Every type of wood that is dark in color is referred to as dark wood. Dark woods are mostly more popular and expensive because they are highly in demand and cherished for their luxurious look that makes interiors more attractive.
You are in the perfect place to select the dark wood type for your renovation. Each dark wood type has its own characteristics and unique appearance. Dark woods are hardwoods that are very durable, strong, and suitable for all kinds of interior design and also timber applications.
Dark Wood Types
It is important to learn about the dark wood types that help you to choose the right one for your project. Dark wood types have a wide range. Here we will discuss the popular and unique species of dark wood.
1. Ebony
Ebony is one of the dark wood types that is pitch black in color, having long straight grain. Ebony is durable, strong, and resistant to insects and termites.It features a fine, smooth texture with high density and higher durability.Due to its high density, it is not easy to work with hand tools.
Uses: High-Quality Furniture, Interior Objects (musical instruments, cabinets, ornaments, inlays), etc.
2. Walnut
Walnut is another popular dark wood type that is dense and dark brown in color. Walnut wood grows in different parts of the world, like the West Indies, America, Southern Europe, and also in Asia. Its grain is typically straight and consistent, having medium density, moderate durability, a medium to coarse texture, and is easy to work with.
Uses: Interior planning, veneers, furniture, flooring, and gunstocks
3. Teak
Teak is hardwood that is durable, strong, and light to dark golden brown in color. Teak is mostly grown in South Asia.Having high durability and density and being resistant to rots and termites.Teak has close and straight grain and also uneven and coarse texture.It is too good to work with machines.
Uses: window frames, flooring, doors, interior and exterior applications, furniture, boat building
4. Wenge
Wenge is another popular dark wood type that mostly comes from Central Africa. Wenge is medium dark brown with high durability and density, having straight grain and a coarse texture.
After applying oil finishes, it turned nearly black. Due to its density, it makes it difficult to deal with.Good at being termite resistant.
Uses: luxury furniture, carved decorations, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments
5. Mahogany
Mahogany is a really popular dark wood type. It is available in subtypes concentrated in South and Central America. Reddish-brown in color, consistent and fine grain, high strength, durability, and density. It is available at reasonable prices, with workability being excellent.
Uses: indoor and outdoor furniture, cabinetry, veneers; also in turned objects, musical instruments, and for making boats.
6. African Blackwood
African blackwood is dark, almost black, and gives a luxurious look. Even and fine texture with high durability and density work with African blackwood is challenging.
Uses: stylish flooring, bespoke furniture, interior and exterior applications, wall panels.
7. Ziricote
Another wood variety with dark wood type is Ziricote, most commonly found in Caribbean and Central American regions. Ziricote has interlocked grain, fine texture, high durability and density, and also moderate workability. It is medium-dark brown in color with dark streaks.
Uses: outdoor and indoor furniture, kitchenware, cabinetry, carvings
Also read: Luxury Bedroom Interior Design
Properties of Dark Wood Types
Dark woods, like most hardwoods, share the same characteristics:
- Strong, dense, and durable.
- Range in color from intense dark (black—ebony) to medium/dark brown/reddish-brown.
- All dark hardwoods have a similar dark appearance.
- Generally, the dark wood types are thought of as matching more aesthetically than lighter woods, as-is or without a finish.
- These can often be seen as more visually appealing than lighter woods with or without a finish. Toughness has usually made them a bit tricky to work.
Styling Tips for Space Using Dark Wood
Dark wood interiors can give an elegant touch to any room, yet they can be so without any styling. Here are some friendly hacks that would help you style your home with those dark wood pieces.
Combine and Match the Furniture Styles
Dark wood is very versatile and can be quite classic. There’s no hesitation in contrasting and combining with other furniture styles.
For example, put dark-wood cabinetry into a sleek, contemporary living room. It will provide a fine contrast and texture for the overall design. A light bohemian-style room could also house a dark wood-framed bed to give more depth contrast against lighter, softer-hued, and textured decor.
Cabinet Focal Points
Do not think that dark wood is limited to tables and chairs in the use of furniture.
Go for dark wood cabinetry too! All of it contributes to the form and the function but also serves as a point of interest in your kitchen, bedroom, or living room.
Choose Hardwoods That Can Last Longer
If you decide to buy dark wood furniture, you should consider selecting an article of durable hardwood, such as teak or African blackwood. Such wood has been quite hard and would sustain wear and tear otherwise for decades; therefore, consider it a worthwhile investment for your house.
Useful Article: How to Hang Floating Shelves
Pros and Cons of Dark Wood Types
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong, Extremely Durable | Rare and Expensive |
| Resistant to rots, insects, and termites | Heat absorption |
| Natural look for a long time | Design Limitation |
| Stunning, beautiful, and premium furniture | Scratches are visible. |
Read more: Modern Grey House with Black Trim
FAQs About Dark Wood Types
What type of wood is darkest?
It most likely would be ebony. This wood is among the darkest varieties available and is extremely black in color.
How Is the Rich Color of Dark Wood Maintained?
Dark-colored objects should be regularly dusted, polished, and, at times, they should be refinished because of the wear and tear to preserve their new look.
Scratches are more easily shown by dark wood, so extra caution must also be used to not get involved.
Is There Any Inexpensive Dark Wood?
The American black walnut is inarguably among the cheapest dark woods on our list up here.
Note, though, that the majority of types of dark wood are highly priced, especially ebony, African blackwood, and purpleheart.
So if you want a cheaper way of acquiring dark wood, consider staining the readily available and affordable wood types—like oak—for a darker finish.
How Can You Darken Light Woods?
Use a good quality stain or dye to enhance the grain and apply it in thin, even layers on light wood species such as birch, oak, and pine to get that rich, dark wood look.
Once you achieve the desired color, apply a clear finish compatible with it to protect your furniture and give it a luxe, sophisticated look.