What Color Should I Stain My Wood Floors?

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One of the biggest questions. when it comes to staining floors is: Should I get my floors stained and if so, what color should I go with?

It’s easy to see why this can be such a dilemma for some people, your floors will have a huge impact on the look of your home and if you get them wrong, you’ll be stuck with them for a long, long time.

Let’s go through a few steps to see what your decision should be.

To Stain or Not:

Before delving into the world of stain colors, consider whether staining is the right choice for your wood floors. Staining involves adding color to your floors between the sanding and the application of clear finish coats. It’s not about the final protective layers (oil or polyurethane), which are referred to as finishes.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What Type of Wood Do You Have?

If you’re fortunate enough to possess exotic or special wood like mahogany, cherry, rosewood, walnut, aged pine, or maple, think twice before staining. These woods boast natural beauty and character, and staining may not be necessary. Appreciate and showcase their inherent colors.

However, if your wood is a more common variety like red or white oak, you have a decision to make regarding whether staining would enhance its appearance.

Ok, I’ve Decided I Want to Stain My Floors… But What Color Should I Go With?

Now that you’ve chosen to add a touch of color to your floors, the next challenge is deciding which stain color to go with. It’s undoubtedly one of the more daunting decisions in the hardwood floor refinishing process. Here are some considerations and options to help guide you through this crucial choice:

Consider Your Interior Style: Reflect on your home’s overall interior style. Whether it’s traditional, modern, rustic, or eclectic, your stain color should complement and enhance the existing aesthetic.
Natural Light Exposure: The amount of natural light your space receives plays a pivotal role in how the stain will appear. Darker stains can make a room feel cozy, while lighter stains can brighten and open up a space.
Sample Testing: Don’t hesitate to test small samples of your chosen stain colors on inconspicuous areas of your floor. This will give you a better idea of how the color will look once applied to the entire surface.
Consider Trends, But Don’t Be Ruled by Them: While staying aware of current design trends is beneficial, it’s crucial to choose a color that resonates with your personal taste and complements your home’s unique features.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with flooring professionals or interior designers who can provide valuable insights based on their experience and expertise.

By carefully considering these factors, you can navigate the intimidating array of stain color options and make a decision that enhances the beauty of your wood floors and complements your home’s overall design.

This is the stain color chart from DuraSeal…

This is the stain color chart from Bona…

That’s a LOT of choice!

Unless you have the exact image in your mind of how you want your floors to look, you’ll need to find some inspiration.

One of the best places to see different flooring styles and colors is in that stack of home decoration and renovation magazines you have piled up in a corner somewhere. You should be able to find images of houses with all sorts of wood flooring colors, stains and shades within them.

Websites like Houzz are great for looking at photos too.

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