White oak plank not taking stain

8 years ago

My husband and I just finished our white oak floors with Pallmann's Magic Oil. We used 1/2 Neutral and 1/2 Dark Brown. Overall, I'm really happy with the way they turned out.

But out of our entire ~2000 sq. ft we did downstairs, there is one board that would not take the stain the same way. And it happens to be right when you walk in the front door. I'm talking about the much lighter board to the left of the blue door in my picture. There is a 2nd one that's a bit lighter about 5 boards up, but that one doesn't bother me as much. During the oiling/staining process, I let the oil soak longer on that board. And did multiple coats in that spot. But still, its noticeably lighter.

Any thoughts on what I can do to fix it, short of having my hardwood guys rip that section out and try new boards? TIA!

Featured Answer

ksc36

8 years ago

I'll tell you the same thing I tell my customers when they point out a board that they don't like.

" That one? That's my favorite board in the whole floor! Imagine the cost of a floor with just those beautiful boards?"

Your floor looks great.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Joyce David
8 years ago
I like your take on that! I Those are beautifully unique pieces of wood. Enjoy looking at them as the gems they are.
gthigpen thanked Joyce David
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PRO
G & S Floor Service
8 years ago
Doesn't look like they water popped. You can ask your floor guy to sand the individual piece and water pop first. That should make the color darker.
gthigpen thanked G & S Floor Service
AnnKH
8 years ago
That's a beautiful floor. I can see where that board gets your attention - but I also think that it probably isn't as noticeable from further away. It also doesn't help that there is an extra dark board right next to the light one.

Perhaps you could put a tall vase or tiny table in the corner, if you just can't change it or get used to it.
gthigpen thanked AnnKH
gthigpen
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you everyone. Yes, the floors did turn out beautifully. Just that one board that I'm annoyed with! The floors were water popped prior to staining. But interesting thought that I might try to sand that board again, water pop again and try the stain one more time. At this point, I'm living with it to see if I start to ignore it. I've got a million other projects to work on first.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
8 years ago
The cheapest, easiest, fastest option = ignore it. If, after 6 months, it still bothers you, then see if there is a fix like was stated above (remove finish, water pop again and then apply finish once again). The beauty of oil finishes is you can do this without refinishing the entire floor.

Personally I have no problem with it. I see three planks that have stayed blonde. This tells me the wood/cut is having plenty to do with this rather than technique.

You have more projects than you have time right now. Ignore it - it can be fixed any time.
gthigpen thanked Cancork Floor Inc.
lauriecrocco
2 years ago
Terrible answers! I have the same
Problem and you can’t unsee it. Of
It was in their house and they paid
As
Much as you it wouldn’t be just ignore it. Fix it now
PRO
Squirrel Property Services
2 years ago
It's the wood that is causing the issue there. If it bothers you in a month then have someone replace the wood that isn't taking the colour and try again.