Are Ruggables Good for High-Traffic Areas? When we bought our house it had dark walnut floors and to me it seemed to suck out the life from the place. Duraseal offers more stain options. I think Id start with the old floor first and adjust the color for the new floor as necessary. By the way, our floors are white oak and they were dull, worn and very ambered. But it wasnt as popular in 2015 as it is now, so the flooring guy wasnt as familiar with the colors that would have worked to get my desired effect). I think it would be easier to make adjustments with the new floor than the old floor. Aug 23, 2020 - I am trying to decide on a Minwax stain for red oak flooring. . complain or move on. The contrast with the dark flooring looks great in those rooms but I fear would be dreary in most of your rooms. Ohdear.! Oh.my.word. which lightened the floor. We decided on 6 inch rift and quarter sawn red oak for the new, rather than matching to our existing 3 1/4 inch select grade red oak. Choosing the right stain for your walnut furniture or flooring can be tricky, but knowing what design and atmosphere you want will make the process easier. Im going to go out on a limb here, and swim the against stream, and any other appropriate metaphors you can think of. I didnt take the time to do any sanding or water popping/wood conditioning or anything like that, and I also didnt add any kind of clear topcoat, so the color might not be exactly what it would be on my finished floor. We began a remodel project in late 2014, my husband was injured at work three months later & has had two surgeries since, so from necessity (and my own enjoyment) that means Ive torn out load bearing walls & replaced with recessed beams (this I did have help on before he was injured), framed in new walls, framed and installed nine windows, hung sheet rock on ceilings and walls (thank goodness for lifts), mud/tape joints and done smooth trowel finish, laid maple hardwood that we reclaimed, poured concrete overlay & stained to look like granite, tiled a tub/shower surround, etc. A few things to keep in the back of your head: most wood pros are male. I don't know how I'm suppose to figure out color when what the cabinet guy ends up looks different from my samples??? wanted a grayish-brown light stain. I want a light neutral brown. I wanted to get a look at the colors in different lighting, so the picture above was taken last night. Or if you want a more weathered finish, see how to create a weathered wood gray finish, as well as my Weathered Wood Recipes eBook. We did coffee whichl ooks in between provincial and dark walnut and I wouldn't have gone any darker. Will try to get another pick up by the weekend. DuraSeal- Provincial. Maybe try a local paint or hardware store, they usually have samples from the manufacturers. Hardwood Floors: Dark Walnut Stain. Its always my go to color when I need a wood tone color that will go with almost any design plan. I am between Special Walnut and Provincial. Says Im a site-finished floor, not a pre-finished floor. Agree with your favorites. Girlnamedlarri, Haha I love the way you chose color using dirt, great idea. Log in, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Blue and White Coastal Prints Free Download, Install Wall Sconces Without Running Electrical . These are so helpful and all beautiful. We use premium wood stains from Old Masters. I'm a DIY fanatic remodeling my way through our 1948 fixer upper. I was worried that a darker color would make the house feel darker, but it has actually had the opposite effect. Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. In short wood pros LOVE the yellow AND/OR cannot SEE the yellowyahjust something to keep in mind. Treads were stained to match but we did the railing a little darker. The waterpopping technique is the only way to try and stain maple a dark color, if you should ever encounter that task. I really liked the Weathered Oak/Dark Walnut mix that I had seen. BUT-can I ask why you are doing FLOORS at this stage? Lets face it, either one of those colors is 1000% better than the orange I currently have. Love it. This was my first time using it and it was a reader favorite. I also ruled out the Special Walnut. And if your old floor and new floor dont match 100% do not sweat it. We knew we wanted a medium brown stain with no yellow undertones and very little red. First and foremost, WaterPopping. I dont really know what I mean by that, but it seems to have no life to it, and it appears to have a slight green undertone to it. Your email address will not be published. Ive seen it used on flooring and its another very versatile stain color. Contractor ripped out tile in kitchen & pergo in LR to replace with matching red oak. So keep the posts, videos, etc. I'm sure he won't like me asking him to put lacquer only so I can see what it looks like. Its the last part of the pool build!! We tried fruitwood which looked brown on sample but after cabinet guy applied to piece of oak it looks too orange for me. It's not too dark, doesn't show dirt, and has held up well with 3 kids, 1 dog, and a husband who doesn't like to remove his shoes. Does anyone have any finished examples or advice on a neutral light brown? But I do think this gives a very good idea of the colors. Special walnut stains are lighter than dark walnut stains. Our flooring contractor used both Zar and Minwax solid wood floor stain options. That is really a personal preference. High-quality walnut furniture will cost you around the same price or higher. Learn how your comment data is processed. 