Choosing Hardwood Stain
Choose the Best Stain for Your Hardwood Floor in Denver, CO
Installing a hardwood floor is a huge investment, and you want to keep that investment in top shape with expert staining and refinishing services. Fortunately, Denver, CO residents can count on A+ Hardwood Floors for all their wood flooring needs. We have 25 years of experience and are well-positioned to help you stain hardwood floors and protect them in the long run. Our team will discuss a variety of factors, from your favorite colors to your existing home décor. At A+ Hardwood Floors, we strive for high marks in customer service!
Know the Type of Hardwood You Have
First things first, you’ll need to know what kind of hardwood floors you have. There are many different species that could react differently to a stain. Depending on the size of the grains, the same color stain may look a little different on your floor than someone else’s. But never fear—our team has experience staining all kinds of hardwood floors. We can talk about the following types, among others:
- White oak
- Red oak
- Pine
- Ash wood
- Maple
- Bamboo
Consider Your Home Décor
Next, it’s time to consider what already exists in your home. As you think about a wood floor stain, you’ll want to picture how it could fit in with the rest of your décor. After all, you probably have a certain aesthetic already evident in your space. But a word of warning—try not to fall victim to short-lived trends. If your stain decision is influenced by a trend that goes out of style, you may be left unsatisfied with your floor choice. Remember, touches of current trends can be accented with less expensive and easier-to-change interior design options, such as paint colors, pieces of furniture, and window dressings.
Spin the Color Wheel
Now it’s time for the fun part—choosing a color. Take a look at any sample catalog, and you’ll find what seems like an endless spectrum of colors. But when you carefully consider your options, you’re sure to make the right decision. Here are our recommendations for choosing hardwood floor stain colors:
- Take Sunlight Into Account: Look at the space you plan to stain. How much natural sunlight comes in? If you choose a dark stain in a dark room, you may end up feeling like you’re living in a basement. On the flip side, if you choose a bright stain in a bright room, you may want to wear sunglasses indoors.
- Remember Resale Value: If you don’t plan to stay in your home long-term, you’ll want to think about resale value. Opting for an unconventional wood floor stain may make selling your home more difficult.
- Trust Your Style: Above all, you want a floor you love. As you narrow down wood floor stain colors, don’t forget to take your own style into account. With so many options, you likely won’t have to compromise practically for beauty.
Go Dark or Step Into the Light
Stain colors for hardwood floors range from very light to exceedingly dark. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re feeling the pressure of choosing between light and dark stains, check out our guide for picking the perfect shade:
Why Go Dark?
Dark floors are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to any space. Kitchens and bathrooms can especially benefit from them, as they tend to hide blemishes much better than lighter floors. They can result in a cozier overall feel, and their dramatic darkness can always be offset by lighter walls and furniture. In addition to these benefits, it’s important to note a few cons as well:
- May make a room feel smaller
- Scratches may be more visible
- Requires more frequent cleaning as dust and pet hair may stand out
Why Go Light?
Many people prefer staining hardwood floors with light colors, as they make rooms feel larger and can be easier to accent with décor. They also pair well with light paint colors and sheer curtains. The natural grains of the wood are much easier to see and create a classic farmhouse feel. However, lighter shades don’t have the same dramatic effect as dark options and can show stains and imperfections more clearly.
Ask Us About Samples
Once you have it narrowed down to just a few choices, talk to us about samples. We’re glad to present you with a few samples to take home before you actually stain your hardwood floors. We encourage you to live with them for a bit. As you pass through the rooms, notice how each of the samples interacts with other elements of the room, such as the painted walls, furniture, or curtains. Take note of the tone during the day when the sun is shining and at night when lighting reflects off the floors. Having ample time to observe each sample under all these different conditions will give you a true sense of how your new floor color choice will look and feel in the room. Taking full advantage of samples ensures you’ll make the most of your flooring investment.
Taking Care of All Your Wood Flooring Needs
Many people get tripped by how to choose hardwood flooring and an appropriate stain color. Thankfully, Denver residents can count on A+ Hardwood Floors for world-class customer service and exceptional results. We’re proud to offer an array of services for our valued customers, from staining and refinishing to repairs and maintenance. Contact us today to further explore hardwood stain options.