Well-presented timber floors deliver unparalleled aesthetic prowess in any room they adorn, but over time, they will begin to look worn out and old. Adding wood stain is an excellent way to refurbish the look of your timeworn timber floors, but getting the stain colour to bring your room together in a cohesive appearance requires thoughtful planning. Follow these nifty considerations when choosing wood stain for your flooring.

Establish Whether You're Looking For A Contrasting Or Blending Effect

Some people like the idea of gorgeous dark floors, while others want light coloured wood stains on their timber floors. This is a matter of personal choice based on whether you want to contrast or blend in with your existing room décor. For instance, dark wood stain set against light furniture creates a contrasting effect, while blending in with similar dark furniture. Contrasts can bring drama and depth to the room, while blends will open up the space by creating a cohesive appearance. If your room has limited space, then lighter wood stains are ideal because they reflect light to create the impression of more space.

Consider Whether You Have Pets Or Small Kids At Home

The wood stain colour you choose will ultimately be determined by the number of pets and small kids you have in your home. For instance, dogs and cats running around are likely to shed pet hair every few minutes. If your pets have light fur, then choose light coloured wood stain and if not, then dark coloured wood stain works best. Choosing similar coloured wood stain to pet hair will help to camouflage and hide it better. If you have small kids running around, keep in mind that light coloured timber floors tend to conceal food crumbs and dust better. If you don't mind the added maintenance with pets and kids around, then let your personal preference influence your taste –– even if that means light fur against dark stained timber floors.

Consider The Existing Wood Stain On Your Timber Floors

The existing colour of your timber floors should influence your wood stain colour decision because it will have an impact on your final stain finish. For instance, if you have a red hue in your wood flooring, then choosing light coloured wood stains will bring an orange or pinkish hue to the finish. If you want to minimise redness, then darker stains will help to hide it better. A good rule of thumb is to choose a colour similar to your existing stain for the best finish, but ultimately your decision will be based on your personal desires.

Follow these key considerations when choosing wood stains for your timber floors.