Warren, MI on Oct 10, 2011

I am getting ready to sand and stain my hardwood living room floor.

I want a dark stain because the floors are rather old and not in the best of shape, what is a really good brand and what is the best color? I love black walnut which is what some of my furniture is stained.

17 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Hi Deborah,
If black walnut is what strikes your fancy, then I say go for it. It's really no better or worse than any other color (so this is really a question of aesthetics here). MinWax and Cabot's are both good brands and easy to find at any home improvement store.

on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

That sounds nice; darker floors look rich. I would not go too dark; I have seen floors that show every spec of dust, etc.
CPeace

on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

What ever color you choose is for your personal taste. I would start on a few sample spots going from light to darker until you find the darkness that you like. Remember the dark color will make room feel warmer and smaller so choose properly and carefully.
As far as brand name. Most are pretty good. Some are oil stains, some water and still some are lacquer based. The type you choose will be dependent on what is on the floor already and to what ...»
extent your going to sand the old finish off. You simply cannot put stain over the old finish as it will come off quite fast if it sticks at all.
The more you spend on the products typically means the better the quality. I use Minwax finishes. They tend to be pretty easy to use and results oftentimes is very good.

on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
Nichter's Home Services C... Islesboro, ME

What flooring do you have? Some, ,like hard Maple will not take a dark stain well.

on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
Deborah D Warren, MI

In answer to Nichter's Home Services, my floor has a pretty distinctive grain; looks like Oak to me. The home was the first one built in this particular area and is pretty old, I'd say probably 1930's

on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Can you post a pic of the wood...Oak is one of the most common flooring materials out there. And If it is from the 30's chances are pretty high it is oak. Most of the floors I refinish people like to go Au- natural...this eliminates one step from the process and if a quality oil based finish is used will provide long lasting results.
on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 1
Deborah D Warren, MI

I have 3 distinct areas. Half the living room was once a bedroom. When they took down the wall they patched the floor and didn't stain or finish it. The old living room floor had an area rug tacked down to it that they only sealed around the edges of. So that is what I'm working with. However, I am determined not to lay down carpeting again as I hate carpeting. Any suggestions?
on Oct 10, 2011 · Like 0
O & S Installations, LLC Jonesboro, GA

Dedorah D, the guys that patched your floor did a "No-No" in this profession. Cannot patch hardwood floors like replacing tiles. They should have "Laced" the new patch with the old......sorta like weaving. Involves removing planks/strips to make the floor flow together. I would ask whomever does your refinishing to fix this area.

on Oct 11, 2011 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

UGH...I can see why you want to fix this....Yes the patch looks like crap...they should have done a "weave in" but because this area was under a rug...they took the cheap half ass route. Weaving in would be the best but that will bring the cost up a bit. It is a bit like open heart surgery rather than handing the patient some Tums... A good thorough sanding should clean up a lot of the staining and uneven finish...but the old wall patch will still be visible as a patch. ...»

A darker stain may hide some of the "flaws" but will also show more dirt once the work is complete. I would put some call into some local floor refinishers and get 2 quotes...1 for a sand and refinish as is...and one for a "weave in" and refinish. If you can get a couple of these dual bids the better. Then depending on your budget and desired outcome move forward.
Some folks like the rustic patched together look...other run away screaming. Its your call in the end, do what you want the get the look your after.

on Oct 11, 2011 · Like 2
Kimberly Lacy Snellville, GA

Hi Deborah! CUSTOM TINT is a type of stain usually done by the retailer. Cinnamon is a good color as is patina. READY MIXES are another option. See if your retailer offers an antique or dark walnut in a ready mix. Your 3rd alternative uses a POLYSTAIN, which combines the look of a traditional stain with the protection of polyurethane. Dark oak and walnut are good colors. For a brand of your liking, ConsumerReports.org has an informative site ...»

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-gar...

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Kimberly....that consumer reports article is for "deck" stains...not floor or "normal" wood finish stains. As far as the "polystains" I would avoid them. They are a bit like the primer paint combos...and don't give the best results. I have been using Minwax's version of oil based stains for years. These are applied to bare wood...THEN top coated after 8-12 hours with an oil base poly.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 1
O & S Installations, LLC Jonesboro, GA

I agree with KMS. Do not use polystain on hardwood flooring....this product intended usa is for furniture. As far as mixing or combindig stains, oil with oil, water with water. this includes the finis as well.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0
Bob H Apopka, FL

If you go too dark you may regret it. Especially if there is a high gloss level. It will show everything!

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0
Deborah D Warren, MI

I just want to thank everyone who replied to my question about my Oak flooring. I got a lot of useful info out of this.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0
Deborah D Warren, MI

I will probably end of going with removing the patched spots and trying to find flooring that is the same size and weave it into the existing flooring so that I end up with a more unified look.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0
O & S Installations, LLC Jonesboro, GA

Good for you Deborah, If the guys know what they are doing, you will never be able to tell. Good Luck. Keep us updated

on Oct 16, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Kudo's to you...fix it once...fix it right. Post pics as you progress with it.

on Oct 16, 2011 · Like 0