From long-lasting durability to easy maintenance requirements, hardwood floors offer many attractive benefits to homeowners. But another reason this material is so popular is its impressive adaptability. Whenever floors are installed or refinished, they can be stained to create a unique tone that fits with your home’s aesthetic. But with so many staining options available, it can be tough to choose the right color for your surfaces. To help you create a flawless floor, here are three important considerations to make when selecting a stain.

3 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Stain for Hardwood Floors

1. Material

Not all woods react to stains the same way. For example, more exotic species—such as mahogany or walnut—are often too oily to respond to stains properly. Given their natural beauty, it’s usually best to just leave these materials untreated. By contrast, oak and ash flooring is very porous and easy to transform.

The color of the wood will also impact the look of the stain. Red oak, for instance, will always have a reddish hue that is emphasized under lighter stains. As such, these colors tend to pair best with darker stains. Pine, on the other hand, can turn ruddy if paired with a darker option, so they are a better fit for lighter stains.

2. Interior Design Style

You likely won’t be staining your hardwood floors again for several years, so choose a color that will easily blend with your interior design preferences. Rustic and traditional styles, for example, often requires lighter or more natural shades, as darker tones can cause too much visual disruption. However, if you’re going for a modern look, you’ll want to choose a stain that makes your floors appear sleek and uniform—such as those that are slate grey or darker.

If you’re unsure of what staining choices will fit with your interior, ask your flooring company for different samples. You can lay these samples out throughout your home to see which ones match best with your walls and furniture.

3. Existing Damage

When your floors have suffered water damage or an unintentional discoloration, the easiest way to conceal the problem is to use a darker shade. If you apply a lighter option, the existing damage will only become more apparent.

If your heart is set on a lighter hue, you may need to treat the refinished area with a bleaching agent before staining. Another option is to replace the damaged section altogether.

Whether you’re in the market for new flooring installation or want to refinish your existing surfaces, Carolina Wood Floors will create an impressive interior for your home. Backed by more than 25 years of experience, this Winston-Salem, NC, flooring company will introduce you to a variety of styling options so that you can make sure you gain the right look for your home. To learn more about their affordable hardwood floors and services, visit CWF online. For estimates, call (336) 765-0680.