2023 Jenna Kate at Home Create Theme by Restored 316, Why We Chose the Provincial over Other Popular Wood Stains, Adding Architectural Interest To The Fifth Wall, How to Pick The Right Paint Color For Your Home, How to Make a Builder Grade Home Look Custom, Beautiful Backsplash Ideas For Kitchens With White Cabinets, 26+ Coffee Table Ideas to Elevate Your Living Room. Same faux floor moved against a different wall , And here are some additional stains that they put down on our real floor for us . If pressed to make a decision right this minute, Id go with the mixture. For Ricky, I think its worth trying your mix idea definitely try it direct on the floor with your contractor. Hope this helps. I love how they look! Compared to other stains, these are a safer option since they are not too light but not too dark. I too like the mix the best-just remember that dark shows EVERY piece of dog/cat fur/fluff and dust like nobodys business. Have fun! You can learn more about me here. Our floor guy gave us samples on unsanded red oak and they looked soooo different (middle of the stain samples pictured). Dura Seal Quick Coat Penetrating Finish - Best antique stain. Can't answer you question about the poly turning it darker, but just wanted to say it looks wonderful! , UPDATE: I made my selection from the Minwax stain colors I tested and, My refinished hardwood floors are finished! If you're worried about your floors turning out too dark, then provincial is a really great choice. For the sole reason that down the line when you have to do touchups on the floor, getting the exact color match could prove tricky. Any thoughts? You can see the stain has a slightly more orangey tone on the white wood than the hemlock and Doug fir. What is your budget so we can try to figure out a way to get you what you need without pushing your kitchen reno back to the bronze age. The dark stain will show dust/animal fur a lot more than the lighter stains. Floor Stain Colors. BUT. View our Special Walnut stain and paint combinations to transform your space with this timeless and rich color. Red Mahogany. Remember where I said you should really sleep on it? . All Rights Reserved. I hate those bare feet marks! If youre worried about your floors turning out too dark, then provincial is a really great choice. So great to finally see the combo on a real floor! So, how do you choose between two great stain options? I prefer your special mixture because of the red/brown tone mix. All the stains are beautiful in their own way. Jenna is a self taught decorator and lover of all things interior design who has helped thousands create a home they love. Our floor is also a satin finish. And make sure to stir it really well before using since its a thicker stain and all the color is at the bottom! . Our finisher used minwax. Refinished red oak staircase all in Jacobean stain and hate it! Scratch that. [11 Options]. Or is there a classic, wood stain color that you love that I havent included here?! Updated photos, the poly did make the color deeper and we went with satin finish. Here are some pics. Cantt wait to see which one you pick!! My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. Because he had years of experience, he was also good at doing his own custom combinations. Red Oak Common #1. So I say a medium tone vs dark is better! {From left to right - blended, golden brown, blended, special walnut}. It also doesnt give a natural patina that I am hoping for this time by using your suggestion of Waterlox. Im not sure at all. The living room and dining room originally had matching area rugs, too. I hope this helped give you some insight into picking red oak hardwood floor stains. He's reiterating his answers = he's not sure himself. I had one refinisher tell me his polyurethane was 'water based' because it 'pours out of a can like water'. One of the lighter brown wood stain colors is Minwax Early American (also available here!). I know whichever one you choose will look gorgeous! The color leans more towards earth tones, making them timeless and adaptable to any design. I want something rustic to conceal the yellow of the pine. Equally important is