chipmunkmom Sorry, I see now that you have posted other photos! It is remarkable how this floor looks so different in your different rooms.

sarahandgarth Hi Chipmunkmom! Check this link for the ideabook with all of my family room/kitchen photos: You will see much more of the floor.




We used 4 inch hickory with the Special Walnut stain. The hickory is "character grade" -- has knots and imperfections and we really like it, and the price was right. We are extremely happy with the results. Good luck with your plans!

sarahandgarth Just saw your second comment! Yes it is bizarre how much the light changes how the floor looks -- and it also depends on camera angle. I would say this photo is the most accurate representation of the color/tone:

chipmunkmom Thanks so much for your input! That is very helpful. It is such a hard choice! We are almost sold on it. But I'm trying to decide between character oak and character hickory. I want a medium brown tone. Hickory is slightly harder than oak. Would you say it's held up well? I see you have kids...

sarahandgarth It is holding up very well. It is only two years old so hasn't been tested long, but yes I have three kids and they work hard to destroy my house :) and the floors have weathered them well so far!

chipmunkmom Sarah, here's a photo! We decided to go with a thinned out version of Dark Walnut, with a hint of Jacobean to bring out the grain as much as possible. I think it turned out well. It's exactly what i wanted in this photo, but in person, it is a tad darker. Oh well, I think it will grow on me. I'm so glad we did hickory!

chipmunkmom Oh, and the whole reason I posted this was to tell you thanks again for your help!

sarahandgarth Wow that looks stunning!!! congratulations on getting it all decided and done. It might lighten up a tad over time -- if anything it will lighten rather than darken. You will sure not be sorry you did that beautiful hickory. :)