When you are refinishing your hardwood floors, picking a stain color doesn't have to be difficult. 
First, you need to generally understand what direction you want to go...do you want light floors, dark floors or midtones? Lighter will make the space look larger and brighter and often more contemporary. Dark floors will look more formal and traditional. Mid tones are generally cozy. No right or wrong answers here...just depends on what you like and what tone and mood you want to set.
Usually, the color does not affect the price...unless you want to go natural w/ no stain which usually costs a little bit less.
Another important consideration is whether you like red tones or brown tones. Customers seem to be split on this. Again, no right or wrong answer, but look at the samples to see which ones you gravitate towards.
Then, you need to choose gloss level - is it glossy or semi-gloss or satin or matte...depends on how shiny you want it. Currently satin is most stylish...prob. 90% of my customers use this. It's also very practical as it doesn't show the scratches as much as the glossier finishes (the glossier it is, the more the scratches and dents will reflect in the light).
As long as you have someone guide you through this, it's fairly simple. But, here's where my customers get tripped up....in picking the exact shade. They can often get to the right area, but get thrown by the nuances of the shades on the tiny samples. This is because the sample isn't on real wood + there is color variation in the wood....so different planks will accept the stain differently - some planks lighter and some darker. When people look down at their hardwood floors, they see exactly what I'm telling them...but then they get more confused...so how do I pick a color now?
Well here's the simple solution...just get the color in the ballpark. From there, my guys will bring you a few similar stain colors and test it on YOUR floor. That is much better since every floor is slightly different. The stain will look different on red oak vs. white oak. It will look different pending the grade of wood you have (e.g select grade or #1, or #2 common or a mix). So how could a stain chip possibly reflect all of this???? The answer is, it can't. So, see for yourself on your own floor. Test some sections. It's easier to see in a larger section than just a tiny sample. My guys can even create a blend of colors for you.
So hire someone you can trust and someone who will work with you in the process. Patience is important.
If you're looking to refinish your hardwood floors in Westchester NY or Stamford CT area, give us a call at Floor Coverings International and let us "bring the store to your door." For a little extra, we do offer dustless sanding as well. 914-937-2950.
Comments (23)Subscribe to CommentsComment