Staining Our Refinished Hardwood Floors - Which Stain is Best?

Let's refinish these floors! We were lucky enough to find hardwood under all the carpet in our home. We will go through the process and all the steps on how to properly refinish your hardwood floors. Last week, we sanded all of ours floors and in this episode we will apply the stain and top coat. The hardest part was choosing which color of stain! Let us know in the comments what you think!
Thank you for watching and hopefully you found the video helpful!
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Tools I Used
Bona Natural Seal: amzn.to/44qKVwe (Natural Seal is no longer on Amazon)
Bona Traffic HD: amzn.to/44qKVwe
1/4" Nap roller: amzn.to/3NQMQVg
Roller Extension Pole: amzn.to/3NSpUEX
Dewalt Sander: amzn.to/434vB75
Dewalt Vacuum: amzn.to/3oDNZ8Q
Respirator: amzn.to/44TqpVY
Pry Bar: amzn.to/45zGlNt
Utility Knife: amzn.to/43bJmlt
Floor Scraper: amzn.to/3MFDXvV
Oscillating Tool: amzn.to/3VufXiF
Impact Driver / Drill: amzn.to/3B75L7B
Find my favorite tools and products here:
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/goldenkey...
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Other Socials
TikTok: / goldenkeydesign
Instagram: / golden_key_design
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My Gear
Camera Body: amzn.to/3O1kbgI
Lens: amzn.to/42VGOrb
Mics: amzn.to/42xbgI6
Gimbal: amzn.to/42vmWeI

[@amysha94]

The transformation is unreal! Great job you two

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Glad you like it! Thank you ☺️

[@deijaali]

The before and after photos were shocking!! The new flooring reflects a lot of natural light in the room, making it more spacious. It’s a lot of hard work but it definitely pays off. Thanks for another great vid Grant and Bianca!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

I’m glad you like the new color! It was so much work, but so worth it! Thanks ☺️

[@jdot3345]

Gorgeous!! You picked the right color & finish!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! Glad you agree with our choice 😁

[@bishoplg]

Those floors look AMAZING!! I can totally relate with Bianca. I did my floors a few years ago, and I'm not doing them again. Well, maybe... great job!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much ☺️ One time is enough haha!

[@BlueLotus4444]

Gorgeous floors, I'd love to have my whole house seamless hardwood. Nice job guys!

[@tym551]

The Satin looks great! I'm now rethinking the semi gloss finish I was considering.

[@marketinggenius4438]

You are a beast tackling this massive project! Turned out great

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Haha, thank you so much!

[@maiaracarvalho6573]

Great job! This is exactly the color I’m going for, good to see how good it looks!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you!! Good luck with your project😁

[@barrazafamily7010]

Wow! Everything came out great!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much!!

[@JoelRavier]

This is awesome. Loved watching this because we just went through the same thing about 2 months ago. Refinished all the floors in our new 1960’s ranch house. We ended up using Rubio Monocoat instead of Bona. Ended up resanding a few sections because the first stain didn’t look right. Huge amount of work as a DIY project but it feels incredible to be done and have them looking great.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! I have always wanted to use rubio monocoat on my projects. How have you liked it so far?

[@charleskenney3824]

Beautiful job!

[@purplewombat1923]

I think you chose the perfect colour and sheen for your floors. They look lovely :-D Great job!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@bethallen7384]

Fabulous!!! Perfect color 😊🎉🥰💋😊

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! 🤗

[@marlonole7732]

Great job guys!!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you!! Really appreciate it!

[@MileHighBeauty]

Stunning!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! 😊

[@jasminflower3814]

Awesome job guys!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks so much!

[@kostargr699]

Lovely color!!Good job guys!!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks! Glad you like it 😁

[@debbydhill]

Great job, love the floors!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks so much Debby!!

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

The floors look so good!! They're not too light, nor too dark. They look like the kind of floors you could match with any color of furniture, especially greens and vibrant colors. Keep up the good work!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much!! We are so excited to start furnishing the place 🙌

[@pound6599]

Like the green carpet….

[@johnstup4479]

Those floors look awesome!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks!!

[@Shawn-wt4kh]

This is absolutely gorgeous and exactly what I'm going to do in my new house.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! Good luck 😁

[@lauravicious5318]

Excellent Job!!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you!

