Wood Floor Staining Services | Custom Stain Colors | Creative Oak Floors
Custom Color Solutions

Wood Floor Staining

Transform your floors with custom stain colors. From classic browns to trending grays, we create the perfect shade to match your vision. Expert color matching, even application, and beautiful results that last decades.

What Is Wood Floor Staining?

Custom color that brings your vision to life

The Art of Perfect Color

Wood floor staining is the process of applying color to sanded hardwood floors before the protective finish is applied. Stain penetrates the wood fibers, enhancing the natural grain while adding your chosen color. The result is a custom look that transforms your space.

Professional staining requires skill and experience. Different wood species absorb stain differently—oak takes stain beautifully with deep, rich tones, while maple can be more challenging due to its dense grain. We know how to work with each species to achieve even, consistent color.

Our color consultation process helps you choose the perfect shade. We can match existing floors in adjoining rooms, create custom blends for unique colors, or help you select from trending options like gray tones. With 38 years of experience, we ensure your floors look exactly as you envisioned.

Wood floor staining showing rich color application

Popular Stain Colors

From timeless classics to modern trends

Natural & Light Tones

Preserve the wood's natural beauty while adding subtle warmth. Perfect for creating bright, airy spaces.

  • Natural (no stain)
  • White wash
  • Light honey
  • Natural oak

Medium Browns

Classic hardwood tones that complement most décor styles. Timeless choices that never go out of style.

  • Golden oak
  • Provincial
  • Classic gray
  • Fruitwood

Dark & Rich Tones

Deep, luxurious colors that add drama and sophistication to any room. Premium appearance with visual impact.

  • Dark walnut
  • Jacobean
  • Espresso
  • Ebony

Gray Tones (Trending)

Modern gray stains create contemporary looks that pair beautifully with today's design styles. Highly popular in new construction.

  • Weathered gray
  • Carbon gray
  • Driftwood
  • Ash gray

Custom Blends

Can't find exactly what you want? We create custom stain blends to match your specific vision or existing flooring.

  • Match existing floors
  • Combine multiple stains
  • Adjust undertones
  • Create unique colors

Two-Tone Effects

Combine light and dark stains for dramatic visual interest. Borders, inlays, or alternating plank colors add custom design elements.

  • Border designs
  • Alternating planks
  • Inlay patterns
  • Custom designs

Why Stain Your Floors?

Transform appearance and enhance natural beauty

Unlimited Color Options

Choose from hundreds of stain colors or create custom blends. Match existing décor or create a completely new look.

Enhances Wood Grain

Stain highlights the natural grain pattern, adding depth and character. Makes wood details more prominent and beautiful.

Hides Imperfections

Darker stains can minimize color variation between boards and hide minor flaws. Lighter stains showcase grain, darker stains create uniformity.

Increases Home Value

Custom-stained floors are a premium feature that appeals to buyers. The right color can make your home more marketable.

Follows Design Trends

Update old orange oak to modern gray tones. Change with trends while keeping the same hardwood floors.

Color Consistency

Professional application ensures even color across all boards. No blotching, streaking, or uneven absorption.

Professional Staining Process

Precise technique for flawless color

1

Color Consultation

We help you choose the perfect stain color. Test samples on your actual floors to see how the color looks with your wood species and lighting.

2

Floor Preparation

Floors must be perfectly sanded and completely dust-free. Any dust or residue will affect stain absorption and create blotchy results.

3

Wood Conditioning (Optional)

For woods prone to blotching (maple, pine, cherry), we apply pre-stain conditioner. This ensures even color absorption across all boards.

4

Stain Application

Working in manageable sections, we apply stain evenly using professional applicators. Stain is allowed to penetrate for the correct time, then excess is wiped away.

5

Drying Time

Stain must dry completely before finishing—typically 12-24 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and stain type. Proper drying prevents finish adhesion issues.

6

Quality Inspection

We inspect every square inch for even color, proper coverage, and any areas needing touch-up. Only perfect color moves to the finishing stage.

Expert Color Matching

38 years of staining expertise in Sonoma & Marin County

NWFA Certified

Rick Lachmiller's certification ensures industry-leading staining techniques and knowledge of how different woods accept stain.

38 Years Experience

Since 1986, we've stained thousands of floors. Experience prevents common problems like blotching, uneven color, and absorption issues.

Custom Color Matching

We can match any existing floor color or create custom blends. Test samples ensure you love the color before we stain your entire floor.

Premium Stain Products

We use professional-grade stains from top manufacturers like DuraSeal, Minwax, and Bona. Quality products deliver better color and longevity.

Even Application

Professional techniques ensure consistent color across the entire floor. No streaks, blotches, or uneven absorption.

Licensed & Insured

CA License #991260, bonded and insured with $1M liability coverage for your complete protection and peace of mind.

Common Staining Questions

Everything you need to know about floor staining

How do I choose the right stain color?
Consider your home's lighting, existing décor, and long-term plans. We provide test samples applied to your actual floors so you can see the color in your lighting throughout the day. Bring paint swatches, fabric samples, or photos of rooms you like to help guide color selection.
Do all wood species stain the same?
No. Oak stains beautifully with rich, even color. Maple can be challenging—it's dense and may blotch without pre-treatment. Pine and cherry also require conditioning. Exotic woods often have natural oils that resist stain. We know how to work with each species for optimal results.
Can you match my existing floor color?
Yes. We're experts at color matching. We'll create test samples using different stain combinations until we achieve a perfect match. This is common when extending floors into new areas or matching adjoining rooms.
How long does stain take to dry?
Stain typically dries in 12-24 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and stain type. It must be completely dry before applying finish. Rushing this step causes finish adhesion problems and cloudy appearance. We ensure proper drying time for flawless results.
What are the most popular stain colors right now?
Gray tones are extremely popular in modern homes—weathered gray, carbon, driftwood. Classic medium browns like provincial remain timeless favorites. Dark stains (jacobean, espresso) create dramatic, elegant looks. Natural/light finishes are trending for bright, Scandinavian aesthetics.
Can I change my floor color later?
Yes. Hardwood floors can be sanded and restained multiple times over their lifetime—typically 4-7 times. This flexibility lets you update your floor color as design trends or personal preferences change. It's one of hardwood's biggest advantages over other flooring types.

Ready for Your Perfect Color?

Schedule your free color consultation. We'll help you choose the ideal stain and provide test samples on your actual floors.

Serving Sonoma & Marin County

Professional staining services throughout the North Bay