When you have wood floors, choosing the right floor stain can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your home. Whether you are renovating an existing home or building a new one, selecting the right floor stain requires careful consideration of a variety of factors, including the type of wood, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. The perfect stain for your home will elevate your space and help your home feel more complete.
1. Wood type:
Different types of wood will respond differently to stains, so choosing a stain compatible with your flooring material is essential. For example, some stains will not absorb evenly into hardwoods like oak and maple, leaving a blotchy appearance. However, a professional will know which type of stain best suits the wood in your home and how to apply it correctly.
2. Color:
Floor stains come in many colors from light tans to dark browns and grays. Consider the existing décor of your home and the desired mood you wish to create when choosing a color. Light-colored floor stains brighten a room and tend to hide messes and imperfections better than dark colors. This is because light colors reflect more light, making scratches and scuffs less noticeable. Additionally, light colors make spaces look larger and more open, which can be particularly beneficial in smaller rooms. On the other hand, dark-colored floor stains have a dramatic and bold effect, but they tend to highlight imperfections and messes more easily. Spills, scratches, and scuffs tend to stand out more on dark flooring, making keeping the floors clean and free of blemishes more important. You may also take into consideration your long-term plans for your home. If you plan to make it your home for many years to come, you may choose any spunky and colorful stains, ranging from teal to orange. If you are in a more temporary situation with your home, you may consider choosing a more neutral and popular color overall.
3. Finish:
The finish of your floor stain will determine how durable and protective it is. Oil-based stains are more durable than water-based ones but take longer to dry. Water-based stains dry faster and are less fragrant but can wear off more quickly. However, it is worth noting that different stains, regardless of color, will have various levels of durability and resistance to messes. It is recommended to apply a top coat, such as polyurethane, to seal the stain regardless of how durable the finish is, as stains on their own do not provide much protection.
4. Maintenance:
Think about how much care you can put into your flooring. Some stains are more high-maintenance and require frequent reapplication while others are low-maintenance and can last for years without touch-ups. Floors in locations with a lot of foot traffic are more likely to accumulate scuff marks. Put rugs on the floor in front of doors to protect your hardwood floors from scuff marks. If scuff marks do appear, lightly scrub the floors with a damp microfiber cloth and a small amount of baking soda. Make a thicker paste of water and baking soda to scrub the floor more thoroughly if deeper scuff marks persist. Use light-grit sandpaper for sanding down a scratch if it is particularly deep. Apply the matched stain to the sanded surface. Let the stain cure completely before applying a sealant to protect the stain. These steps can be used if the stain has held up well over time and not faded from the original color. If the original stain has faded too much for a touch-up in the stain, then you may want to consider hiring a professional.
5. Household:
Take into consideration the daily movement in your home. Children and pets tend to be active and mobile around the house, causing more daily wear and tear on your floors. If you have a busy household that is prone to spills and messes, consider a durable stain in a light color since imperfections stand out more on dark colors.
After you have carefully selected the perfect floor stain for your home, it is important to ensure that the application process is done properly to achieve the desired results. Hiring a professional flooring contractor can be a great way to ensure that your floors are stained correctly and with high quality materials. A skilled contractor will be able to take the time to properly prepare the surface, apply the stain evenly, and finish the floors to perfection. 
Zoe Reeves
Home & Yard Magazine