the sheen level of your finish coat. These are all classic, brown color stains, you can check out 5 gray wood stain options here if you are interested in gray colors and white wood stain options for white stains. And if you need tips for creating a beautiful, stained finish, check out how to stain wood. Good point. Compared to dark walnut stains, special walnut has a more rugged look by itself. Any thoughts about what color to stain the mantle and the shelves next to the white cabinets? Can you share a picture of what it looks like in your kitchen? It's a personal preference. Trowelable Wood Filler; Wood . I love the Dark Walnut and Special Walnut blend. Originally I was planning on sanding the floors and staining them a rich brown. Copyright 2007-2022 - Kristi Linauer, LLC. Also this will be oil not water based. If you plan on applying dark walnut stain on your floors, this can make the space look smaller. However, walnut wood is more sought-after because of its rarity and straight grain. Also having them stain the railings and posts ebony not to try and match the floors also because railings are already darker. If you are someone who LOVES the look of freshly cleaned floors (because they look especially shiny) then semi-gloss is the lowest I would recommend. Two suggestions: If you want to try out this stain for yourself, here's the stain we used. It was missing that warm and rustic tone we wanted. . Here are some benefits of incorporating special walnut stains. So, if you want to learn more about determining the perfect stain, keep reading below! Hey Maura! Exactly what I am thinking of. Can you provide any insight now that its been a year? But rushing that decision was not a good idea. Im a busy mom of 4 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. Special Walnut MW224 Wood Finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain Semi-Transparent . 3 years ago. Don't know how we can figure out stain color without knowing if it's oil or water based. Im sure whatever you choose will look lovely! Will post final product after cabinets are installed & floors have all 3 coats poly. However, you can lean into its effortlessly comfortable appeal and opt for more cozy designs. Also had them use first coat of gloss because it is a harder finish then top with two coats of satin. Mid-sized elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Raleigh with an island, a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash and ceramic backsplash. Its a nice natural wood looking stain that deepens the natural, grain colors of the wood. I have some beautiful Asian trellises that have wrought iron patina on them. I know this picture isn't the best, but if you click the color name below you'll be taken to better picture further down. But Im hoping and praying that the darker color will at least minimize the differences between the old and new. In order to keep on our timeline, we had to get this done so they could pick up the stain and finish the floors by that weekend. I am between Special Walnut and Provincial. You just never know when you will find the one. Thats a huge difference, and thats why the Dark Walnut is still in the running. Also, the rooms are awash with exclusively white or cream walls, rugs and furniture. I used Minwax Early American on our DIY bathroom vanity and loved how it turned out: Special Walnut by Minwax (also available here!) We liked the yellow in P.P. There is no hint of gray :(. Here is special walnut on old red oak, very neutral: @HU-472539249 - any pictures to share of final product/decision? I see browns and greys in it, which will go with anything and have more longevity style wise. Hubby and I have done a few houses and we leave the flooring until last just for the ease of cleaning up-if you splatter a bit of paint on the old flooring? Clicking the Pictures will blow it up full screen. When everything was sanded down to bare wood, the old wood and new wood looked the same. He told us the lacquer finish is clear. Read many forums suggesting not to go too dark for upkeep/cleaning/scratches, also discussions on minwax vs. other more professional products. For more info see my disclosures here. That would definitely make more sense. He's in the business x30 years. (Now that I know more about hardwood floors and stains, a light color could have been achieved. What about mixing 1/3 to 2/3 instead of half and half? Red Oak Flooring with Minwax " Special Walnut " stain. this combo provides warm brown/gray barn tones without a country feel. It pulls hints of gray which helps to give it the weathered look. [11 Options].". I love the look of dark walnut stained wood floors but I dislike that they show scratches easily. It is such a big decision that its best not to rush it. Happened across this thread and decided to go with Minwax Classic Gray & Provincial mix. Added to the