Oak is America’s number one pick for wood floors, but prolonging its life is key to maintaining its beauty and durability. However, many often buy the wrong type of finish, which mars its natural color or even damage its surface!
Here, our team of professional painters share their picks for the best stains for red oak floors to help you avoid this mistake!
Reviews of the Top Stains For Red Oak Floors
1. DEFY Extreme 1-Gallon Semi-Transparent Stain in Redwood
The Defy Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Stain (Redwood) makes it easy to protect your oak floors from the sun’s harmful UV rays and moisture. Made with top-grade resins, it goes on smoothly and quickly without evident strokes or lines.
Its zinc nano-particles filter out UV radiation, as well as mold and mildew stains, giving your wood a long-lasting coat of protection that won’t fade over time. Plus, its eco-friendly formula is safe for the whole family to use.
Thanks to its quick drying technology, you can easily wipe off any splashes or spills immediately after application. The result? Your oak floors will be better protected than ever before.
What We Like
- It is eco-friendly.
- It is quick to dry.
- Excellent color
- Easy to apply
What We Don't Like
- Needs re-coating after a year or two.
- Needs 2 coats or more
2. General Finishes Oil-Based Penetrating Wood Stain in Warm Cherry
This General Finishes Oil-Based Penetrating Wood Stain easily transforms kitchen cabinets and flooring. This is easy-to-apply, and we like how aesthetically pleasing it is after application. Also, it covers minor imperfections.
This oil-based wood penetrating stain is made from premium quality oils, resins, and pigments, so having a great finish every time is achievable. We like the dark brown color, providing a rich and deep hue, perfect for red oak floors.
But make sure you have the proper safety clothing for protection against any flying particles or fumes during its application.
What We Like
- Effortless application
- Highly durable and applicable to many surfaces
- Works as advertised
- Superb coverage
What We Don't Like
- Thick, covers wood grain like paint
- Strange odor
3. Minwax 70012 Dark Walnut Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain
Using the Minwax 70012 Dark Walnut Oil-Based Wood Stain is a game-changer when it comes to staining projects. We like how fast-penetrating the formula is, giving professional-looking results in just one application, and it dried in no time, too.
The great thing about this is that it doesn’t leave yellow undertones, and achieving even coverage is easy. Besides, the instructions are easy to follow. You just need to apply the stain along the grain of your wood surface and wait up to 15 minutes for the perfect color.
After that, this oil-based topcoat will seal everything in and give added protection against wear and tear.
What We Like
- Amazing uniform coverage
- Simple to use
- The colors are nice and even
- Lived up to its advertising
What We Don't Like
- Has a strong smell
- You need to wear a mask
4. Dura Seal Quick Coat Penetrating Finish in Antique Brown
Using the Dura Seal Quick Coat Penetrating Finish to enhance your red oak floor is one of the quickest and easiest projects you can do. This semi-transparent product helps to repel water and chemicals while also making wood grain shine.
With a variety of colors available, it’s easy to find the perfect shade for any home decor style. In 2 hours or less, we were able to complete our project with just one coat of this easy-to-apply stain.
Once applied, the oak floors will quickly dry with a smooth finish. To take it to the next level, thin Dura Seal Quick Coat 110 Neutral before sealing with top-quality polyurethane!
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Beautiful colors
- Smooth and even
- Excellent resistance to chemicals and water
What We Don't Like
- Costly, but worth it.
- Thickens after months of storage
5. ZAR 12812 Wood Stain in Early American
The ZAR 12812 Wood Stain in Early American provides a consistent, even tone across surfaces with no streaks or lap marks – all without the hassle of sanding!
It’s easy to apply: simply spread it on the existing paint or finish, and it penetrates quickly, creating a beautiful color tone. Besides, it can make faux grain looks like real oak naturally. In addition, you can use it to transform dull metal doors.
But make sure you use the right tools for this to achieve better results. We tried mixing their different hues of orange and other colors, and it looks elegant. Once everything is dry, it leaves stunning results on oak floors.
What We Like
- Superior coverage
- Perfect for multiple surfaces
- Ease of usage
- No need to sand
What We Don't Like
- Requires wood graining tool
- Can look orange on other surfaces
6. Minwax 70047 Weathered Oak Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain
The Minwax 70047 Weathered Oak Wood Stain is the perfect way to preserve and protect your red oak floors while adding a unique and beautiful finish. You can achieve an elegant finish as it enhances the grain’s natural character without masking it.
Unlike traditional walrus oil, which creates a more raw look, Weathered Oak adds warmth while toning down strong grey undertones found in many other stains. You’ll be left with lasting protection that brightens up your floor with its refined finish.
As it also offers lasting protection, Weathered Oak is an ideal choice for those wishing to maintain their floor’s natural character while also providing long-term durability.
What We Like
- Great price
- Nice stain
- Easy to apply
- Commendable coverage
What We Don't Like
- Color is darker than expected.
- Requires more time drying
7. Minwax 70048 Classic Gray 271 Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain
The Minwax 70048 Classic Gray 271 Wood Finish is a semi-transparent, oil-based stain that can provide a rich and luxurious finish while allowing the natural grain of oak floors to show through.
