Hello,

We just had our 15 year old red oak floors in the family room and kitchen sanded and stained Dark Walnut by Minwax, then three coats of satin poly applied. In addition, we had new red oak installed to the adjacent hallway and formal living/dining room. We used a reputable flooring company that was recommended to us by numerous people. Everything looks great, but here are my issues.

1. The old wood stained lighter than the new wood. Unfortunately, the guys didn't notice this before sealing it. BUT I can see it, as well as my husband. And when I point it out to people, they notice it too. But it is not a HUGE difference. I know that the lighter area is the 15 year old wood that has been exposed to quite a bit of sun over the years. the room with the older wood has more windows and is overall brighter than the areas with the new (darker) wood. The company has offered to resand and restain the lighter wood and apply two coats of stain to get it closer. I am happy they are standing by their work and trying to make me happy. I am just hesitant to go through all that work again and being out of the house for 5 days.

Do you think there are any issues with applying two coats of stain? And based on your experience, given this room has much more sun and light, will it even look that different?

2. One area has a darker boarder around the edges. This is not normal, right?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

So the new wood is darker wood and the old wood is lighter wood?

that really makes no sense.

My questions would be this,

Was a white oak substituted for a red oak? ( it is cheaper)

2) are you sure it isn't a lighting issue? more light exposure will obviously show it self differently than a darker room.

Once you sand a floor any sun-bleaching will be eradicated and you start with a clean slate.

Lastly, in response to darker borders: without any pics I cant say much but this is either a sanding/prep issue or a cut in.

When the perimeter was cut in, they went to fast and far ahead of the main application.

I'm not exactly sure what you are researching.They have stood by their work , see the solution and offered remedy.

Despite nay sayers, you can apply 2 coats of stain..not always ideal, but it can be done with no ill effect.

it is best to wait minimum 2 days before applying topcoats of oil and at least 3 days before waterbased finishes go on

Thank you. Is there a way to attach pictures?

Also, does red oak darken or lighten over time?

not exactly sure how to answer that none really occur.

the only thing I would say is that any wood will naturally gain a richer tone with age as it develops more patina and oxidizes.

so I guess you can say it would get "darker" using that term loosely.

you are best off posting links directly to your dropbox, picasa. google plus or photo host of choice.

try suing the Img box at the top of your reply box.

I think many have had some issues with it but give it a try.

That is odd. I would have expected the older wood to be darker. So, as others have mentioned, I wonder if they used same species of wood. Or, maybe it was a different grade.

Anyway, no I would recommend against 2 coats of stain. That, IMO, is recipe for disaster. 2nd coat will not penetrate correctly and first coat of poly won't adhere properly.

I'm thinking a simpler and better solution is to screen & recoat the lighter section w/ another coat of poly...but add a tint to it.

Debbie Gartner aka The Flooring Girl
http://TheFlooringGirl.com
Owner of Floor Coverings International
41 N Lawn Ave
Elmsford, NY 10523
Westchester County