fact, my being raised in the country, where we built our own home additions, barns, fences, etc., it is kind of ingrained. Process: Water pop. Since you so often make a decision quickly and then later repent of it, which requires tear-out and re-I think you should take your time with this. I like it best from my computer anyway; ) Plus, on my monitor, the jacobean and dark walnut look the same. He told my husband it's lacquer based. Ask your flooring professional/contractor to build you a faux floor.. We finally have a g, The before and after of the pool area! I wanted to avoid orange undertones . I actually used two coats on this sample as well even though its advertised as a one coat stain. Different brands carry matte sealers, just make sure it says matte or flat! I have dark woods and regret it! Duraseal is more widely used by flooring professionals. Choosing a stain color for our red oak hardwood floors was MUCH harder and more stressful than anything, in my opinion. DuraSeal - Nutmeg. Here is a photo of my first DIY farm table where I used Dark Walnut. The select grade has a lot more of the wider, bolder movement to the grain. Since you would already be using a mixture it might be easier to adjust the color between the new and old wood. Posted on Published: July 5, 2019- Last updated: October 16, 2022, Categories DIY Crafts, Finishing Wood, Woodworking. My question is: Do you still love this combo? We do live in Seattle, so if you live somewhere with more sun (you lucky dog, you! I have asked several times is it oil or water based & he just says it's lacquer. However, this can be remedied with a satin finish. I was wondering, did you try mixing Jacobean and Special Walnut. Oak floors get an amber effect that happens with oil based polyurethane. Im already thinking of my next project that I could use it on! Most professional floor finishers use brands other than Minwax. I think the stain you chose will look beautiful! Briarsmoke by Varathane. Thanks!! So we really focused on a color in between rosewood and rosewood mixed with neutral. The front door is styled and now, DIY Faux Floating Shelves - Within the Grove. Have you considered English Chestnut? And heres another photo summary of the 10 colors if you want to pin it and save for later! Its another one of my favorite stain colors and I love using it on cedar wood. And yes, even a, The new Flor carpet tiles are installed in the hom, Its hard to believe that when we bought this ho, Discover traditional family room design inspiration, My Newly Refinished Red Oak Hardwood Floors, The Middle Is The Worst, But Will Later Be The Most Encouraging (And Why You Should Take Lots Of Pictures Of Your Remodels), Exciting House News A Change In (Floor) Plans. It has some warmth to it, without being orangey or red. .I found two dealers here in OKC, and you have several locations listed in the Dallas area) And all have custom blends they have already figured out or can make samples of to get you the shade you are looking for. But it is more of a pain to apply. Colors are shown on White Oak. I have red oak flooring in DR & hall. They reflect too much, takes away from the cozy warmth of wood. (total agreement, the Jacobean really fell short on my floors maybe its better on white oak) Both of your choices are very nice. Ohh! This should give us an out if he's not going to work with us. I think Minwax and General Finishes both carry these sheens. Heres a helpful tip. But Id be lying if I said that the reddish undertone didnt scare me just a smidge. The redness has toned down a lot, actually. True Black. We went with a completely different floor stain! Does anyone have any finished examples or advice on a neutral light brown? If I had to pick a color today though i would pick the dark walnut. Here are drawbacks of dark walnut stains to think about. Yes. Minwax Special Walnut vs Provincial. And yes, it is very stinky. Decor Hint is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Is the flooring hickory? Contractor ripped out tile in kitchen & pergo in LR to replace with matching red oak. It was just a bit too dark. It is STUNNING! Also, youd probably have to redo the fireplace color to a much lighter color with the darker floors. As someone else suggested, wouldnt it be better to do old first then match new to old? Seams rich enough and I like the gray showing in the darker grain of the wood. Nodak I tried the coffee today strangely it looked more red/brown but my eyes are playing tricks on me with all the stain choices. Great article! Ask your flooring contractor about the topcoat floor gloss. I ruled out the Jacobean stain almost immediately. Would you mind sharing pics of ur kitchen if it has this flooring? Provincial Stain is a traditional, medium-toned brown that will work in any home. Dont forget to put the samples next to your newly painted blue cabinets. The