It comes in an easily mixable medium-toned grey color adding subtle warmth and creating a stunning contrast to red oak wood. When using, ensure to apply a test coat first and make sure to wipe off any excess, as it can cause foggy spots if too much is used.
But overall, this amazing stain is versatile, matching various surfaces. It’s not overpowering, and it looks minimalist.
What We Like
- Consistently good
- Worth the price
- Easy to apply
- Great coverage
What We Don't Like
- Color is lighter
- Dries for hours
Stains For Red Oak Floors Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of factors to consider in choosing the best stain for red oak floors. From the typical ones, including your budget, to the floor type, you have to match your stain! Read ahead for key considerations to get the best out of your stain:
Home Style and Decor
If you’re looking to tie together a cozy, rustic farmhouse interior design, mid-toned browns are the perfect choice for your oak floor stain color.
To make sure it fits with existing decor and pieces of furniture, snap photos or grab some inspiration from home magazines so you have an exact idea of what will ground its living space cohesively.
Finally, bring that vision alive with help from a floor staining specialist who can pick out the right palette based on individual preferences!
Budget
It’s important to remember that affordable doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. Do some research and be discerning – with the right knowledge in hand, you can have high quality without breaking the bank.
Transparency
Frame the beauty of wood in your next project. Choose a transparent stain to show off its grain or paint-like coverage if you’d prefer it hidden.
Testing
Scouting different wood stain colors is an important factor when deciding on the perfect shade for your floors. You don’t want to be surprised by a hue you didn’t expect!
Even if it’s not what you had in mind, take a chance – natural lighting can make all the difference in how various stains look at home.
Floor Type
Different stains will give each type of wood its unique look. So consider the type of your floor before picking a stain. If you would like to add more depth and detail by mixing multiple shades – go for it!
How to Stain Red Oak Floors in 4 Steps
Staining oak, particularly your red oak floors at home, can save you money while allowing you to pick out just the right stain color that will match perfectly with your decorating theme.
Here’s all you need to know about staining and using the best stain for red oak floors:
Step #1: Vacuum Your Floor
Revitalize your red oak floor with deep vacuuming and wiping down. Don’t forget to give extra attention to the corners for that full-coverage sparkle!
Step #2: Mix the Stain
Make sure to give your stain a good shake before getting started. Then open the can with a screwdriver and stir gently for even coverage of color – you’ll be ready to get staining in no time!
Step #3: Start Applying the Stain
Splunge the cloth or sponge in and gently rub it onto the surface. Use long strokes that seamlessly blend each coat. Wipe off any surplus product to leave behind a gorgeous depth of color, and repeat this step until all floors are covered!
Step #4: Let the Stain Dry
Let your stain dry overnight or, in some cases, for up to three days. The drying time depends on the brand and type of wood you use, as well as the local climate conditions. Then finish that special project with a layer of polyurethane for protection!
(But how many coats of polyurethane do you need to apply? Read here!)
How to Stain Red Oak to Look Similar to White Oak in 7 Steps
Want white oak floors but have red? Don’t be discouraged! You can still get the look you’re looking for without complete replacement. Mixing stains or using a lighter stain is an option if your current floor has not been sealed yet.
See Also: How to Neutralize Red Tones in Wood
Step #1: Prepare the Floor Surface
Prep the floor for refinishing by sanding it with 180-220 gritty paper to create a perfect scuff.
Step #2: Combine Equal Parts of the Components
Activate the product; you’ll see bubbles appear, signifying that the item is ready for use.
Step #3: Begin Applying the Mixture
Apply the mixture using a top-tier synthetic brush to each area you want to turn white. For safety, goggles and safety gloves should always be worn. Ensure you apply uniform coats of the mixture while avoiding mud.
Step #4: Leave the Wood to Dry
Give your wood a three-hour drying break, then evaluate how it looks. Is the lighting just right? If so, neutralize the bleach [1] and move on – or top up with more if you think it’s needed for an even brighter finish.
Step #5: Neutralize the Bleach
Simply mix ordinary vinegar and warm water, both in 2 parts, stirring until combined. Then apply the mixture to neutralize the areas needed.
Step #6: Leave the Surface to Dry
Once the area is completely dry, you’ll notice that its grain has been raised. To smooth this out and make your wood shine, a bit of sanding will do wonders!
Step #7: Consider Applying a Topcoat
Give your project the perfect finish by carefully selecting and applying the best coat – just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
FAQ
What stain makes red oak less red?
The stain that makes red oak less red is green because it will hide and neutralize the red in red oak.
How do you modernize red oak floors?
To modernize red oak floors, you can use antique white or light grey colors in your home to compliment them.
What color can red oak be stained?
Red oak can be stained with many different colors because it stains well.
What is a good finish for red oak?
Beeswax treatment has been dubbed as the best finish for oak floors because it enhances wood furniture with a luxurious silky texture, revealing the finest details of its grain.
Can red oak floors be stained dark?
Yes, red oak floors can be stained light up to darker shades.
What colors go with natural red oak floors?
The colors that go with natural red oak floors are dark, cool blue, and green tones because they bring beauty out of the red flooring.
More articles for you:
Our Top Pick For a Stain for Red Oak Floors:
DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
The DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is the perfect solution for any red oak floor staining project. It’s easy to work with, has a quick drying time, and its bright colors make it the best stain for red oak floors!
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