Your Refresher Guide To Staining Hardwood Floors

By Cezar

With their rich beauty and undeniable warmth, hardwood floors, particularly those with appealing hardwood floor stain colors, are found in over 60% of homes today. Keeping wood floors looking fresh and vibrant is where the choice of hardwood floor stain colors comes in. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about staining hardwoods, from types of stains to popular hardwood floor stain colors and step-by-step applications.

What Is Hardwood Staining?

A wood stain is a coloring agent that soaks into the top layer of hardwood, altering its appearance. Staining provides both aesthetic benefits — you can dramatically change the look of floors with different colors — and protection. The pigments seal and condition wood against daily wear.

On average, stained hardwood floors need to be refinished every 5 to 10 years. This involves sanding off the old stains and finishing and applying new ones. Floors can be stained and refinished numerous times, with each application bringing new life.

Best Wood Floor Stain Colors for Hardwood Flooring

Types of Stains

There are many types of stain on the market. A good way to differentiate them is by the agent or solvent. The three main agents or solvents used for hardwood staining are oil, water, and gel.

Any solvent can either carry a dye, which will directly alter the color of the wood, or a pigment, which will obscure the color of the wood and present a new color. Stains containing pigments will usually hide the grain of the wood either partially or completely, so opt for a dye-style stain if you’re attached to your grain pattern!

Oil Stains

Oil-based stains are renowned for their ability to deeply penetrate hardwood thanks to their viscous consistency anchored by natural oils. Tung, linseed, and walnut oil are commonly used to create an oil-based stain’s thick, rich texture. This allows pigments to soak down into the grain for an exceptionally durable color that maintains its vibrancy for years of wear. According to industry testing, oil-based stains can last 2–3 times longer than water-based options before needing reapplication. The oils also add warm, attractive undertones to the final stained color. However, oil-based stains require longer drying times between coats — up to 5–6 hours — due to the need to fully cure within the wood’s pores. Proper ventilation is a must when applying indoors, as oil-based stains contain up to 80% more VOCs than water-based.

Staining Hardwood Floors

Water Stains

Water-based stains offer impressive benefits in ease and speed of application. Their thin, quick-drying consistency resembles water itself, with drying times of just 60–90 minutes between coats. The reduced odor and easy soap-and-water cleanup also make water-based stains the best option for DIYers. In consumer testing, over 90% of homeowners found water-based stains significantly less irritating to apply than oil-based ones. However, water does not allow for the same depth of penetration into the wood as oil. This can lead to poorer durability and faster wearing of the stain color, with reapplication needed 25-50% sooner. Water-based stains are also more likely to unevenly coat wood surfaces, resulting in lap marks or blotchiness if not applied carefully.

Gel-Based

The distinguishing characteristic of gel stains is their ultra-thick, gelatinous consistency. This makes the application akin to spreading jelly across the wood surface. The thickness allows pigments to adhere well to vertical surfaces without dripping or running. Consumer testing found gel stains to be 95% less prone to drips compared to liquid oil and water-based stains. This makes gel stains a top pick for railings, furniture, cabinets, and other detailed staining. However, the poor penetration into horizontal hardwood means gel stains are not suitable for full-floor staining projects. Long drying times of up to 24 hours are needed between coats, over 4 times longer than water-based stains.

Popular Colors

Choosing stain color for hardwood floors is an exciting yet challenging process. The stain will set the entire tone for your space, so it’s crucial to select the right shade. There are endless options, from nearly natural clear coats to dramatic opaque stains. That being said, to start your search, here are some of the most popular hardwood stain colors:

Natural Stains

These products only lightly stain the wood, letting most of its natural color and grain shine through. Usually, these stains are very neutral or slightly warm-toned for a cozy feeling.
Light and natural stain colors are a foolproof choice. They add just a touch of warmth while letting the wood’s natural beauty take center stage. Popular neutral stains softly enhance the grain with beige and tan tones. This creates a relaxed, organic look. Go for extra clarity with whitewashed and pickled finishes for an airy, coastal vibe.

Dark Stains

On the other end of the spectrum, dark stains make a bold statement. Rich espresso and jacobean stains saturate floors with sumptuous cocoa, ebony, and charcoal hues. The mattified finish gives off an elegant, expensive look. Just take care of small spaces, as dark colors can make rooms feel smaller. For contrast, try pairing a deep floor stain with bright white trim and walls.
A perennial favorite that is still very popular, dark stains with a matte finish give an air of understated luxury to a space. They range from coffee to dark browns and greys.

How To Choose Between Hardwood Floor Stain Colors

Highlight the Grain

These stains have a white pigment that strongly highlights the natural grain of the wood. This is a great way to show off the beauty of your hardwood as nature intended! Whitewashed and pickled stains open up the wood’s pores to emphasize the distinctive patterns and variations. The muted white coating creates visual texture and interest while allowing the warmth of the grain below to show through. Weathered white and natural oak stains are popular choices to achieve this timeworn, relaxed effect. Going for a bright white highlight stain has a light and airy Farmhouse or cottage feel.

Always test samples of hardwood floor stain colors before committing to a full floor application. Factors such as floor traffic, lighting, and furnishings significantly impact how the stain’s hue is perceived in your space. A flooring professional can guide you through the entire staining process, from selecting the right hardwood floor stain colors to ensuring a flawless application. Their expert advice will help you make the perfect stain choice that transforms your home.

The Staining Process Step-by-Step

Achieving flawless results by staining floors yourself is challenging. Consider hiring a professional for the best outcomes. If staining DIY, follow these basic steps:

  • Prep floors by sanding to bare wood and removing any old finishes, stains, or sealants.
  • Thoroughly vacuum, then wipe with a tack cloth dampened with mineral spirits to pick up all dust.
  • Stir stain well and apply an even coat with a brush, cloth, or applicator. Work with the grain.
  • Allow to dry fully before evaluating coverage and applying a second coat if needed.
  • Once staining is complete, apply 2–3 coats of a protective polyurethane finish.
  • Lightly sand finish with fine grit sandpaper and wipe clean between coats.

Caring for Stained Hardwoods

With proper care, your stained floors can look beautiful for years. Follow these maintenance tips:

  • Sweep and vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
  • Wipe spills promptly to avoid water damage.
  • Use felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can wear down the finish.
  • Reapply water-based stains every 3–5 years and oil-based every 5–7 years.

Get Professional Results

For stunning hardwood floors that will make your home shine, trust the staining process of expert flooring contractors. Their skills and high-quality equipment can give you a flawless, professional outcome that protects your investment and enhances your decor for years of enjoyment.

Summary

Staining hardwood floors can completely transform the look and feel of your home. With proper preparation, technique, and maintenance, stained floors will retain their beauty for years to come. While DIY staining is possible, hiring a professional ensures a flawless, durable result. With their expertise in colors, techniques, and equipment, trusted flooring contractors are your best partner for stunning stained floors that stand the test of time.