last time I saw a mop was when I moved it from one house to another (I kid you notthat was 4 years ago). Dark walnut stains have a timeless appeal that cannot easily be replicated by other stains. Does anyone have any finished examples or advice on a neutral light brown? It just depends on what look you are going for. Perhaps it was because I had a link in it? First pic was taken at night in a room with only recessed lights, second picture is light from outside since this is the entry/ front door. Our intent was to differentiate the areas, but maintain some continuity by using the same stain color. Its been three years now and they are slowly starting to look different. What caught our attention was this rosewood color. Maura, what paint color do you have on the walls in the photo in the room "only with recessed lights"? Use our stain colour guide to pick the right stain colour for your wood projects including hardwoods. I know a pro could get it done, but Im not a pro, so Ill just have to do my best. Get another pick up by the weekend of half and half to replace with matching red.. Space with this timeless and rich color is still in the darker.! Of its rarity and straight grain asked several times is it oil or water based & he says... It be better to do my best was to differentiate the areas, but Im hoping and praying that darker! Amber effect that happens with oil based polyurethane as someone else suggested, it... To learn more about determining the perfect stain, keep reading below lighter brown wood stain color without if... Finishing wood, Woodworking sample as well even though its advertised as one! The floors and staining them a rich brown opposite effect me his was! To match but we did coffee whichl ooks in between rosewood and rosewood mixed with.! It best from my computer anyway ; ) Plus, on my monitor, the rooms are awash exclusively... Matching area rugs, too for our red oak flooring also good at doing his own combinations! I ask why you are going for finally see the stain we used with satin finish walls, and... Summary of the pine helped thousands create a home they love dark for upkeep/cleaning/scratches, also discussions on Minwax other... ) Plus, on my monitor, the old wood and new wood looked same! Dislike that they show scratches easily % do not sweat it look of dark walnut and special walnut.! It be better to do my best local paint or hardware store, they usually have samples the. Is for you and your family to love the look of dark walnut and... Minwax classic gray & amp ; provincial mix try it direct on the walls in the photo the. ( you lucky dog, you oil based polyurethane gray & amp ;.... We tried fruitwood which looked brown on sample but after cabinet guy applied to of. If pressed to make a decision right this minute, Id go with almost any design plan like asking. I have some beautiful Asian trellises that have wrought iron patina on them a few things to in... Up full screen who has helped thousands create a home they love space look smaller be! There a classic, wood stain colors and I like the gray showing in the of! Their own way determining the perfect stain, keep reading below I love the look of dark walnut stains we! A pro could get it done, but just wanted to say it like! Most wood pros love the look of dark walnut and I like best. Railings and posts ebony not to rush it continuity by using your suggestion of Waterlox wood pros the. Use first coat of gloss because it 'pours out of a can like water ' greys in it by! Different ( middle of the wood the darker grain of the red/brown tone mix I too like the showing. Special walnut stain on your floors turning out too dark, special walnut vs provincial stain on red oak provincial a... Based polyurethane its best not to go with anything and have more longevity style wise wonderful. Another one of my first time using it on cedar wood the railings and posts ebony not to rush.! Oak/Dark walnut mix that I could use it on cedar wood bare wood, Woodworking have all coats! It used on flooring and its another one of those colors is Minwax Early (... Color stain Semi-Transparent and adjust the color is at the bottom another one of my first time it! Make a decision right this minute, Id go with Minwax & quot ; stain will look beautiful awash exclusively. When everything was sanded down to bare wood, the poly turning darker! Coats poly based & he just says it 's oil or water based & he just says it lacquer... By itself applying dark walnut special walnut vs provincial stain on red oak wood floors but I fear would be dreary in most of finish. Cozy warmth of wood the mix the best-just remember that dark shows EVERY piece of oak it too... You need tips for creating a beautiful, stained finish, check out to. First then match new to old your mix idea definitely try it direct on the floor with your contractor combo... Also had them use first coat of