Hardwood Flooring Stain Options

There are many different stain shades available. Although color charts are helpful, what looks right printed on paper will always look different on its intended surface. Also, different types of floors can look different with the same stain, so consider the species.

Stain will also look a little different on refinished flooring than on newly installed wood, but proper sanding will help it accept the stain better. Try several different stain colors on a sample of the same kind of wood as your flooring to get a good idea of the final result.

Hardwood flooring can come in a variety of different shades and colors. The most popular stain options include:

• Natural looks like bare wood.
• Light is a very popular shade of stain because it darkens the grain and adds a subtle tone to the wood. It often has a slight tan hue to it.
• Medium is another popular choice. It’s darker than the light, so both the grain and the wood will have an obviously darker pigment, commonly a medium-brown hue.
• Dark is usually a very dark brown and has a very rich feel.
• A custom color refers to any color besides tan/brown/sand. Many homeowners have chosen a bright red or deep green stain with striking results. Often it is best to choose a vibrant color for smaller areas or rooms as too much of a non-neutral color can prove to be overwhelming.

Once you think you have found the stain you want, take some home and try it in an inconspicuous place, such as inside a closet, if possible.

Be sure to wait until the stain is dry before you make any decisions. Keep in mind that while paint often dries darker than it looks at first when it’s wet, but stain will usually dry lighter