The selection process
Find the perfect stain for your floor and your home
Hardwood flooring doesn’t get enough credit for its versatility. People tend to think that all wood looks basically the same. That is until they try to pick a wood stain and realize just how many options they have. Light, dark, natural, bold? The choices are overwhelming. As you learn how to stain hardwood floors, keep these important considerations in mind:
Wood Species
Different species of wood take to the staining process in very different ways. For example, birch, maple, and pine floors are difficult to stain evenly and often look better with no stain at all. Oak, by contrast, is very easy to stain and offers up lots of color options. Keep this in mind as you browse through stains, and don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert. If you act early enough, there may be ways to modify the sanding and curing process to make your stain project easier overall.
Lighting
How much light, both natural and artificial, does the space get and what kind of ambiance are you trying to create? Lighter stains show off more of the wood’s natural features and can help to open up a space that is cramped or dim. Darker stains have the opposite effect and are good for rooms with a comfortably cozy feel, or that are already quite bright.
Traffic
Even the best-kept hardwood floors will start to show signs of wear and tear over time. If you have a lighter stain those scratches and scrapes and likely to stand out more. Darker stains will tend to hide these inevitable imperfections, but they also hide the features that give the hardwood its unique character.
Style
You are free to decorate your home in any way you want and buck any style trend that you don’t like. If, however, you’re going for a more seamless look, keep in mind that lighter stains tend to compliment more traditional and rustic looks. Darker stains look better in modern settings. That means you can use the staining process to replicate the existing look and feel of your home, or give it an entirely different look and feel.
Staining is Easy at Just Around the Corner
The staining process can be intimidating because you basically only get one shot at it. Feel confident about the process with the help of Just Around the Corner. We can show you tons of stain options, help you explore choices, and even do the staining for you if you’d like. Our expertise makes the process easier on you and ensures a gorgeous outcome. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
-
2 mins
