Staining Interior Floors

We know which stains pair best with particular wood types and how the grain, age, and lighting will affect the final color. We have technical knowledge about ventilation, curing times, and the right products that deliver lasting results. Whether you’re seeking to showcase the natural beauty of wood with a rich stain or transform your space with a bold color, we offer precise, expert services that emphasize quality and detail. Our team collaborates with you to select the right hues and finishes.

1. Preparation

• Repair: Fill nail holes, cracks, or deep scratches with wood filler, then let it dry.
• Sanding: This is a biggie. The entire floor gets sanded, often starting with a coarse grit and moving to finer ones. Any old finish gets removed. Edges and corners are done by hand or with a detail sander.
• Clean again: Sanding creates a ton of dust. We will vacuum thoroughly and might use a tack cloth or damp rag to pick up any last particles.

2. Conditioning (Optional)

Depending on the wood type, a pre-stain wood conditioner might be applied. This helps the stain soak in evenly—important for woods like pine or maple that can look blotchy.

3. Staining

• Test: We will test the stain on a hidden spot to confirm color and absorption.
• Application: Using a brush or applicator pad, the stain is applied following the wood grain. It’s worked into the surface evenly.
• Wipe off excess: After a few minutes (timing depends on the product and desired darkness), the excess stain gets wiped off. Leaving it longer creates a deeper color.
• Let dry: This usually takes several hours to overnight. Good ventilation is important.

4. Finishing

• Inspect and re-coat: Sometimes a second coat of stain goes on if the first isn’t dark enough.
• Apply finish: Once satisfied with the color and the floor is dry, a protective finish goes down—usually polyurethane (oil-based lasts longer but dries slower; water-based dries fast and smells less).
• Multiple coats: Usually, two to three coats of finish, with light sanding and cleaning between each.

5. Curing and Clean-up

• Dry/cure time: The floor needs a day or two before light foot traffic and about a week before heavy use or moving furniture back (suggested).
• Final clean-up: Edges, dust, leftover materials, and reinstalling any hardware or trim.