When it comes to hardwood flooring, stain color plays a big role in setting the tone for your space. The right color can enhance the natural beauty of the wood, match your home’s interior style, and even impact the way light feels in a room. At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we often help homeowners in Spokane and nearby areas choose the perfect stain to bring out the best in their floors.
Whether you’re installing new floors or refinishing existing ones, here’s what to consider when selecting a stain color.
1. Understand▬ Your Wood Species
Not all wood takes stain the same way. Oak, for example, is very stain-friendly and absorbs color evenly. Maple, on the other hand, tends to absorb stain inconsistently, which can result in blotchy finishes. If you already have hardwood floors, it’s important to know what species they are so you can make a smart stain choice. If you’re not sure, our team at Shanks Custom Hardwood can help identify it during a consultation.
2. Consider Your Home’s Lighting
Natural light affects how stain colors appear. Dark stains can make a room feel cozy, but may seem too heavy in spaces with little light. Lighter stains reflect more light and can make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Before committing to a stain color, test it on a small section of the floor and view it at different times of day. This gives you a better idea of how it will look in real life.
3. Think About Maintenance
Darker stain colors tend to show dust, scratches, and pet hair more easily than lighter tones. Lighter stains are often more forgiving when it comes to everyday wear and tear. If you have pets, kids, or high foot traffic, this is something worth considering before you settle on a final color.
4. Match Your Interior Style
Your floors are a foundation for your entire home’s design. Rich, dark stains often work well with traditional or rustic décor, while gray or natural tones complement modern or Scandinavian styles. If you’re updating your floors as part of a larger remodel, it’s helpful to bring samples of paint, furniture, or cabinet colors to your flooring consultation.
5. Choose Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains
Each type of stain has pros and cons. Oil-based stains give a rich, deep finish and take longer to dry. Water-based stains dry faster and have lower odor, but the color may not be as deep. The choice depends on your preferences and timeline. Our team will walk you through both options during your custom staining service.
6. Test Before You Decide
No matter how confident you feel about a color, always test a few options first. Stain samples can look very different once applied to your specific floor. At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we provide sample swatches on your actual floor so you can compare and make a confident decision.
Bring Your Vision to Life with Shanks Custom Hardwood
At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we specialize in custom staining and refinishing services that highlight the natural beauty of your hardwood floors. Whether you’re looking to refresh your existing flooring or create a whole new look, our experts are here to help every step of the way.
From selecting the perfect stain to professional application and finishing, we take pride in helping Spokane homeowners bring their flooring dreams to life.
Ready to update your floors? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how custom staining can transform your space.