Can you change the look of the timber flooring? Staining vs. refinishing

Timber flooring is a timeless choice for interior designs that adds warmth, elegance, and character to any space. However, sometimes you prefer to make changes in your timber flooring appearance based on your personal preferences or due to the interior design changes. So, you may ask whether it is possible to change the color of the timber flooring or not. The answer to this question is Yes.

There are two main options for changing the appearance of the timber flooring: staining and refinishing. Choosing each method depends on different factors including wood type, current floor condition, and the desired outcome. This article will explore both methods and explain how each solution can change your timber flooring look.

Understanding staining: A way to change the color of timber flooring

Staining is a process of applying deep wood stains to change the natural color of timber flooring. This method is a great solution when you want to make considerable changes in your timber flooring color. For example, when you want to change light oak floors into deep walnut or create a whitewashed effect. The staining process steps usually contain:

1. Sanding the floor: Before starting the timber flooring staining, it is necessary to remove the current timber finishing and open wood grains for better stain absorption.
2. Applying a wood stain: After well sanding the floor surface, it is time to apply the stain which can be oil-based or water-based. The selection between these two options depends on the desired color depth and drying time.
3. Sealing the floor: After applying the stain, a protective topcoat such as a lacquer or hard wax oil should be applied to fix the colour and prevent damage.

When should you choose to stain the timber flooring?

Staining is an ideal solution for changing the colour of timber flooring, but it cannot always be the best way. Here are the conditions that staining is the best method for them:

1. When you want to change the colour of timber flooring significantly from light to dark or vice versa.
2. If the timber flooring does not have deep scratches or structural damage.
3. When your floor is made from wood it can absorb stains easily and evenly. There are some woods like maple and birch that resist stain absorption, this is while some other woods such as oak and pine can easily take stains.

Refinishing: Restoring the natural beauty of timber flooring

Refinishing is another method for making changes in the timber flooring’s appearance. This solution, unlike the staining, does not change the colour of the wood, but it restores the natural beauty of the timber floor by removing imperfections like scratches, dents, and faded finishes. The refinishing process contains the steps below:

1. Sanding the floor surface: To start refinishing the timber floor, it is necessary to remove the scratches and fresh the wood surface.
2. Applying a new protective coat: After sanding the surface, a protective coat like polyurethane, varnish, or oil-based finish will be applied on the wood surface.
3. Applying a final finish: At the end, a clear, matte, semi-gloss, or tinted finish is chosen to improve the natural wood appearance.

When should you choose to refinish the timber flooring?

Here are the situations in which it is recommended to select timber floor refinishing:

1. If the floors have scratches or surface wear, but you do not want to change the colour of it.
2. When you are looking for a cost-effective and budget-friendly solution to enhance your timber flooring without staining it.
3. If your timber floor wood is one of those types that cannot easily absorb stains. 

Staining vs. refinishing: Which one is right for you?

Here is a quick overview of both staining and refinishing methods that help your timber flooring’s appearance enhancement.

How long does staining or refinishing timber flooring take?

Time can be a crucial factor when deciding about changing your timber flooring appearance. Staining usually takes a longer time to be completed as it contains different steps from sanding, applying stain, and drying to sealing. Depending on the humidity level and ventilation, stains take 24 to 48 hours to dry. Then the final sealant may require about 2 to 3 days to cure the timber surface. On the other hand, the floor refinishing process takes about 1 to 3 days to be completed, as it only needs sanding and applying a protective coating. If you have a time limit, refinishing timber flooring is a faster option, while staining needs more time to be done completely and makes the floor ready to be reused.

How to maintain stained or refinished timber floors

After staining or refinishing your timber floors, it is necessary to take care of the floors to prevent any damage to the newly stained or refinished timber flooring. Here are some maintenance tips:

1. Avoid strong cleaning materials: Use a pH-neutral wood cleaner to prevent damage to the timber floor finish.
2. Control moisture: Avoid using too much water when cleaning the surface as it can cause warping, swelling, or fading. Use a damp mop or cloth to clean the timber flooring.
3. Use protective pads on furniture: To avoid scratches and dents on the new surface of the timber flooring, it is important to use furniture protective pads.
4. Sweep and vacuum regularly: Dust and dirt that have existed for a long time can negatively affect the floor’s surface colour. So, sweep and vacuum the floor regularly to keep the right timber flooring maintenance routine.
5. Reapply topcoat when necessary: To keep the timber flooring looking fresh, it is recommended to reapply a topcoat every few years depending on the flooring traffic.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of making changes in your timber flooring appearance, staining and refinishing are two common solutions that can help the floor look fresh and new. Staining can considerably change the colour of the surface, while refinishing can remove imperfections on the timber flooring surface. When deciding about the best solution for renewing your timber flooring look, always consider wood type, condition, and maintenance. However, you can always benefit from a professional floor consultation to find the best solution for your space flooring.

MA Flooring in Melbourne is a professional and trusted flooring service provider that not only offers you high-quality flooring products but also delivers flooring-related services. You can schedule an appointment with our flooring experts for a free consultation.