The type of wood used on the stairs and floors of your home has a big impact on the overall aesthetic. Two of the most popular woods are red oak and white oak. In this blog, we’ll review the various differences between red and white oak woods, explore a collection of techniques to create a cohesive design with white and red oak, and explain how to make red oak look like white oak.
Red Oak vs. White Oak
Every wood species has unique grain patterns, textures, and colour tones. The distinct characteristics of red oak and white oak influence how stains are absorbed and appear when dry. The following outlines the differences between red oak and white oak:
Red Oak
Red oak is a warm wood tone with hues of red and pink. It has a large and prominent grain pattern, which gives it a rustic appearance.
The open pores also increase the wood’s absorption of stains. In contrast, clear-coating red oak can result in a courser finish. Multiple clear-coats are typically necessary to achieve a smooth textured finish.
White Oak
White oak is a cool-toned wood with neutral hues of light browns and beiges. The grain pattern is tighter and less pronounced than red oak, giving it a refined look.
White oak wood has closed pores, which impacts its stain absorption and varies the appearance of the finish. However, this can also lead to a smoother finish when you apply a top coat.
Why It’s Difficult to Match Red Oak to White Oak Floors
There are various reasons matching red oak to white oak flooring can be challenging. For one, stain on red oak absorbs into the large pores of the wood. This lessens the effect of the stain and causes the finish to appear warmer, even if you’re using a cool-toned stain. When you stain white oak, the stain appears more vividly. Additionally, the lighting conditions in the space, such as whether you have natural or artificial lighting, can impact how each of the woods look.
How to Blend and Stain Stairs to Match Floor
- Despite the natural variations in wood colour and grain patterns, there are various ways to blend red oak stairs with white oak flooring to establish a cohesive aesthetic. Here are a few expert tips and techniques you can use to blend red oak and white oak:
- Add mouldings or floor runners to ease the transition between the two woods.
- Be consistent when applying finishes to both types of wood across multiple spaces.
- Mix a custom stain using varying percentages to create the ideal blend.
- Stain each wood differently, such as using more or fewer coats and two separate stains.
- Pay close attention to the colour of your walls and furniture as it can affect the appearance of the woods.
- Use a green stain to neutralize the red hues in your red oak stairs.
- Can you stain wood lighter? Yes, by bleaching red oak stairs or use hydrogen peroxide and a lye and water mixture to bleach the wood.
How To Make Red Oak Look Like White Oak
To enhance the appearance, texture, and durability of your stairs, it’s beneficial to take steps before and after staining. Learn how to stain red oak stairs to match white oak floors by reviewing the techniques below:
- Prep the Red Oak Stairs: Clean your stairs to remove any dust or debris from the surface. Sand the stair treads to using a sandpaper or a mechanical sander to smoothen any rough areas. Wipe the stairs down with a tack cloth to get rid of dust from the sanding.
- Select and Apply the Stain: Mix and test various stains on scrap pieces of red oak wood. Makes sure you test the number of coats as well as mixes and colours. Once you have your stain, apply it to the stair trends using a paintbrush or rag.
- Seal the Finish: Sealing the stain on red oak stairs protects it from fading and scratches. Use a high-quality sealant for increased durability and visual appeal. Polyurethane is recommended for sealing stair treads because it’s strong and comes in various sheens, including matte, glossy, and satin.
- Test in Various Lighting: Examine your stain tests under different lighting conditions. This includes artificial and natural light as well as during the daytime and nighttime. Compare the stains under white and yellow light bulbs as well to see how the hues impact the wood’s appearance.
How to Stain Stairs to Match Floor
If you’re matching red oak stairs to other types of wood flooring, the approach remains the same. Select stains that complement the tones of the wood species. Types of stains you may choose include water-soluble, water-based, gel, and oil-based. Research the grain patterns and hues of your flooring to determine which colour and type of stain will provide the best match to your red oak.
Reality of Red Oak vs. White Oak Staining
While there are many techniques and tips above that can help you match your red oak stairs to your white oak flooring, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Recreating the exact tone of white oak on red oak may not be possible. However, stains are an excellent way to reduce the brightness of red oak, allowing it to blend better with white oak. Make sure to maintain your stairs and flooring regularly after staining to ensure long-lasting beauty.
Reach out to Zelta Floor & Design for expert advice on how to make red oak look like white oak.
