Do You Need to Stain Fir Floors?

Evening Out Coloring

• Many people choose to stain and finish their flooring to add color and protection to the light wood. Stains help even out color differences in the natural wood and can help disguise blemishes. Thicker stains, such as pigmented oil stains, can disguise the natural wood grain. Although people often prefer to leave wood grain visible, some like to hide knots and imperfections in the wood.

Penetrating Stain Protection

• Penetrating finishes that contain stain, such as penetrating oils, soak into the floor and become part of the wood. Stains help the wood become water resistant, which is especially helpful for absorbent softwoods like fir. Wood stains also help prevent unwanted discoloration from liquid spills from permanently marring the floor. Penetrating finishes that contain extra resin also become very strong and hard, protecting the floor from dents and other damage. A clear surface finish on top adds extra protection. However, not all finishes and stains are compatible; check to make sure before purchase and application.

Surface Stains

• Surface stains, such as varnish with pigment in it, coat the wood with a protective layer while adding color to fir floors. They also soak into the wood surface somewhat, and they can cover much of the wood grain, making imperfections less noticeable. Like penetrating stains, surface stains protect wood floors from spills and wear.

Stain Use

• You apply most stains by painting, sponging or rubbing them onto the wood and then wiping away any excess. Oil-based stains require painting and rubbing and water-based stains require sponging. Before applying stain, make sure the floor is sanded and dust-free. Surface stains, such as varnishes and polyurethanes, sometimes require the user to paint on a single coat, sand the first layer of finish and then apply a second layer.