Refinishing your hardwood floors is one of the best ways to transform a room. But once the sanding is done, you face the biggest decision of the project: what color should the floor be, and what finish should go on top?

It's a choice you'll live with for years, so it pays to get it right. At Quality Floor Finishers, we've helped Southern Maine homeowners choose stains and finishes since 1987. Here's what we tell every customer before they pick a color.

Start With Your Wood Species

The same stain can look completely different on two wood types. Before you fall in love with a color online, know what your floors are made of.

• Red oak is common in many Maine homes. It has warm, slightly pink undertones and a bold grain that takes stain evenly.
• White oak has cooler, more neutral undertones. It's a favorite for modern light, natural, and gray-toned looks.
• Maple has a tight, smooth grain that can look blotchy with darker stains. Many homeowners choose a natural or very light finish for maple.
• Pine is softer and often found in older farmhouses and antique homes. It can absorb stain unevenly, so it needs careful preparation to get a consistent color.

If you're not sure what species you have, our team can identify it during your free estimate.

Popular Stain Directions in Southern Maine Homes

There's no single right color, but most of our customers land in one of a few families.

Natural and light tones let the wood's own character show through. They fit coastal cottages in Kennebunkport and Old Orchard Beach, make smaller rooms feel bigger, and do a great job hiding dust and sand.

Warm mid-tones like golden oak, provincial, and early American are timeless. They suit the Federal and Victorian homes found throughout Saco, Biddeford, and South Portland, and they forgive everyday wear.

Grays and weathered browns give a relaxed, modern coastal feel. They pair especially well with white oak and newer builds in Scarborough and South Portland.

Dark tones like espresso, jacobean, and ebony create a rich, dramatic look. They can make a strong statement in a formal living or dining room.

Browse our Stains page and Hardwood Flooring Gallery to see real examples.

Consider Your Light and Room Size

Light changes everything. A stain that looks warm in a south-facing room can look flat or cool in a north-facing one. Morning sun, afternoon glare, and evening lamps will each show your floor differently.

As a general rule, lighter floors open up small or dim rooms. Darker floors can make a large, bright room feel cozier and more grounded. Think about your wall colors, cabinets, trim, and furniture too. The floor is the foundation for everything else in the room.

Think About Your Lifestyle

The most beautiful stain isn't the right one if it doesn't fit how you live.

• Pets and kids: Dark floors show scratches, pet hair, and dust more easily. Mid-tones and lighter colors are more forgiving.
• Beach homes and rentals: Sand and salt show less on natural, light floors, making them practical for seasonal properties.
• High-traffic homes: Warm mid-tones with visible grain help disguise everyday wear between cleanings.

Choose the Right Sheen

The finish on top of your stain protects the wood and changes how the floor looks. Sheen levels usually range from matte to gloss.

• Matte has a soft, natural look with almost no shine. It hides scratches and scuffs well.
• Satin is the most popular choice. It offers a gentle glow while still hiding everyday wear well.
• Semi-gloss adds noticeable shine and a more polished look.
• Gloss is the most reflective. It looks striking but shows every scratch, footprint, and speck of dust.

For most busy households, we recommend matte or satin.

The Benefits of a UV-Cured Finish

Quality Floor Finishers offers UV finish application, which cures the finish with ultraviolet light instead of waiting for it to air dry. That means less waiting before you can use the room again, and a hard, durable surface right from the start. It's a great option for busy households, rental properties, and anyone who wants their home back quickly. Ask us whether a UV finish is right for your project.

Why You Should Always See Samples on Your Own Floor

Phone screens and printed swatches can't show how a stain will look on your wood, in your light. That's why we recommend testing samples on your actual floor after sanding. Seeing a few options side by side, in place, is the most reliable way to avoid surprises.

You're also welcome to visit our showroom at 442 U.S. Route 1 in Scarborough to see stains and finishes in person. If you'd rather not make the trip, we'll bring samples to you.

Matching Existing Floors and Historic Homes

Adding a room, patching damaged boards, or restoring an antique home? We offer custom color and species matching to blend new and old floors as closely as possible. This is especially helpful in historic homes throughout Kennebunk, Saco, and Biddeford, where original floors are worth preserving.

Get Expert Help Choosing Your Stain

Choosing a stain color is easier with someone who has seen thousands of floors. Our in-house team brings more than 10 years of experience per installer to every job. We're fully insured, including workers' comp, and we never use subcontractors. Our 95% dust-free D.C.S. sanding system keeps your home clean throughout the process. Learn more about our sanding and refinishing services.

Ready to find your perfect floor color? Contact us for a free, no-pressure estimate. We proudly serve South Portland, Portland, Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Biddeford, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport.



Quality Floor Finishers. We Know Flooring.