[@cheyennem9218]

Looks so good 👌🏽

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you 😊

[@anthonykavanagh1510]

very good good job guys

[@TobySchober]

you guys are great!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you 😁

[@VaQm11]

Helpfull video, thanks.

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

really good decision. your place looks so much newer

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much!!

[@tanfanhvac]

I like that! I am excited to see more updates. I am also Mr. Berus for your information. I commented on the bathroom and basement at the lake house.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks for watching! And very cool - I appreciate the comments!

[@gund89123]

Thanks for letting us know which finish was used, lot of videos don’t give that information.

[@BeyondtheButter]

I’m so glad to find this video as we’re leaning in the natural direction as well with our red oak floors. How old are your floors and do you notice any orange tones from the old varnish that was on there?

[@2_shoes]

Really love your video and well done. How many sanding belts did you use? Ive got a similar size project to do and im trying to research as much as i can. Not looking forward to it but after watching you 2 i feel a bit more confident 😊🛠👍

[@GaiusGarage]

Amazing job! Which type of roller did you use for applying the sealer and finish?

[@yankee1nyylc]

Hi so I just wanted to saw I came by your channel thru my feed and I am so grateful I did. These past years have been rough for me. I lost my relationship with my gf and in hand lost my house. Even worse I lost my mom. A new girl was asking me what makes me happy. And honestly the diy I have seen you guys doing has shown that light again. I can’t wait to find a house to make my home and hopefully it needs work like what you guys have. I love what you guys are doing and giving me inspiration and happiness again

[@HowToSandAFloor]

Congratulations 😊

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you!!

[@WGQZ]

Thanks It very useful video

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dansarfert3585]

Floors look great! Thanks for the details- you shoot a good video and look to have fun doing them! Do you recall how much Bona sealer and Traffic HD you used for your size space?

[@tabbyschmitt906]

We just did our floors in the same sealer and finisher and love them! We have some hairs that got into the finishing layers and having a hard time getting them out without scratching the floors. Did you have this problem and what did you do if anything?

[@jasilen]

Amazing work! Wondering what machine you guys used for the sanding?

[@jasilen]

Hey! hope you'll are doing great. Currently refinishing hardwood floor myself for the first time and I am trying to get a natural look. Your videos have been super helpful!!! thank you so much! Wondering why you guys choose to do a seal and a finish. Is it possible to only use Bona Traffic HD, what is the purpose of using the sealer as well?

[@biancamccoy169]

Wow beautiful

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much!!

[@ShuforU4922]

I will not eat until I finish!! 😂 great commitment on a long project but well worth the wait!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

😂 Thank you!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks!

[@laurawayman7882]

Great job you two! Is the floor red oak or white oak to start with? It looks awsome. I want to do this in my next home, to be built fall of '24. I'm leaning towards White Oak, so beautiful. Red Oak is also gorgeous but I wanted a bit more nuetral / modern color. Please let me know. Thank you and keep sending videos! Love them.

[@jesse2114]

Nicely done! Did you guys have to wipe the floors down again after sanding with the 220 grit sandpaper?

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Great job, love the stain, what will you use to clean your floors?

[@gurs5804]

Thanks for sharing your journey, can you give some idea on the jugs used for stain and traffic hd used and whats your square footage? Also, what is your hard wood like, looks like red oak? I have my red oak and looks very similar after sanding but wanna make sure befor choosing the stain. If thats red oak i may choose the natural seal or maybe nodic because i have heard nordic may take away tge red hues

[@katiekim783]

Hey! This is literally exactly what color of floors we want too in our old home; you guys did incredible! This video was so helpful. I’m just curious if there is a reason y’all didn’t use Bona Prep before the stain? And did y’all have to use any wood filler anywhere?

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Man.... what a jyp!!! I only tuned in to see you guys hit your heads on the chandelier again😂😂😂 All joking aside floors look FANTASTIC!! Hoping all is well guys, Dirty Jersey out!! PS. 'Merica!!!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@lidiapastorska3054]

Hi guys, your new floor looks awesome! I love all the tips and suggestions. I have a couple of questions. Is it necessary to use drum sender? Would the square sender do the job? Also, what happens if the floor has some dents and scratches? How do you fix those? The original or previous finish, does it affect the new one? Meaning does the oil based has to be followed by oil based and water based with water based? Thank you

[@AngelaVlach]

I’m going to be redoing my hardwood. What’s a good wood filler? I have some holes from carpet tacks.

