Need help choosing a floor stain for my red oak floors

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi all. I am a frequent reader of these boards, but this is my first question. We are having our floors refinished and I am looking for something very timeless and classic. I love the look of very dark hardwood floors in pictures, but I am worried they may make my house too dark. I am the type of person who needs a lighter environment, or I can feel a bit claustrophobic. Currently I have very worn natural stained floors. I am considering between dark walnut and provincial minwax stain. Does anyone have any experience with either of these. I would appreciate feedback.

Featured Answer

PRO

JWH Design and Cabinetry LLC

9 years ago

When a Client does not want to go too dark, we recommend Provincial. It tones down the natural red oak floors and won't fight with your other furniture and paint colors. To go a little darker, we mix 1/2 Provincial, 1/2 Dark Walnut. Both are really good options and shouldn't overwhelm your space, but you may want to try both samples on the floor.

Hope this helps! Jennifer

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Comments (9)

mrsanniemarie
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks so much for your response. The mix of dark walnut and provincial might just be the perfect compromise! They start sanding tomorrow, and as I understand it, they put samples down after that..so I will definitely have him do a sample of the the two colors mixed. This is really a tough decision as I will have this floor for a very very long time.
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mrsanniemarie
Original Author
9 years ago
I ended up going with the provincial. I think I am going to love it! Its just a great neutral color. The stain is on with the first coat of poly. Very happy. Two more coats of poly to go. I will post a couple pictures of the finished product when its all done.
St561 W
9 years ago
mrsannimarie: would you post photos of your floors? curious to see how provincial turned out. i am in the process of choosing stain color for my floors as well.
kitchen
9 years ago
Would love to see photos, i'm also considering provincial for my red oak floors. JWH Design, have you ever mixed provincial with another stain (or clear) to make it lighter? I'm worried it might be too dark... ? Thanks :-)
PRO
JWH Design and Cabinetry LLC
9 years ago
Maria T, mixing provincial and walnut (1/2 and 1/2) makes it darker. Mixing provincial and clear makes it lighter. Hope this helps!
rbmom
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Provential and walnut still have a lot of red if you like that look. They are beautiful. We wanted a more modern/brown look at mixed 75% Jacobean and 25% classic

white. Just dark enough. Cuts the green tint and toned down the grain. Color is on left and we could not be happier. Weathered oak (I think on right...but it's been a few weeks ;) is a nice light option that has more brown tones).
Alex H
6 years ago
@rbmom i love your floors! did you use Duraseal country white and Jacobean? Or was it classic grey and Jacobean?
Michelle Pat
5 years ago
@rbmom Guess what, I love your floors too. Did you use Duraseal? I couldn't find their classic white but I did find Country White. Is that what you used? Also, would you mind sharing what top coat you used? Brand and sheen? Thanks so much!!