Hardwood floors are like the classic black dress of home décor—timeless, elegant, and always in style. By 2026, the wood flooring industry is projected to reach $107.25 billion, highlighting their enduring popularity.
If your hardwood floors start to feel a bit outdated — perhaps the color no longer complements your updated furniture, or you’re simply ready for a change — you don’t need to replace them to refresh their look.
With the right hardwood floor refinishing techniques, you can update the color of your existing hardwood floors in Seattle, while maintaining their durability and charm.
Let’s explore how to give your floors the color update they deserve!
Step 1: Assess the Current Condition of Your Floors
Before you start changing the color of your floor, it’s important to assess its current condition. Check if your hardwood floor is scratched, worn, or faded, or if it’s still in relatively good shape. This will help determine whether a simple staining will suffice or if you need full refinishing to strip away the old finish and color.
If your floors are scratched or have lost their luster, refinishing is the best option. This process involves sanding down the wood, removing the old finish, and preparing it for a fresh stain.
Step 2: Sanding the Floors
Sanding is the most important part of changing the color of your hardwood floors. This process removes the current finish, revealing the bare wood underneath. Whether you want to go darker, lighter, or simply refresh the original tone, sanding creates a clean slate.
At Five Star Hardwood Floor, we use professional-grade, dustless sanding equipment to ensure even results. It’s important to sand evenly, or else the stain will soak unevenly, leading to patchy, inconsistent color. After sanding, the floors should be smooth and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Choose Your Stain Color
Now comes the fun part—picking your new color! Whether you’re aiming for a rich, dark espresso or a light, airy natural wood tone, there are a wide variety of stains to choose from. Want something bold? Dark stains like walnut or ebony can create a dramatic look. Prefer a lighter, more Scandinavian vibe? Natural or grey stains are very popular for a modern, clean look.
When choosing the stain color, keep in mind the type of wood floor refinishing in Seattle homes. Some woods, like oak, are more porous and absorb stains differently than hardwoods like maple. A professional flooring contractor in Seattle, like Five Star Hardwood Floor, can help guide you through the selection process and show you samples so you can see exactly how the stain will look once applied.
Step 4: Applying the Stain
Once you’ve chosen the perfect color, it’s time to apply the stain. Staining is an art in itself—apply too much, and your floors could end up darker than you expected. Apply too little, and the color might be too faint. A professional touch ensures that the color is applied evenly and absorbed properly, avoiding streaks or blotchy patches.
At Five Star Hardwood Floor, we carefully apply three coats of stain to achieve the desired color instead of the usual two. This also allows you to build the richness of the color over time, ensuring the perfect shade.
Step 5: Seal the Deal with a Protective Finish
Staining may give your hardwood floors a fresh new color, but the final finish is what keeps them looking their best. A clear, durable sealant protects the wood from moisture, scratches, and wear—especially important in Seattle’s often damp weather. We use Bona Traffic® hardwood floor finish due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
And here’s where our floor waterproofing services in Seattle come in handy. Adding a waterproof layer on top of your finish helps protect your newly stained floors from water damage, spills, and the inevitable rainy days in Seattle. This is a great option for kitchens, entryways, or any other areas prone to moisture.
Step 6: Let It Dry and Enjoy!
Once your new color is applied and sealed, it’s time to let the floors dry. Depending on the type of stain and finish you’ve chosen, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. During this time, it’s important to avoid walking on the floors, moving furniture, or allowing pets in the area.
Once dry, you’ll be left with beautiful hardwood floors that look brand new—but with the added benefit of a custom color that perfectly suits your home’s style.
Ready to Change the Color of Your Hardwood Floors? Call Five Star Hardwood Floor in Seattle!
Changing the color of your hardwood floors is a project that demands precision. For the best results, trust the experts at Five Star Hardwood Floor to handle the job with skill and care.
We specialize in hardwood floor refinishing and have 13 years of experience working with wood flooring in Seattle. From helping you choose the right stain to providing other hardwood flooring services, we’re here to ensure your floors look stunning for years to come.
So, contact us or give us a call at (425) 802-7517, and transform your wood floor installation in Redmond into the statement piece of your home!