on the type of wood, the finish, and the amount of sunlight exposure.

Do some woods change color faster than others?

Yes, different woods change color at different rates.

Light-colored woods, such as birch and maple, will change color faster than dark woods, such as walnut and mahogany. Because lighter woods are more transparent, the wood grain is more visible and reacts more to sunlight and other environmental elements.

And if we talk about darker woods, they are less transparent and aren't as influenced by sunshine. As a result, they frequently have a richer color that lasts longer.

Here are a few examples:

BEECH: changes color to a medium degree over time, with the orange colors fading and ambering slightly.

EUROPEAN MAPLE: evolves to a more golden color.

CHERRY: darkens to a dark reddish color very quickly and dramatically.

ASH: gradually transitions from a lighter tone to a straw or tan color.

MAPLE: The color changes from creamy white to golden.

JARRAH: grows a much darker tone over time.

WHITE OAK: grows a darker or ambering tone.

WALNUT: turns a lighter golden-brown color (the only one that gets lighter over time).

JATOBA: grows a darker, almost vibrant red tone over time.

As shown in the table above, some wood species change color dramatically, particularly exotic wood species like Jatoba, Tigerwood, and Cumaru. They may eventually appear in a completely different color.

So, before you choose your wood floor, seek professional advice on how the color of your wood floor will change over time. Don't be surprised if your new fresh wood floor is a different color than the aged sample floor you saw in the store!

How can I keep the color of my wood floor from changing?

As previously stated, UV light is the primary cause of color changes in your wood floor. And unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to stop the process entirely.

However, you can take steps to ensure that your floor changes color evenly, with no areas that are significantly darker or lighter than others.

Install window blinds or curtains.

Window treatments can help to filter sunlight and prevent bleaching. Curtains or blinds can reduce some UV rays that cause fading.

Rearrange Your Furniture Occasionally

Try to rearrange your furniture regularly to prevent your wood floor from changing color due to UV light exposure. It will help to distribute the light evenly and avoid overexposure in any area.

Regularly Rearrange Your Rugs.

If you have rugs on your wood floors, rearranging them regularly can help keep the color from shifting unevenly. As previously stated, the sun will naturally change the areas of your floor that it hits more directly, so moving your rugs around can help keep the color more even.

If you are still concerned about the color of your floor, you can always have it refinished by a professional; This will provide you with a clean slate and ensure that your floor looks its best.