Red oak floors are a classic choice for homes. A northern red oak wood floor has a noble reputation for being durable with a unique wood grain. Because its such a go-to floor, it can feel a little drab. So lets spruce them up with a modern edge!
There are a few creative ways to give those red oak floors a fresh feel and I can't wait for you to see them below! Thes classic hardwoods can work with modern aesthetics extremely well. It all comes down to the technique and smart design choices. Modernize your red oak floors to reflect your style today
Table of Contents:
- Understanding Red Oak Flooring
- Color is Your Modernizing Tool
- Experimenting with Finishes
- FAQs about how to make red oak floors look modern
- Conclusion
Understanding Red Oak Hardwood Floors
Before we get started on your floor transformation journey, let's get acquainted with the ole red oak charm and natural marks.
What Makes it Unique
Red oak is a hardwood has a high Janka Hardwness Score. This wood hardness is how people claim this is the hardwood to last for generations Red oak also comes with a prominent wood grain pattern and pinkish hues many enjoy in a natural finish. That distinctive rift and grain lines is what we'll be working with. If you're up to refinishing and staining your hardwood, its a great way to get a more neutral color or desired tone out of them.
Color is Your Modernizing Tool
The Power of Light Stains
One of the simplest ways to modernize red oak floors is by using light-colored stains. Light stains are the easiest way to get that coveted, airy Scandinavian feel in your home with a red oak wood floor.
While it’s true that red oak is notorious for its reddish-pink undertones that can be amplified by light stains, don’t despair. The key to success lies in choosing the right stain and possibly adding a whitewash effect.
Everyone looking to stain hardwood should test the stain first. Find a spot that well hidden by furniture or a rug on your floor. Use a sander then stain that spot cast different light sources and colors to see how it looks in different lighting conditions. Just like paint colors, stains can look drastically different depending on the light.
All hardwood floors are unique, they are harvest from unique trees so one stain on a red oak floor may look different on your floor. Florescent lightbulbs, LEDs, and natural light will illuminate your floor and stain differently.
Several flooring bloggers have documented their experience testing stains, like this blogger over on CHRISSY MARIE BLOG. After experimenting with 15 different stain colors, they found the perfect modern look by mixing Duraseal stain, 60% Fruitwood and 40% Country White.
If an oak stain you love appears too dark, you can lighten it by mixing mineral spirits in it. Just be sure to use odorless mineral spirits indoors for a more pleasant experience. A word of caution, when diluting a stain with mineral spirits, be very precise in your mixture and be sure to mix enough as each batch can turn out different.
For instance if your sunroom takes two gallons of diluted stain it is a good idea to mix two and a half to three gallons to insure you have enough.
Go Bold with Darker Hues
While lighter stains create that trendy, airy vibe, don't shy away from darker hues if that's where your heart lies. Deep, rich stains can add a touch of modern sophistication, especially in spaces with ample natural light. They can also help camouflage imperfections in older floors.
When choosing darker stains for the wood floor in your house, keep your wall color and overall décor in mind, opting for a balanced and cohesive look. You can even use Sherwin Williams to test paint samples alongside your stain choices.
Take, for example, a stain called "Aged Wheat" by Varathane—it can create that modern, aged look while still letting the natural beauty of your red oak shine through.
Nordic Seal – It’s a Game Changer
Nordic Seal is a popular choice when learning to get red oak floors to look like a brand-new modern hardwood. Why? Well, this magical product acts as a gentle bleach and helps tone down those warm, reddish hues.
If you love the natural beauty of red oak, but want to lessen the intensity, Nordic Seal might just be your new best friend. Here’s a bonus: because you are toning down the color rather than drastically changing it with a color stain, the likelihood of a noticeable scratch showing through is minimal compared to a dark-colored stain. If you love minimal upkeep with kids and pets, using Nordic Seal can save you a lot of headache and touchups. One or two coats of Nordic Seal is all you’ll need and is a perfect segway into experimenting with water-based finishes for a modern touch.
Experimenting with Finishes
The finish you choose for your floors plays a huge role in determining the overall look. From glossy to matte, each finish offers its own aesthetic appeal. This section dives into exploring those options to change an oak hardwood floors to look more in line with the times.
Matte Finishes for a Modern Statement
Matte finishes have taken the design world by storm, and for a good reason. These low-luster finishes create a contemporary and understated elegance that pairs beautifully with modern minimalist aesthetics. Matte finishes tend to show scratches less compared to their glossier counterparts and offer a more forgiving surface for high-traffic areas in your house.
Satin: Your Safe Bet
A satin finish strikes a harmonious balance between gloss and matte, giving you the best of both worlds. Bona High Density Traffic Finish Coat in a satin finish is an excellent option.
It’s what gives those red oak floors a soft sheen without being too shiny, making them easy to maintain. So, if you prefer a little shimmer without going full-on glossy, satin is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I change a oak floor to appear more contemporary without bleaching it?
Start with a light sanding to remove the existing finish. Opt for lighter, natural-toned stains or consider whitewashing. Finish with a modern, low-luster sealant like matte or satin to create a contemporary look without altering the natural color dramatically. Remember to test stain samples on your actual floors and view them under various lighting to ensure it achieves the desired modern aesthetic.
How do you make red-oak look less orange?
Choose a stain that counteracts the orange undertones. Options include cool grays, whitewashes, or stains with a slightly green base, such as Duraseal's Silvered Gray, to help neutralize the warm tones in red oak.
What Colour Walls Go with Red-Oak?
Neutral wall colors such as white, gray, beige, or greige can complement the warmth of red oak without clashing. Consider a crisp white for a fresh, contemporary feel, light gray for a cool and modern touch, beige for a classic and inviting vibe, or greige (a mix of gray and beige) to infuse both warmth and modern elegance.
Conclusion
Modernizing your red oak floors isn't about erasing their history—it’s all about enhancing their natural beauty while infusing a modern twist. So, embrace those red oak floors. Choose colors and finishes that make a statement and bring fresh energy to your home. I’m here to tell ya, learning how to make red oak floors look modern is achievable and an update worth doing.
