4.9 ★ · 177+ Reviews
Transform Your Floors With Color
Hardwood floor staining is the single biggest visual change you can make to your floors. Whether your golden oak feels dated, you want the rich depth of dark walnut, or you're going for a modern gray tone, staining gives you complete control over the look.
Unlike replacing flooring entirely, staining works with your existing hardwood. We sand to bare wood, then apply your chosen stain color in even, controlled coats. The result is a floor that looks like it was always that color -- not painted over or covered up.
Oakerds Flooring is a custom hardwood floor staining company based in Atlanta, Georgia. We offer oil-based and water-based stain options, and we always apply test samples on your actual floor so you can see how the color looks in your lighting before we proceed.
Stain Types & Color Options
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains penetrate deep into the wood grain, producing rich, warm tones that develop character over time. They bring out the natural grain pattern beautifully. Best for: classic looks, darker colors, traditional homes. Dry time: 24 to 48 hours between coats.
Water-Based Stains
Water-based stains dry faster, have lower odor, and preserve the wood's natural color without the amber shift that oil-based stains add. Best for: lighter colors, gray tones, modern aesthetics, homes with children or pets. Dry time: 2 to 4 hours between coats.
Popular Color Trends
In Atlanta, homeowners are trending toward natural and light tones, dark espresso and jacobean, true gray and greige blends, and whitewashed or Scandinavian-style finishes. We carry a full range of colors from major stain manufacturers.
Custom Color Matching
Need to match existing trim, furniture, or a specific design vision? We mix custom stain blends and apply test patches on your floor. You see the exact color in your own lighting conditions before we commit to the full application.
How Custom Floor Staining Works
Color Consultation
We visit your home, discuss your vision, and bring stain samples. We'll help you choose between oil-based and water-based options based on your color goals and lifestyle.
Sample Application
We apply your top color choices directly on a small section of your sanded floor. You see exactly how each stain looks on your wood species, in your lighting, before making a final decision.
Full Stain Application
Once you approve the color, we apply the stain evenly across the entire floor. Each coat is worked into the grain by hand for consistent, streak-free coverage with no lap marks.
Protective Finish Coat
After the stain dries, we apply a durable polyurethane finish that locks in the color and protects against daily wear. Choose satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheen to complete the look.
Why Atlanta Homeowners Choose Oakerds for Staining
Samples on Your Floor
We never ask you to pick a color from a card. We apply stain samples directly on your sanded floor so you see the true color in your home's lighting. No guesswork, no surprises.
Wood Species Expertise
Different woods absorb stain differently. Oak takes stain evenly, maple can blotch, pine absorbs unevenly. We know which techniques and pre-treatments to use for each species to get a smooth, consistent result.
Both Stain Types Available
We carry both oil-based and water-based stains so you can choose based on color goals, dry time, and odor preferences rather than being limited to one option.
Transparent Pricing
Hardwood floor staining in Atlanta costs $2 to $5 per square foot depending on stain type and number of coats. We quote the full price upfront with no hidden fees.
What Our Customers Say
"We wanted to go from golden oak to a dark jacobean and they nailed it. They put three different stain samples on our floor so we could see the colors in our living room light. The final result was exactly what we picked."
"They matched my existing floor color exactly. I had a section that needed to blend with the rest of the house and you literally cannot tell the difference. Incredible attention to detail."
"We were torn between oil-based and water-based stain. The team explained the pros and cons of each and even applied samples of both. Ended up going water-based for the lighter look and faster dry time. Love the result."
"Our maple floors had some blotching from a previous stain job. Oakerds sanded everything down and used a pre-stain conditioner before applying the new color. The coverage is perfectly even now."
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwood floor staining in Atlanta typically costs $2 to $5 per square foot. The price depends on the stain type (oil-based costs slightly more than water-based), number of coats needed, and total square footage. For a 500 square foot room, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 including the stain and protective finish coat. Oakerds provides free on-site estimates.
Yes, hardwood floor staining can completely change the color of your floors. You can go from light to dark, dark to light, or shift the tone entirely. The floors are sanded down to bare wood first, which removes the old color and opens the grain for the new stain. Popular color changes in Atlanta include golden oak to dark walnut, natural to gray, and light pine to espresso.
Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood, produce richer and warmer tones, and add an amber character over time. They take 24 to 48 hours to dry between coats and have a stronger odor. Water-based stains dry in 2 to 4 hours, have low odor, and keep the wood's natural color without yellowing. Water-based is better for lighter, more contemporary looks; oil-based is better for deep, traditional tones.
Oil-based stain takes 24 to 48 hours to dry between coats. Water-based stain dries in 2 to 4 hours. After the final stain coat, you'll need an additional 24 hours before the protective finish is applied. The total staining project -- including sanding, stain, and finish coats -- typically takes 3 to 5 days. We'll give you a specific timeline during your estimate.
For a true color change, floors need to be sanded to bare wood first. The existing finish prevents stain from penetrating the grain, which leads to blotchy, uneven results. Sanding opens the wood pores for even stain absorption. Some maintenance refreshes can be done with a light buff and recoat, but if you want a different color, professional sanding is a necessary first step.
Custom Hardwood Staining Across Greater Atlanta
Marietta · East Cobb · Smyrna · Kennesaw · Roswell · Sandy Springs · Dunwoody · Buckhead · Brookhaven · Woodstock · Alpharetta · Acworth · Johns Creek · Decatur · Canton · Cumming
Not sure if we serve your area? Call us -- we probably do.
Get Your Free Staining Estimate
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Prefer to talk? Call (404) 737-7558 -- we answer.