Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - What is the best stain and finish to buy?

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Snaffoo
11-14-06, 01:18 PM
I know it has been asked before, but I can't seem to find the right answer in the archives. What I am looking for is the best quality stain for unfinished red oak and the best finish. I am hoping to go a dark colour, like dark chocolate. We have quite a bit of traffic in our plan with cats and kids, and we have hardwood in our kitchen as well so water drops might be an issue. Should I be using a oil or water stain and finish? What will give me the best durabilty so I don't have redo it every couple of years? I don't really care about odar, I just want the best results. Is the MiniWax oil stains any good? What about the Bona Traffic for finish?

Any help is appreciated.

Just Bill
11-14-06, 04:56 PM
I would consult a local flooring supplier in your area, NOT BIG BOX. I like MinWax, but it is not the best thing for floors. And IMHO, an oil based finish is still harder than water based, but you will get arguments for both.