1 Year Later: How Our Red Oak Floors Are Holding Up
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It’s hard to believe that we refinished our red oak hardwood floors over a year ago! I will never forget the first sanding pass where the big old drum sander removed the dark cherry looking stain in an instant and I was like, OH MY I hope this is the right decision!
Just to refresh your memory, this is what our floors looked like before we refinished them.
Needless to say, after the initial panic of “what did I do” wore off, I was so excited to see them come to life in a lighter more modern tone. 1 year later, they are absolutely perfect!
Durability and Wear After Refinishing
One year after refinishing, our floors still look fantastic. The color has held up well, and we haven’t seen any significant fading or changes.
This is due in large part to using high-quality materials and avoiding oil-based polyurethane, which can cause floors to take on a yellow or orange hue over time.
We have a larger golden doodle who definitely runs on them, slides and acts spastic at times and the floors have held up great.
What We Learned About Stains and Sealers
We wanted something that would neutralize the natural pink tones of the red oak while still letting the wood grain shine through.
After testing several options (I think we tried a dozen different colors), we found that stains with gray or white undertones worked best for achieving that modern, white oak look.
One big mistake to avoid?
Using an oil-based polyurethane as a topcoat. This will not only enhance the red or pink tones in your floors but also give them a glossy, outdated finish.
As you can see below, the Bona finish essentially removed most of the warm tone giving it a white wash effect.
Related: Grab our guide here on how to refinish red oak floors
We opted for a water-based sealer to maintain a matte, more natural look.
One thing I would definitely recommend though, whether you are using the Bona products or any other brand of stain, be sure to take your time and wipe any drip marks immediately especially when staining your stairs or near baseboards.
We had a few areas where the stain ran down the stair risers and once it dried, it had to be sanded off and then the riser repainted. Not a huge issue but if you catch the drips first, you will minimize touch ups later.
Related FAQs About Refinishing Red Oak Floors
Can You Make Red Oak Floors Look Like White Oak?
Yes, you can absolutely make red oak floors look like white oak with the right refinishing process. I highly recommend the Bona products and they also make a “red out” product that is meant for red oak. We have never used it but I know it exists.
The key is selecting a stain that neutralizes the pink and orange tones, while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
The right finish will give you that bright, modern look that’s so popular today.
How to Avoid Common Refinishing Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes when refinishing red oak flooring is using a stain or sealer that enhances the red tones instead of neutralizing them.
To avoid this, choose stains with cooler undertones, and stay away from oil-based polyurethanes, which can cause yellowing and a shiny, outdated look.
Final Thoughts—Is Refinishing Your Floors Worth It?
Umm yes!! If you are looking to modernize your floors and not replace them, refinishing them to a lighter whitewash look is the way to go.
Refinishing your red oak floors can be a game-changer.
Not only is it a budget-friendly way to transform your space, but it also allows you to keep the original character of your home’s hardwood.
A year after our project, we’re still thrilled with the results—our floors are lighter, brighter, and perfectly aligned with the rest of our home’s style.
Ready to tackle your own red oak floor refinishing project?
Grab my step-by-step guide (here is a freebie and here is a low cost checklist with 10 pages of everything you need to get the job done) which is designed to help you get professional-looking results without the high cost of replacement.
More Of Our Red Oak Flooring Transformation
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
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