[@jonim714]

Thanks for the video! It's so helpful! Question, would the project have gone significantly faster with more people, or is it pretty limiting based on the tools you're using? Also, how many hours of just sanding would you guess this took?

[@TGeraghty4]

This is so helpful. Was one gallon of each product enough for everything?

[@pound6599]

I am so happy to see that you took the time to do it as professionally as possible. I get so tired of seeing people do their floors, and instead of taking the time to do it correctly, they skip steps and say, “I’m going for the rustic look; don’t want it to look perfect.” I always wanted to ask them, if you hire a professional, would you say, ‘I don’t want it to look perfect.’ Bona HD is expensive, but all the professionals swear by it. I wonder which is better - HD or the one for basketball courts. Anyway, good job.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you so much! We try our best to do a top notch job on every project 😁 I believe the product used on basketball courts is meant for high traction so we opted for traffic HD which is extremely durable

[@myrthasmascary4086]

looks good lol u can do mine of course with u wife it's a medium size efficiency maybe a tad bit bigger than u smallest room lol

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

@@myrthasmascary4086 Thanks! And we got enough projects on our plate already haha!

[@parrybaxter8632]

So how long should I wait until putting furniture after finally coat? And how long did you wait between HD coats?

[@taniathemama]

Ahhh I just selected these options but the traffic hd top coat in matte…my contractor hasn’t opened them yet though…wondering how you guys are liking the satin?! Should I switch?!

[@amandamaqueia]

maybe i missed this in the video but was the square footage of the home (where you refinished at least? We are planning on tackling this on our new home and not sure if we should hire someone or not

[@omark7145]

Did you guys have red oak? Also was it hard to apply the bona natural seal? Btw I think you guys did a phenomenal job and your floors look amazing!

[@windowzombie]

wow it look like a magic man.

[@timothybeaumont3177]

wouldn't sanding with the 220 grit remove the sealant and coat?

[@joe-say-did-it6201]

95% of floors I do are satin. Bona traffic is by far best finish out there!! you did that the Hard way lol

[@user-ur6xt9fe8e]

Call me crazy but I like the old orange color. I also like a high gloss finish.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

To each their own

[@abigailgallegos6067]

Hello, you two did an outstanding job on your floors! My QUESTION is, what year is your home I’m trying to compare my old floors with other people refinished floors so I can be realistic about the results before I start refinishing mine. Thank you in advance for your response.

[@abigailgallegos6067]

Also do you know if your floors are red or white oak??

[@jjprose]

Hey guys I just had red oak installed, did you see much of a difference between the matte and satin finish? I chose matte but after seeing your video I am second guessing it.

[@whatchinmewatchu7031]

Floor color trends are just that .. trendy. But natural is timeless

[@MergedElement]

For the durability going natural is the best.

[@ravisivasekaram6272]

Great work and great finish. Wondering what roller did you use. At HD they told me to use lint pad. Didn’t turn out good. Not happy with the finish. Thx 🙏

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

We used a high quality 3/8” nap roller

[@ravisivasekaram6272]

Thank you. Appreciate it. 🙏

[@yautjadaslayer]

How much did you guys spend on sand paper and machine rentals and sealers?

[@edtamulionis74]

Great video.... I'm curious, how much did this cost you, vs having a professional company come in?

[@jeffp.5080]

Certainly the right choice. Hope the salt didn't mean bugs. Looking amazing

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! And yes, us too! No bugs so far though

[@noahplante8592]

Im redoing my floors myself right now. I applied two coats of water based polyurethane. When you put down your final coat of poly after you sanded the floors, did the last coat bring back that gritty feeling on the floors?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

No, the last coat should be smooth. If you sanded in-between coats, you should not have any gritty feeling

[@gbcubed]

What was the total time and cost for this project? Thanks!

[@alabama_pinball]

Natural was the way to go! I guess y'all will have to buy another house to remodel for us when this one is done!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you!! We got a lot more projects left on this house first haha 😂

[@narimaneskandari5907]

I'm applying the the finish tomorrow. I hope I can get a response from you :D I have the same situation that I have three bedrooms and a hallway. I see you taped the edge of the entrance of the rooms and did the rooms first. Did you wait until the finish in the rooms dries up and then applied the finish in the hallway? Or you cut in the edges and applied the finish in the hallway right after the rooms were done?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

We didn’t wait. We applied it to each bedroom and then did the hallway right after and cut in the edges. It worked well for us but you do need to move fast

[@bfxuan92]

how many coats did you do?

