Picking a Stain Colour for Your 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.
Why the same stain looks different on every floor
Every species of wood absorbs stain differently. Oak has an open grain that takes stain evenly and predictably. Pine and other softwoods are less predictable: the soft growth rings absorb more colour than the hard rings, which can lead to blotchy or striped results. 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. 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. View them in daylight and in the evening, because lighting makes a big difference.
Look at samples both close up and from standing height.
View them under different lighting.
Hold up paint swatches, fabrics and furniture samples next to them.
Keep in mind that the finish will deepen the colour a little.
When unsure, a slightly lighter shade is usually safer.
Current favourites
Pale finishes
Pale tones open up small rooms and are forgiving with dust and pet hair. They suit oak particularly well and fit contemporary interiors.
Cool and smoky shades
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.
Deep colours
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.
What to watch out for
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.
Avoiding these mistakes is simple when you take the time to sample properly. A little patience at the sampling stage is far better than living with the wrong colour for years.
How staining fits into the process
The stain is applied once sanding is complete and before any protective coats. A stained floor shows every sanding mark, so the final passes need extra care. We apply the colour by hand along the grain and allow it to dry before sealing. Staining typically adds a little extra time, particularly in cooler conditions.
Key points to remember
Oak, pine and maple all react differently to stain, which is why the same product can give very different results.
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.
Lighter shades hide dust and make rooms feel bigger, while darker shades show marks more clearly.
When in doubt between two options, choosing the slightly lighter shade is rarely a mistake.
Stain and finish together
A stain only adds colour; it does not protect the wood. Once dry, it must be sealed with oil or lacquer, which will slightly deepen the shade and add a sheen. Some customers choose a tinted oil instead, which colours and protects in one product and is easy to touch up later.
Thinking about a new colour for your floor? 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.