Choosing the right hardwood floor is only half the journey—the color and finish play a big part in how well your floor matches your home. That’s where custom staining comes in. With the right techniques, you can tailor the look of your floors to fit your style, whether it’s modern, rustic, traditional, or something in between.
At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we specialize in custom staining that highlights the natural beauty of your wood while enhancing your home’s overall feel. If you’re planning to install new hardwood or refinish your existing flooring, here’s how custom staining can help you achieve the perfect look.
Why Custom Staining Matters
Not every home has the same layout, lighting, or design style. A one-size-fits-all stain often falls short. Custom staining allows you to:
- Highlight the wood’s natural grain
- Complement your furniture and wall colors
- Create a warm or cool tone to balance your space
- Match existing wood elements like stairs, trim, or cabinetry
By working with experts like our team at Shanks Custom Hardwood, you get a finish that feels personal and complete, not generic.
Popular Custom Staining Techniques
Here are some of the techniques we use to help you match your home’s aesthetic:
1. Layered Staining
This method involves applying more than one stain to create depth and richness. It’s a great option if you want your floors to look aged or more rustic without using reclaimed wood.
2. Toning with Water or Alcohol-Based Stains
Toning helps control the intensity of the stain. Lighter tones can brighten up small or dark rooms, while medium and darker tones give a more grounded and elegant feel. Water-based stains dry quickly and have low odor, while alcohol-based stains allow more flexibility during application.
3. Wire-Brushing and Staining
If you want texture along with color, wire-brushing exposes more of the wood grain before staining. This adds character and makes the floor feel hand-crafted. It works especially well in farmhouse or vintage-style homes.
4. Custom Color Blending
We can mix stain colors to create a unique tone. This is perfect if you’re trying to match an existing finish or achieve a color you can’t find in off-the-shelf options.
Matching Your Style
Different styles call for different stain techniques. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Modern homes: Lighter stains, gray tones, or cool finishes work well.
- Traditional homes: Rich browns, reddish hues, and warm tones are often preferred.
- Rustic or farmhouse: Distressed finishes, natural stains, and textured surfaces fit best.
- Scandinavian or minimalist: Natural and whitewashed stains brighten the space without overpowering it.
Whatever your style, custom staining can help you bring it all together.
Let Shanks Custom Hardwood Help
Choosing a stain shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our team offers in-home consultations and sample testing, so you can see how different options look in your space before making a final decision. We’ve helped homeowners across Spokane customize their hardwood floors to fit their homes—and we’re ready to help you too.
Get Started with Custom Staining Today
At Shanks Custom Hardwood, we don’t just install or refinish floors—we help you make design decisions that improve the look and feel of your home. Our custom staining services are tailored to match your style and bring out the best in your flooring.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore stain options that truly fit your home’s aesthetic.