Dark Types of Wood [13 Reliable Dark Wood Types]

Wood naturally comes in various shades, such as brown, tan, and even black. So when it comes to decorating with wood, there are several types of finishes that can lighten or darken the wood’s color to fit your desired look. Dark woods, in particular, can add a classic feel to any space and give rooms an elegant yet modern touch. In this article, we’ll look at 13 reliable dark wood types that you may want to consider for your next interior design project as well as reasons why it might be beneficial to use them and tips on how to care for them.

What is Dark Wood Types?

Dark wood types, also known as black woods, are any type of wood that has a natural dark coloration and is dense and heavy. These woods come in many colors, ranging from chocolate brown to reddish brown or deep grey, purple, and even black. This means that technically dark wood types can cover any wood that has a dark tone, regardless of the species.

Why Are Some Woods Darker than Others?

As we already mentioned, dark wood types are any type of wood that has a natural dark hue. So let’s look at some of the factors that affect the darkness of the wood.

Natural Components

Lignins and extractives are some of the natural components in wood that give it its color, and their concentration can vary from species to species. The difference in lignin in trees is what gives each species its unique coloration, so with dark woods, you’ll want to look for species that are richer in lignin.

Environmental Factors

The environment a tree grows in can also have an effect on its color. Trees that are exposed to more sunlight tend to be darker, as do trees that grow at higher elevations. This is due to the increased ultraviolet radiation that these trees are exposed to, which helps break down the lignins in the wood.

Age of the Tree

The age of the tree can also play a role in its color. Generally, the younger trees will provide lighter wood which darkens in color with age. So for darker woods, you’ll want to look for species that are older and more mature.

Related: How To Make Dark Stained Wood Lighter

13 Reliable Dark Woods and Their Characteristics

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what dark wood types are, let’s look at some specific species that you may want to consider for your next project.

1. Ebony

Ebony is one of the darkest woods around, with a deep black coloration. It is extremely dense and hard, which makes it both durable and difficult to work with. This makes it one of the most sought-after woods and can cost a premium.

Further, Ebony is native to tropical climates and can take years to mature. It is also one of the most expensive woods currently available on the market.

2. Wenge

Wenge is a deep brown wood with black streaks, making it appear almost black in color. Sometimes referred to as African Rosewood, it is a very dense and hard wood that is often used in the construction of furniture and other pieces. It has a fine texture which can make it difficult to work with but also adds to its overall beauty.

3. Jatoba

Jatoba is a reddish-brown wood with darker streaks running through it. It is one of the densest woods available and is often sought after for its unique coloration. It has a medium to coarse texture which makes it relatively easy to work with.

4. Jarrah

Jarrah is a deep reddish-brown wood that can almost appear black due to the dark streaks running throughout it. Jarrah is an exceptionally strong wood and can be used for outdoor furniture, decking, and other construction applications. In interior design, it’s often found in flooring or accent walls.

Jarrah needs to be treated with a special oil or sealant to maintain its color, prevent fading, and lock out moisture that may cause warping or splitting. This is especially important for outdoor applications. It’s also important to keep Jarrah furniture out of direct sunlight, as it can cause the wood to fade and become brittle over time.

5. American Black Walnut

American Black Walnut is a dark-brown wood with deep reddish highlights running through it. It has a medium texture which makes it easy to work with, and its deep coloration makes it perfect for furniture or accent pieces.

It’s important to note that American Black Walnut is relatively soft compared to other woods and can scratch easily. It’s best to use it for interior pieces, or if you do use it outdoors, make sure to sand and seal the surface periodically.

6. Cherry Wood

Cherry is a light-brown wood that darkens over time. This makes it perfect for those looking to add some variation in color to their project. It also has a fine texture which makes it easy to work with and is often used for furniture pieces or accent walls.

In order to prevent fading, it should be kept out of direct sunlight and treated with an oil finish regularly. Cherry Wood can also be prone to cracking if the environment is too dry so it’s important to keep it in a relatively humid environment.

7. Mahogany

Mahogany is a classic dark-brown wood with deep reddish highlights running through it. It has a medium to coarse texture which makes it easy to work with, and its coloration makes it perfect for furniture or accent pieces.

Mahogany is relatively soft compared to other woods and can scratch easily. It’s best to use it for interior pieces, or if you do use it outdoors, make sure to sand and seal the surface periodically.

8. Teak

Teak is a reddish-brown wood with dark streaks running through it. It is one of the densest woods available, making it perfect for outdoor furniture and applications. It is also naturally resistant to rotting, so it’s ideal for those looking for outdoor wood that will stand up to the elements.

Teak Wood needs to be treated with a special oil or sealant to maintain its color, prevent fading, and lock out moisture that may cause warping or splitting. This is especially important for outdoor applications.

