Staining parquet flooring (color, bedrooms, stain, warm)

[katsukatsu]

Hi there,

I am looking for some advice on how to finish our parquet floors. We recently sanded off the old finish on our floors and are still not 100% sure on which type of finish we are going for. Ideally I was thinking of staining the floor and having a hardwax oil finish on it. I would like the most natural feel and the warmth of the wood but the biggest issue we have is the color of it. We´re not sure which type of wood it is exactly, but a carpenter friend of ours suggested that it could be some exotic mix. The house is 25 years old and located in Portugal. The floor has a strong red/pinkish tone to it. Which we absolutely hate and would like to change. The parquet floors are in bedrooms, which will be short term rentals. So they would probably see less care from our guests.

Looking for some ideas on which product would be durable enough but also has the possibility to add tone. How to eliminate or at least minimise the redness of the wood. We are looking for something with more of a matt finish. I read somewhere that walnut colour should tone it down.

I have also read that staining a parquet floor is not suggested by a lot of people as the different grain directions would be even more highlighted and would end up with a messy look. Does anybody have any opinions on that?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by katsukatsu

I have also read that staining a parquet floor is not suggested by a lot of people as the different grain directions would be even more highlighted and would end up with a messy look. Does anybody have any opinions on that?

"Staining in itself isn't the issue- it's the color you pick and the species of wood. Grain and porosity vary among species. Not knowing specifically what the species is leave doubt as to the result.

You can "manage" stain absorption with a sanding sealer. You can also experiment in an inconspicuous area. As for the topcoat/finish layer(s)- polyurethane is your best choice.