Floor Staining Options: Transform Your Timber Floors
Floor sanding doesn't just restore your floor; it gives you a blank canvas. While the natural golden hue of native NZ timber is beautiful, sometimes you want a specific look to match your interior design.
Floor staining allows you to completely transform the vibe of a room—from modern Scandi whitewash to dramatic sophisticated black.
Our Preferred Staining Systems
We use two distinct systems depending on the look you want to achieve: Handley X-Series for traditional deep staining, and Rubio Monocoat for modern, textured color.
1. Handley X-Series (Fade-Resistant Solvent Stains)
The Handley X-Series is a high-performance, dye-based solvent stain designed for deep penetration into timber grain. It is ideal for achieving rich, traditional colors on native NZ timbers.
- Dark Walnut: A classic, deep chocolate brown that adds instant luxury.
- Brown Cedar: A warm, reddish-brown tone perfect for bringing warmth to Rimu.
- Mahogany: A rich red-brown for a sophisticated, heritage look.
- Black: True black for a dramatic, modern contrast.
2. Rubio Monocoat (Oil Plus 2C)
Rubio Monocoat is a revolutionary oil that bonds molecularly with the wood fibers in a single coat. It leaves a matte, natural feel and comes in over 40 colors.
- Pure (Clear): Enhances the natural warmth of the wood.
- White 5% / Cotton White: Removes the yellowing from pine/oak for a raw, "unfinished" Scandi look.
- Castle Brown: A subtle, earthy brown that looks aged and authentic.
- Affogato / Biscuit: Trendy warm neutrals that fit perfectly with modern beige/grey interiors.
- Charcoal / Midnight Sky: Soft blacks that allow the grain to remain visible.
The Staining Process
Staining is unforgiving. It must be applied perfectly or it will show lap marks and uneven patches.
- Water Popping: After fine sanding, we mist the floor with water to "pop" the grain, opening the pores to accept more pigment.
- Application: We apply the stain by hand or buffer, working fast to ensure an even coat.
- Drying: Stains need 12-24 hours to dry completely before the sealer coat is applied.
Important Considerations
- Timber Species Matters: You can't make Pine look exactly like Oak. The underlying wood color always affects the result.
- Imperfections Show More: Dark stains tend to highlight scratches and dust more than natural finishes.
- Test Patches Are Mandatory: We always apply samples on your actual floor so you can see the color in your lighting before we proceed.
Want to Change Your Floor Color?
Ask us to bring our stain sample kit to your free quote appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will staining hide the grain of the wood?
No, floor stains are semi-transparent. They change the color of the timber while highlighting the grain patterns. In fact, darker stains often make the grain 'pop' more dramatically.
Does staining cost extra?
Yes, staining typically adds $15-$25 per sqm to the sanding cost. This covers the cost of the stain itself and the additional labor/skill required to apply it evenly (
Can I stain any type of wood?
Most timbers take stain well, but results vary. Oak is perfect for staining. Rimu and Matai also stain well but have strong underlying red/yellow tones that will influence the final color. We always do a test patch first.