Staining maple

Q: I have a hardwood floor that looks like a gym floor. It is maple. I would like to stain it darker, however I’ve been told that staining this maple floor won’t work and won’t turn out?

A: You can stain anything. Maple presents certain problems particular to the species. Because of it’s density, which varies considerably from one spot on the board to the next, the stain will look blotchy. If you are aware of this and expect it, then there is no surprise.

Similar Q: Can a maple floor be sanded and painted, or stained a dark brown color?

A: Any wood can be painted or stained. What has to be understood is your expectations. Stained Maple tends to look blotchy.

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