refinishing our red oak floors

Red oak floors are a timeless classic, but their natural beauty can take on a yellow hue over time, as was the case with our new (old) home.

To revitalize our red oak flooring, we brought in a professional who recommended Bona stains. After sanding down our floors to their natural state, the true transformation began – selecting the ideal stain color.

OUR INSPIRATION —

Staying true to the traditional character of our colonial home, we gravitated towards medium brown shades with hopes of avoiding any gray or red undertones.

Images via Dufford Young, Mark Cunningham, & Peter Pennoyer Architects

OUR OPTIONS —

After poring over images of Bona stains on Pinterest and Houzz, we landed on Provincial, Early American, Special Walnut, and Antique Brown as our chosen contenders. Upon further research, we also learned that stains can be combined into custom shades, which is why we also tried 50% Natural 50% Provincial.

Knowing that stain application manifests differently on various wood types, we tested them directly on our own sanded floors and evaluated them in daylight and at night.

OUR DECISION —

Seeking a natural, low-gloss look, we opted for Bona’s Provincial stain with an Extra Matte finish. This decision perfectly achieved our desired aesthetic of wood floors that exude timeless elegance without excessive shine, breathing new life into the heart of our home.

Before & After —