How to Choose the Right Stain for Your Wooden Floor
Getting the shade right first time
A stain is one of the quickest ways to change the look of a room. 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.
Timber changes everything
Every species of wood absorbs stain differently. 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. Maple and beech are dense and can resist stain, so darker shades are harder to achieve.
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. Repairs with newer timber may take colour slightly differently, which is why matching reclaimed boards are always preferred.
Test samples on your own floor
Brochures and photos only tell you so much. We always apply test patches on the sanded floor itself, so you can see the real colour with the real timber in your room's light. 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.
Check them in morning, afternoon and evening light.
Hold up paint swatches, fabrics and furniture samples next to them.
Remember the topcoat will slightly change the final shade.
If in doubt, choose the lighter of two options.
Popular colour choices
Light and Scandinavian
Light, natural and white-washed shades make rooms feel bigger and brighter, and they hide dust well. They suit oak particularly well and fit contemporary interiors.
Grey and smoked oak
Greys and smoked shades create a contemporary feel and can neutralise the yellow tones of older timber. They need careful sampling, as greys can look very different from one floor to the next.
Dark and rich tones
Dark stains look luxurious and dramatic, particularly in period homes and large rooms. Be aware that darker colours show dust, scratches and paw prints more easily.
Mistakes to avoid
Choosing from a photo or chart without testing on your own floor.
Going too dark too quickly, which can make small rooms feel smaller.
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. This usually adds a few hours to the job, or longer in cold weather.
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.
If you are torn between two colours, the lighter of the two is usually the safer choice.
Protecting a stained floor
A stain only adds colour; it does not protect the wood. 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. For costs, see our price guide.