9. African Blackwood

The African Blackwood is one of the rarest woods in the world, and it’s also one of the darkest. It has a dark brown color and is very dense, making it highly durable. African Blackwood is often used for ornamental furniture and instrument-making due to its beautiful grain patterns.

Occasionally, you might also find some African Blackwood with small white streaks, making for a unique look. The dark color and beautiful grain patterns make African Blackwood one of the most desired woods in the world.

10. Ziricote

Ziricote is a rare and exotic dark wood. It has a rich brown color with black streaks, and its grain is like waves of the ocean. It’s often used to make musical instruments and furniture because it’s strong and durable. Ziricote can be quite expensive, as you might get it for about $100 per board foot.

11. Purpleheart

Purpleheart is one of the most unique dark woods available due to its rich, vibrant purple color makes it a great choice for accenting features in any home or business. When exposed to sunlight, this wood tends to turn a deeper shade, making it even more eye-catching.

While this type of wood can be difficult to work with due to its hardness and density, it is great for adding a unique touch to any decor. It also has good resistance to moisture, making it suitable for outdoor use as well.

12.Cocobolo

Cocobolo is another dark wood with a unique look due to the combination of colors it has. This type of wood typically displays hues from yellow, orange, red, and black that show off its beautiful grain pattern when finished.

This wood is very hard and dense, making it an excellent choice for furniture and other projects that require durability. It is also naturally resistant to rot, making it suitable for outdoor use in applications like decking and fencing.

13. Sapele

Sapele is a type of dark wood that has a deep, reddish-brown color with darker streaks running through the grain. This wood is relatively soft compared to other types of dark woods, making it easier to work with and allowing its natural beauty to shine through.

This type of wood is commonly used in furniture and cabinetry, as well as in flooring and trim. It also has good weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use in applications like siding or decking.

Related: How to Stain Wood Darker Color

Reasons for Decorating with Dark Wood

Adds a Classic Look to any Décor

Most of the dark wood types listed above are considered classic and timeless, so they’re perfect for creating an elegant atmosphere in any setting. Their deep hues add richness to a space and can also create a feeling of warmth if used for flooring or furniture pieces.

Durable

Dark woods are generally denser than other types of wood, making them more resistant to scratches and other damages. This makes them a great choice for areas that get lots of foot traffic or where furniture might get bumped around.

Exceptional Longetivity

Dark woods tend to age gracefully, meaning they will look better with time. The natural oils in the wood helps protect it from moisture and other elements that can cause it to warp or crack over time.

Highly Valuable

Some dark woods, like African Blackwood and Ziricote, are highly sought after due to their rarity. This makes them highly valuable and even more impressive when used in décor pieces.

Cons of Decorating with Dark Wood

Unwanted Warping

Due to the high density of dark woods, they can be prone to warping when exposed to moisture or changes in temperature. This can cause your décor pieces or furniture to become misshapen and potentially even hazardous if not taken care of properly.

Expensive

Dark woods tend to be more expensive than other types of wood due to their rarity and high demand. This can make it difficult to afford if you’re on a budget.

Scarce

One major downside to dark woods is that they are not as readily available as other types of wood. This means it can be difficult to find the exact type of wood you’re looking for and might require more searching or special ordering.

Difficult to Carve

Working with dark woods can be difficult due to their hardness and density. They require special tools to carve or shape, making them more challenging for DIY projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Finish for Dark Wood?

When it comes to choosing the best finish for dark wood, it’s important to consider the type of wood you are working with and what kind of look you want to achieve. For a classic look, oil-based polyurethane is a good option as it will protect the wood from moisture while still allowing its natural beauty to shine through. For a more modern finish, water-based polyurethane is a great choice as it won’t yellow the wood and will give it a glossy finish.

How Do You Care for Dark Wood?

To care for dark wood, you should regularly clean and dust the surface to remove any dirt or debris that could cause damage. If the wood is exposed to moisture, you should use a cloth or sponge to blot up as much of the water as possible right away and then allow it to air dry completely.

You should also avoid leaving dark wood in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this can cause fading and discoloration. Additionally, refinishing your furniture or décor pieces with a fresh coat of oil or polyurethane every few years will help extend their life.

Conclusion

Dark woods are an excellent way to add a classic, timeless look to any décor. They are generally durable and long-lasting, although they can be expensive and difficult to find. Furthermore, proper care and maintenance is important in order to keep dark woods looking their best. With these tips and tricks, you should be able to confidently decorate with dark wood without any issues.

The choice to decorate with dark wood is ultimately up to personal preference and budget. Whether you want a striking statement piece or simply need some durable flooring, there are plenty of options available. With proper care and maintenance, dark woods can look stunning for years to come.