Choosing a Floor Stain Colour
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. Because colour is so personal, it is also the step that most benefits from careful planning.
Timber changes everything
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. Maple and beech are dense and can resist stain, so darker shades are harder to achieve.
The age of the timber matters too. Period boards have aged naturally, which affects the final tone. Newer replacement boards can take stain differently, another reason we use reclaimed timber for repairs.
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. View them in daylight and in the evening, because lighting makes a big difference.
Look at samples both close up and from standing height.
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.
When unsure, a slightly lighter shade is usually safer.
Shades that work well
Natural and light tones
Pale tones open up small rooms and are forgiving with dust and pet hair. They are especially popular on oak and work well in modern and Scandinavian-style interiors.
Greys and smoked tones
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.
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.
Mistakes to avoid
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.
Judging the colour before the finish is applied.
Choosing the floor in isolation from the rest of the room.
Avoiding these mistakes is simple when you take the time to sample properly. We would always rather spend a little longer on samples than have you live with a colour you are not happy with.
The staining stage
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.
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 protective finish applied over the stain will slightly deepen the colour and add some sheen.
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.
Stain and finish together
Stain is about colour, not protection. Once dry, it must be sealed with oil or lacquer, which will slightly deepen the shade and add a sheen. Tinted hardwax oils are another option, combining colour and protection.
Ready to explore some colours? Our wood floor staining service always includes test samples on your floor in Croydon, so you can choose with confidence. For costs, see our price guide.