How to Choose the Right Stain for Your Wooden Floor
Getting the shade right first time
Staining gives you the freedom to make a floor lighter, darker, warmer or cooler. Whether you want to tone down yellow pine, give oak a Scandinavian feel or go for a deep espresso shade, stain makes it possible. But stain is also the step where expectations and reality are most likely to differ, so it pays to choose carefully.
The role of the timber
Different timbers take up colour in very different ways. Oak has an open grain that takes stain evenly and predictably. Pine is softer and less even, so some areas soak up more colour than others. Dense timbers such as maple and beech absorb less, making deep colours difficult.
Older wood behaves differently again. Reclaimed and original boards have been exposed to light and air for decades, and their natural colour will show through the stain. Newer replacement boards can take stain differently, another reason we use reclaimed timber for repairs.
The importance of samples
Colour charts and online images are a useful starting point, but they cannot show how a stain will look on your floor. After sanding, we apply sample patches directly to your floor so you can judge the true result. Look at the samples at different times of day, as natural daylight, evening lamps and artificial light all change how a colour reads.
Judge samples from where you normally stand, not just on your knees.
View them under different lighting.
Compare samples with your walls, rugs and furniture.
Keep in mind that the finish will deepen the colour a little.
If in doubt, choose the lighter of two options.
Popular colour choices
Natural and light tones
Light, natural and white-washed shades make rooms feel bigger and brighter, and they hide dust well. They are especially popular on oak and work well in modern and Scandinavian-style interiors.
Greys and smoked tones
Grey and smoky stains give a modern look and calm down warm timbers. Grey is the colour most affected by the timber underneath, so sampling is vital.
Dark and rich tones
Deep shades bring drama and elegance to larger spaces. Be aware that darker colours show dust, scratches and paw prints more easily.
What to watch out for
Choosing from a photo or chart without testing on your own floor.
Picking a very dark shade for a small or dimly lit room.
Not allowing for blotchy absorption on softwoods.
Deciding before seeing the colour under the topcoat.
Choosing the floor in isolation from the rest of the room.
The best way to avoid disappointment is to test carefully and take your time. A little patience at the sampling stage is far better than living with the wrong colour for years.
How staining fits into the process
Staining happens after the floor has been fully sanded and before the finish goes on. Because stain highlights any marks left by sanding, the final sanding stage must be especially thorough. The stain is applied evenly by hand, working with the grain, and left to dry before the first coat of oil or lacquer. Staining typically adds a little extra time, particularly in cooler conditions.
The essentials at a glance
Every timber absorbs stain differently, so the same colour can look very different on oak, pine or maple.
Judge samples on your actual floor, in daylight and in the evening, before making a final choice.
The oil or lacquer on top will enrich the shade a little and change how it reflects the light.
Pale colours are forgiving and open up a room, whereas dark colours show dust and scratches more easily.
When in doubt between two options, choosing the slightly lighter shade is rarely a mistake.
Protecting a stained floor
Stain is about colour, not protection. It always needs a protective finish on top, which can enrich the colour. Tinted hardwax oils are another option, combining colour and protection.
Ready to explore some colours? Our wood floor staining service includes sample patches on your own boards before anything is committed. To get an idea of the cost, check our price guide.