We were wanting a medium tone as well when we set out, although ended up with too dark or too light for the most part. Are there other medium colors in Duraseal that you might suggest? Thank you so much for your help!!

If you're not set on Chestnut, maybe try Provincial or Early American. A client of mine recently used Provincial on white oak floors:

Provincial stain on white oak · More Info

Thank you!

Chestnut has the benefit of contrasting degrees of dark and light. That variety is great for helping hide pet scratches better than something with little contrast.

The provincial looks lovely, too. I'd try to find samples of each to see in the space(s) and watch them throughout the day.

Bear in mind that surrounding color can make it look different. The very light background of unstained white oak may make the stain appear darker, just by contrast.

Conversely, though, a little dark sample doesn't darken a room nearly as much as huge roomfuls of flooring... there's sort of a cumulative effect of absorbing the light. I like to get as large of a sample area as I can, and "square it off" with my hands and squint to imagine it all over the room. Just my non-professional opinion and methods! 🤣 Wishing you the best. :)

P.S. In these samples, I kind of like the idea of mixing Special Walnut and Chestnut!

Those are great ideas! Thank you!

Medium brown is perfect for white oak. It is dark enough where it does not show the busy grain of a flat sawn flooring.

Thank you!

I would love to see the finished project!

I am buying 😪white oak prefinished called Mirage. Engineered wood. The way to go and you can pick how the project is sealed. Builders love it . try the color sample and pick your color. Putting in a million dollar house and never worry about it. Installers like it also