Should oak floors be stained?

If this is not the look you’re going for, or you want to completely transform how they look, then staining is a great option. Luckily, oak floors are perfect candidates for being stained and take stain application extremely well when the proper techniques are used.

What colors can you stain oak hardwood floors?

On that note, red/brown shaded stains like Walnut and Chestnut have a very warming, homey effect in a home and are a very safe bet. Lighter shades like Cherry and Golden Oak will accent the natural grains and beauty of a floor while still giving it some depth and color.

What is the best finish for oak flooring?

Water-Based Polyurethane Arguably the most popular surface finish for hardwood flooring, water-based polyurethane provides a clear finish and has the traditional hardwood look and feel.

How do you prepare oak for staining?

Sand Thoroughly The best way to stain wood is to prepare the wood surface by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and creating a darker color.

Does stained oak darken over time?

Why Does Oak Wood Change Colors Over Time? Oak wood may darken slightly over time, taking on more amber tones. This happens due to exposure to oxygen and UV light, making it a largely unavoidable process.

How many coats of stain do I need for oak floors?

The standard for a hardwood floor is at least three coats. This consists of one seal coat (which may be the stain) and two coats of finish. Additional costs of finish may be applied depending on the need.

How do you stain oak floors?

Here are the steps to stain a floor.

Ensure that the floor will take the stain well. Certain species, such as maple, birch, fir, and pine typically do not take well to stains.
Test it out.
Sand the floor.
Screen the floor.
Clean up the dust.
Optional: Water pop the floor.
Apply the stain.
Let the stain dry completely.