Can You Stain Your Own Hardwood Floors Without A Professional?

Hardwood floors are a stylish addition to any room, but depending on how long they've been in your home, you may be looking how to bring your old hardwood floors back to life. If this is the case, there are several ways you can do this, which include sanding, painting, varnishing, and staining. Staining is the process of coloring your hardwood floors, to either enhance them or entirely transform them. This can sometimes be confused with refinishing hardwood floors, which is when a clear sealant is put on top of your wood floors to protect them from becoming damaged. 

With a lot of people tackling hefty DIY jobs around the home themselves, it's a common question to ask whether or not you would be able to stain your hardwood floors yourself. Depending on your DIY ability, it is definitely doable. But, in order to achieve a clean and long-lasting finish, it's a good idea to call in the help of a professional. It will save you a lot of time and hassle, as well as giving you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. 

Wood is a natural material, which means it isn't one size fits all. The type of wood your hardwood floors are made out of, and what condition they're in, can determine what the staining process should look like. 

If you do end up attempting to stain your floor yourself, many problems can arise. For example, sanding a hardwood floor is a necessary process before staining it. If this isn't done properly, once the stain has been applied, you are likely to accentuate the sanding marks, creating an unsightly finish. A professional will know the right pressure when sanding to avoid making these marks in the first place.

Another common issue is not doing enough research on what kind of wood your floor is made from. Particular species of wood, including pine and birch, don't enjoy being stained. They have a very tight-grain, so the stain struggles to penetrate it and provide a decent amount of coverage. A professional will know what type of wood your floor is and what stain it requires to achieve the best result.

Finally, you may be tempted to rush the staining process. Not taking your time can leave you with a sticky floor that isn't properly cured. Meaning it's going to cost you more time and money in the long run having to call in a professional.