How do I match the colour of my timber stairs to the floors?

Akan56

Hi experts, I would love a detailed explanation of how I could get my timber stairs that go form our dining area down to the living room to match the timber floors. We just recently bought this house and I feel it just looks mismatched and cheapens the area. Thanks in advance!

EricL

Hello @Akan56

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your timber stairs.

It's a great project to be undertaking, but it’s very difficult to use stains to perfectly match the colour of a different timber species, and in some cases, it’s just not achievable. The best you can do is to go for a close match which involves trial and error. I highly suspect that your floor and your timber steps are two different types of wood. In one discussion my teammate suggested using https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-4l-gloss-cabothane-clear-cfp-floor-polyurethane_p1520586 but they had Cyprus pine for timber flooring which I suspect you might have as well.

It was in this discussion - How to match the stain on my timber floors? by @RenoPause. I also suggest having a look at this one - How to match floor finish? by @mfenechcamer. I suggest visiting your local store and having a look at the stain and sealer sample board in the paint department. Show the paint specialist the pictures of your floor and your timber steps.

The general steps to staining/sealing your floor is fairly straight forward and that is to sand down the steps to remove the current sealer and testing stain/sealers to see which comes close to the finish of your flooring. The best you can possibly get is a close match but not an exact match to the finish of your floor.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Seal A Timber Floor

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric