Hardwood floors are a dream for many homeowners, as they’re warm and inviting and increase resale value. One of the advantages of wood floors is that they can be refinished as they accrue wear and tear. So, how do you stain hardwood floors?
The most crucial step in staining wood floors is sanding. You’ll need to rent a random orbital sander and sand the floors at least three times. After cleaning, stain the floors working in sections carefully. Wipe away excess to prevent blotches. You’ll want sealant after the staining, for protection, as well.
There’s a lot to consider and learn before staining hardwood floors. It’s not an easy project, but we cover everything you need to know in the article below. Read on for more information.
How to Stain Wood Floors
Who doesn’t love the warmth, richness, and beauty of wood floors? Hardwood floors can be an excellent investment as you can re-stain them when they show their age. However, sanding, staining, and sealing hardwood flooring is a demanding project that requires time and elbow grease.
Refinishing hardwood floors can be a challenging task, even for expert DIY enthusiasts. But if you’re up for the challenge, you can save quite a bit of money and transform your floors for the better.
Equipment and Supplies
- Random Orbital Sander (on Amazon)
- Heavy Duty Shop Vacuum (on Amazon)
- Tack Cloth (on Amazon)
- Protective Goggles (on Amazon)
- Safety Mask (on Amazon)
- Sandpaper (on Amazon)
- Palm Sander (on Amazon)
- Floor Stain for Hardwood (on Amazon)
- Lambswool Applicator for Stains (on Amazon)
- Cleaning Rags (on Amazon)
- Paintbrushes (on Amazon)
- Sealant (on Amazon)
- High-Density Foam Roller (on Amazon)
1.) Prepare Your Room
The first step is to prepare the room you’ll be working in. You’ll need to relocate all the furniture in the room. It’s also vital to cover entryways with plastic sheets or drop cloths to prevent dust from leaving the room. You might also want to cover lights or vents to protect them from dust.
2.) Sand the Floors
Sanding is the most crucial step in the staining process and will significantly impact your finished result. If you take shortcuts or don’t sand the floor thoroughly, mistakes will appear once the finish dries.
For most rooms, you’ll need to use a random orbital sander that’s waist height.
You can find orbital sanders for rent at your neighborhood hardware store or home center. They’re easy to use and won’t damage the floor if you’re careful. Just be sure to read the operating guidelines and follow the instructions.
You must sand the floor three times and use a lighter-grit sandpaper with each step. Start with 60-grit abrasives, and wear protective goggles and a safety mask. After the first pass, move onto 80-grit and sand again.
The last pass should be 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper. Be sure to keep the orbital sander balanced and never interrupt the sanding disks if they are touching the floor. For hard-to-reach areas, use a palm sander or detail sander instead.
3.) Vacuum and Clean
After sanding, you’ll need to vacuum large amounts of dust and debris. Use a powerful shop vacuum with a brush connection. Be sure to use a fresh filter for the best results.
After vacuuming all the dust, you’ll need to use tack cloths or microfiber cloths damped with mineral spirits to clean the wood floors. You’ll want to wipe down every inch of the floor until it’s clean of residue and dust. This will take quite a bit of effort, but it’s crucial for a well-executed finished result.
4.) Stain the Floors
Finally, you’re ready to stain! But first, you need proper ventilation. Ensure you have a well-ventilated work area before beginning, as stains can have harmful vapors.
You’ll also need to strategize and work in a way that ensures you can leave the room without stepping on fresh coats of stain. It’s generally recommended to start in a corner opposite the entry and work your way toward the entry. After you have your route figured out, you can get started.
Use a lambswool application to apply the stain. Work in two-foot sections at a time and use even distribution. Wipe away any extra with a cloth before moving on to the next area.
Be sure to prevent the “wet edge” from drying. To do so, position the applicator a couple of feet away from the wet section and move it to the previously coated area. You can use a paintbrush where the floor connects the baseboards in the corner of the room.
Once finished, let the finish dry and determine if you want a darker finish.
5.) Protect the Finish
Once the stain is fully dry, you can move on to the last phase: sealing the stain with a polyurethane sealant. Next, you can use a high-density foam roller to apply a light and even coat across the floor. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a two-inch brush.
Wipe off any excess and let the sealant dry for a glassy top layer. Some sealants require sanding before the second coat, so read your product’s instructions carefully.
Take your time with this step, as it’s the last stage and will affect your finished result. Follow sealant drying instructions, as some can take 72 hours to finish.
Do You Have to Seal a Floor After Staining?
Yes, you should seal hardwood flooring after staining. When you sand wood floors in preparation for stain, the wood becomes vulnerable to swelling, moisture, and damage.
It’s essential to apply a sealant to not only protect the pigment of the stain but to protect the wood from damage. Sealants can protect the wood from scratches, stains, moisture, sunlight, and fading. Skipping the sealant will reduce the longevity of your floors and leave them vulnerable to damage.
How Do You Seal a Hardwood Floor After Staining?
The exact steps to seal a hardwood floor will depend on the type of sealant and the manufacturer’s instructions. Of course, you’ll need to read your product’s instructions thoroughly, but here are some basics to give you a better idea of what to expect.
- Sealing with Oil: You’ll want to ensure the floor is clean of dust and debris beforehand. You can pour the oil on the floor, starting in the corner farthest from the entry. Wipe the oil with a rag working in 2-foot sections. Remove excess oil with a fresh rag before moving to the next area. Follow the drying instructions and apply a second coat as needed.
- Sealing with Polyurethane: Ensure the floor is free of dust and debris before starting. Use a floor applicator to apply the sealant. Follow a “pour and drag” application and start along the corner farthest from the entry. Follow the product drying instructions and apply more coats as needed.
What Type of Stain is Best for Hardwood Floors?
Before you dive into sanding and applying coats, you’ll need to select a wood stain. There are various brands, colors, and products to choose from. Here are some of the best hardwood floor stains to keep in mind.
Minwax
Minwax is a popular choice for floor stains. The brand is sold in nearly all hardware stores and comes in various colors and finishes (on Amazon).
Some products are designed for one-step staining, while others are suited for maintenance and repair jobs (on Amazon). Either way, you can’t go wrong with trusted brands like Minwax.
DuraSeal
DuraSeal can be more challenging to find but is readily available online (on Amazon).
Many of their finishes provide short drying times between 2-3 hours. In addition, DuraSeal offers oil-resin-blends that create a gentle satin sheen finish. If you’re looking for a fast-drying option, consider DuraSeal as your stain of choice.
Varathane
Varathane is another common brand, similar to Minwax. However, they’re a specialty product easily found online (on Amazon).
The brand offers one-step solutions or finish and stain mixtures. Varathane is renowned for scuff, scratch, and stain-resistant finishes.
The only downside is their stains typically require 3-4 coats. That being said, if you want incredible protection and have the time, Varathane Premium Finish might be suited for you.
Can You Stain Hardwood Floors Yourself?
It’s entirely possible to stain hardwood floors without professional services. However, that doesn’t mean the project is easy. Staining hardwood floors can be challenging, even for veteran DIY enthusiasts.
Staining is a multi-day process that can quickly fill up a weekend. The most challenging part is sanding and creating a consistent finish. If you’re not experienced with sanding or staining, it might be best to call a professional.