Your floors can stop people in their tracks – in the best way. With the right stain or finish, hardwood floors not only look beautiful and enhance the beauty of the interior design of the home, but the finish can also extend the life of wood floors and make them durable enough to withstand your clients’ lifestyles.
Nowadays, there are many different shades and finishes of hardwood stains. These can range from neutral or natural tones to ones that offer a bit more customization – like blue tones or greys.
Types of Wood Stains
Depending on your aesthetic preference, it is easy to make your floors your own. City Floor proudly provides all the floor finishing options you could ever need to make your hardwood floors pop.
- Oil-Based Stains: These stains penetrate deeply into the wood, providing rich color and enhancing the natural grain patterns. They require longer drying times but offer excellent durability.
- Water-Based Stains: Known for their quick drying time and low odor, water-based stains are environmentally friendly options. They are ideal for lighter shades and are easy to clean up.
- Gel Stains: Gel stains have a thicker consistency, making them easier to control and apply. They are suitable for vertical surfaces and intricate woodwork.
- Penetrating Stains: These stains seep into the wood fibers, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood while providing long-lasting color.
It might seem overwhelming when deciding which type and tone of stain to choose for your hardwood floor – but fortunately, there are ways to narrow it down! These include:
- Wood Type: Different wood species absorb stains differently, affecting the final color. Consider the type of wood you have when selecting a stain.
- Color Preference: Determine the desired color and tone you want for your hardwood floor. Test samples on a small area to see how the stain looks on your specific wood.
- Opacity: Decide whether you want a transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque finish. Transparency levels affect how much of the wood grain will show through the stain.
- Compatibility with Finish: Ensure that the wood stain you choose is compatible with the finish you plan to apply after staining. Some stains may not work well with certain finishes.
Achieving Your Desired Look
Once you’ve picked your stain color and finish, you can achieve your desired look by following the guidelines and curing times for your specific choice. By following these rules, it is simple to get exactly what you want.
To achieve your aesthetic goals, the finish is what makes the stain. Selecting the appropriate finish for your hardwood floor is crucial in enhancing its durability and appearance. It all comes down to your preference, the traffic within your home or business, and what kind of ‘feel’ you want to bring to the room.
Types of Finishes
- Polyurethane: Provides a durable and protective layer that resists scratches and moisture.
- Varnish: Offers a glossy, satin, or matte finish while protecting the wood from wear and tear.
- Oil-Based Finishes: Enhance the natural beauty of wood while providing a warm, rich finish.
All of the finish options can be further customized for gloss level, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Perfecting Hardwood Floors One Stain at a Time
If you are still feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone! We love helping customers find the right tone and finish for their hardwood floors (and we love seeing the before and afters!). As a contractor, you may also find this guide helpful when assisting your own clients.
