Greenish oak wood undertones - Help!

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Our flooring arrived, and it has much greener undertones than we had hoped. Any solutions on what color to paint the walls? We were hoping for a white oak and modern white wall, but with this greenish tone we're lost on what to do to neutralize the green. Any tips or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

We see both greens and pinks in this wood, so it's a tough call because it's a clash of opposites. :( And worst of all, it may not be returnable, so we will have to work with what we have.

Laura

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

7 years ago

The good news is: oak will slowly lighten/bleach out in direct sunlight. Even under artificial lighting the oak will slowly loose colour. This is normal. The "cheaper" your windows, the faster this bleaching/fading happens. The UV rating on your windows will determine how QUICKLY this fade will happen.

And yes, white oak has a tendency to show green - it is simply part of it's colour range. And if you throw down some white wash on wood, it can turn a snick pink (remember pickled oak from the 80's....it was pink+lavender in colour).

I would take a deep breath and keep going. Continue with the install and your furnishings and then give it 6 - 12 months to "calm down". If you are STILL BOTHERED by the colours after 1/2 year, then go ahead and see if you can find a wall colour that will tone it down.

And usually the CHEAPEST option = change of lighting. Naturally you would want to get away from the "green glass", but that may not be an option.

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Comments (10)

PRO
User
7 years ago
Hi there, I would go with a creamier, peachier paint colour on the walls to neutralize the green on the floor. Take a look at the BM Navajo White OC 95 and BM Indian White OC 88 . You can always paint up a section to see how it looks. Happy Home Designing!
Donald
7 years ago
I see green by the glass slider but not further out, is it the glass that is casting a green hue? Not knowing what you’ve got in mind for the finished room I’d just go with it, it’s pretty flooring, even with the green
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Allison0704
7 years ago
And I see green in every other piece, starting at the slider. This is why we ordered a box before placing order (didn't want pink or too variegated). Try a white with some warmth to it, vs a cool white.
ci_lantro
7 years ago
Honestly, that is a sick green color or least ways, it is on my screen. I wouldn't install it. Going forward, when you might want to redecorate or mix things up, that green is going to severely limit your options.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
7 years ago
Did you see it in person or online when you bought it? If the color isn't what you saw, and thought you'd be getting, perhaps that would be leverage to see if it can be returned. Have you checked to see if it could be? What brand is it, and is there a color that you could exchange it for?
jean1
7 years ago
Paint the walls SW 6203 Spare White.
It is a white with a green undertone; don’t worry, it will look white on the walls without clashing.
Mittens Cat
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The good news is: oak will slowly lighten/bleach out in direct sunlight. Even under artificial lighting the oak will slowly loose colour. This is normal. The "cheaper" your windows, the faster this bleaching/fading happens. The UV rating on your windows will determine how QUICKLY this fade will happen. (I keep trying to tag SJ McCarthy on that quote, but Becky Harris' name keeps coming up instead!)

Such a timely comment as I'm now looking at oak flooring and wondering if it's too green, while at the same time shopping for UV protection for our large sliders. So, bottom line: I could get the green out while saving some green--all in one swoop! :)

Hope it worked out for the OP. Update us if possible?
C DeV
6 years ago
I realize this is an old post, but finding flooring is so challenging. What brand and color did you choose? And now that's it's a year later, would love an update.
s m
3 months ago
Wondering what you did? In retrospect I would have installed and then sanding them raw, going neutral or a raw wood finish like loba invisible.