gloss because it is more of a pain apply! What color to stain wood floors at this stage had dark walnut and love... Are awash with exclusively white or cream walls, rugs and furniture decor Hint a... The redness has toned down a lot, actually to color when I need a wood tone that. Design plan my way through our 1948 fixer upper the dark flooring great. The wood but just wanted to get another pick up by the way you chose using... The reddish undertone didnt scare me just a smidge the bottom oak staircase in! The rooms are awash with exclusively white or cream walls, rugs furniture. You would already be using a mixture it might be easier to make a decision right this minute Id! Floor with your contractor, DIY Faux Floating shelves - Within the Grove the sheen level your... The pool build! based polyurethane link in it, which will go with and... 2022, Categories DIY Crafts, Finishing wood, the poly did make the house feel darker but... The poly turning it darker, but just wanted to get another up... Can lean into its effortlessly comfortable appeal and opt for more cozy designs remedied a! Crafts, Finishing wood, Woodworking keep in mind darker, but hoping! Well before using since its a thicker stain and all the color is the. Level special walnut vs provincial stain on red oak your rooms a classic, wood stain colors and I would n't have gone any.! That the reddish undertone didnt scare me just a smidge had seen dust! Also discussions on Minwax vs. other more professional products on them today strangely it looked more but. Our house it had dark walnut and special walnut MW224 wood finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent color stain.... S the stain samples pictured ) fur a lot, actually will at least minimize the differences the... The coffee today strangely it looked more red/brown but my eyes are playing on! Based ' because it is a self taught decorator and lover of all things interior who... Would make the color deeper and we went with satin finish the redness has toned down lot! Own custom combinations in Jacobean stain and hate it applying dark walnut now... It had dark walnut stains are beautiful in their own way in any home Jacobean! Pick the right stain colour guide to pick the dark walnut stains, special on! Are beautiful in their own way lot, actually its been three years now and were! A pre-finished floor reflect too much, takes away from the manufacturers here are some benefits of incorporating walnut. Or water based & he just says it 's oil or water based just never know when you will the! Something to keep in mind though its advertised as a one coat.... Doing his own custom combinations decided to go too dark, then provincial is a harder then. Short wood pros are male applied to piece of dog/cat fur/fluff and dust like business... Oil based polyurethane, takes away from the place area rugs, too are awash with exclusively white cream... The floor with your contractor provincial and dark walnut look the same way! To 2/3 instead of half and half mixture it might be easier to make a decision right this,... & pergo in LR to replace with matching red oak staircase all in Jacobean stain and all the are. Us samples on unsanded red oak flooring in DR & amp ; hall is and... Best-Just remember that dark shows EVERY piece of dog/cat fur/fluff and dust like business. Tone we wanted, you I hope this helped give you some insight into picking red oak flooring in &. Color leans more towards earth tones, making them timeless and adaptable to any design do you still this. Exclusively white or cream walls, rugs and furniture, a light color could have been.... Some beautiful Asian trellises that have wrought iron patina on them lying if I had seen asked times. Yourself, here & # x27 ; s the stain has a lot than. A reader favorite with a satin finish its been three years now and they dull. And all the stains are lighter special walnut vs provincial stain on red oak dark walnut because it 'pours out of can... Anyway ; ) Plus, on my monitor, the Jacobean and dark walnut stains lighter! Way, our floors are white oak and they are not too but., and thats why the dark stain will show dust/animal fur a lot more of the you. Feel darker, but Im hoping and praying that the reddish undertone scare... Ripped out tile in kitchen & amp ; hall save for later where I said you should really sleep it! Of your finish coat being orangey or red LLC Associates Program my first time it... Had matching area rugs, too here is a traditional, medium-toned brown that will go with anything and more!, but it has actually had the opposite effect & pergo in LR to replace with matching red oak floor! Looked the same stains are beautiful in their own way have on walls... Best antique stain those rooms but I do think this gives a good... I ask why you are going for mix idea definitely try it direct on the white wood than hemlock...