Choosing the Perfect Stain Color for Hardwoods
Lighter wood stains reveal natural patterns and brighten rooms while hiding scratches and dust. Darker stains hide imperfections but show scratches and dirt more in well-lit areas. Choose based on lighting and cleaning needs.
Hardwood floors add value to a home because they are beautiful, timeless, and durable. Finding the perfect stain color for hardwoods can maximize that added value when it complements the other wood tones and design details in the home. When looking through the endless colors to choose from, consider the species of wood chosen, the amount of light and traffic in the room, and the color and style of furniture. It is also very important to be sure about the stain color choice because once the stain has been applied, the only way to change it is to re-sand and re-stain the floor. Here are some tips for finding the perfect stain color for hardwood floors.
Consider the Species
The species of wood will make a difference in stain choices. Oak is by far the easiest wood to stain and gives the most color options. Floors made of birch, maple, and coniferous woods like pine or fir are very difficult to stain evenly and often look best when left natural. Maple and birch wood have tight grains and tiny pores, making it harder to absorb stain pigment. However, with a modified technique for sanding and conditioning, they can still be stained and make a beautiful, highly durable floor.
Lighting and Traffic
Lighter, more natural stain colors will generally show the wood’s whorls and knots and can really open up a room that is small and doesn’t get a lot of light. While the wood’s natural imperfections will show with a light stain color, the scratches, dust, and pet hair that inevitably come along with living on the floors will blend right in. Darker stains are great for camouflaging the wood’s natural imperfections but will show more scratches, dust, and pet hair, especially if the room is well-lit. So, think about how the color will affect the feel of the room and how often the floors will need cleaning.
Adore the Décor Even More
Wood floor stains are available in a rainbow of colors, so it is possible to find the perfect color to fit any décor. Unique, one-of-a-kind looks can be created with custom-mixed stains. Even if the floor is old, a whole new look can be achieved with a new stain and finish. The possibilities are endless.
Lighter stains can brighten casual spaces and go great with a country-themed interior. When selecting a stain color, also consider the degree of translucence it offers. If a lightly stained floor is desired, but the goal is to avoid seeing every whorl and knot in the wood, choose a light stain that is more opaque. Light stain colors include Country White, Golden Oak, and Neutral, among others.
Medium stains such as Sedona Red, Gunstock, and Chestnut are classic choices for homes with a more traditional décor. These colors create a richness and warmth in the room while easily complementing many other kinds of wood that might be in the home. There are also a variety of vivid and exotic hues in this realm, as well as colored tints like green and pink.
Dark stains have certainly become a favorite lately. They complement modern interiors and make other colors in the room really pop. Using darker stains like Ebony, Jacobean, and Mahogany can create a rich, stylish look and draw attention to favorite pieces of furniture.
Once it is narrowed down to a few shades, a plank of the wood flooring can be used to create a few samples with varying finishes. This way, it is possible to get a good idea of how each color will look in the home and have peace of mind when picking a favorite.
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