[@prickerbush]

Thanks for the video. It has inspired me to attempt this myself. Thank you for mentioning how long each step took to complete. I am curious to know how many gallons of sealant and traffic HD you used for the project. Bona provides some estimates and I am curious if your experience matches their product sheets.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your project. We used 2 gallons of the sealer, and 4 gallons of the traffic HD (2 coats). Hope that helps!

[@prickerbush]

@@GoldenKeyDesign Thank you for the response. Do you feel like you NEEDED the edge sander? Or would an orbital sander be sufficient but maybe take a little more time. I do not need to get under cabinets so the profile of an orbital sander should fit into all the spaces needed. Could save a bit a money if the large edge sander isn't totally required. Thank you.

[@prickerbush]

@@GoldenKeyDesign After more research I believe I have answered my own question. The power and size of the edge sander seems well worth the expense.

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

@@prickerbush I would agree with you. It's worth the cost of the rental unless you are doing a very small room. But anything over 100 sqft should be done with the edger

[@sur6246]

What type of wood are these floors?

[@leea3531]

What’s the wood you used ?

[@HeatherMarie23]

Do you know what type of flooring the wood is?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

This is red oak - the sealer helps to make it look closer white oak

[@Masdo2012]

Hi I am in the process of doing the same for my hardwood floors. Is that bona classic seal a stain as well?

[@Masdo2012]

primer, stain and sealer all in one product?

[@niz1290]

what kind of hardwood do you have? Is it red oak? was it originally honey colour?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

It is red oak - check out the episode before this where we go through the sanding process. You can see what they used to look like. It was very orange/reddish in color

[@zachfrye-lofley184]

Looks like red oak, did you have a lot of pink show through? Also how are the fumes on this stuff? 😊

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

It was red oak and we really didn’t have any pink. It mostly just made the floor lighter and muted the oranges and reds in the floor. We are obsessed with the new color!

[@user-oq3xb2du4z]

Are the floors red oak??

[@freshtaheela8563]

How much you charge them ?

[@amrutakarajgikar4604]

How to get this service? Is this service available in ireland?

[@4SensFan4]

So the stain and the sealer are the same?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

For Bona products - yes!

[@jacqueenespanol6065]

Wow...my floors under carpet are 60 years old...I've been interested in having them professionally re-done the color you picked out... beautiful job

[@harolddonato5374]

Відмінний вибір!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Thank you! We love the color 😁

[@tiffanyjean13]

How many gallons of the sealer did you go through for the entire area?! My husband and I are refinishing about 1200 sq/ft and have no clue how many gallons to buy!

[@emariakay5326]

Did you already do yours? I just did about 700 sq feet and used a whole gallon of the sealer and will be using 2 gallons of the finish if that helps at all

[@yautjadaslayer]

It depends on the material and wood species and other stuff like gaps but bona recommends 400-500 per gallon of sealer I almost always get 400ish per gallon because it's good to lay your base coats super thick to prevent sanding through when you sand the grain raise down. (Sanding the grain raise is what he did with the orbital to make it smooth)

[@Cab895]

White oak or red oak ?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

This is red oak - we tried our best to make it closer to white oak in appearance

[@MissJ224]

I would have gone Nordic

[@KimKim-su2vt]

How much did everything cost?

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Rentals and materials added up to about $2k

[@KimKim-su2vt]

How many sqft is it? Thank you for your response!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

@@KimKim-su2vt This was a little over 1,000sqft

[@nancychen9549]

You guys did a great job! I have been researching how to refinish hardwood floor for a long time. What kind of wood filler you used for gaps and nail holes? Thank you

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

@@nancychen9549 Thank you! We used minwax oak wood filler and we made sure it was stainable

[@johnhouli3450]

I was shocked to see you guys picked a water base polyurethane and not oil base. Water base only last 5 to 7 years. While oil base last up to ten years with cleaning

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Oil based finishes yellow over time which we were trying to avoid. Bona finishes last for 15 years and the Traffic HD is their most durable finish. I would expect it to last a minimum of 20 years. As shown in the video, there is hardener added to increase the finish durability and lifespan. It’s also the industry standard and used by most professionals

[@Siddharth_Kapoor22]

It's too short video

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Haha! More content is coming soon!

[@PalmBeachFlorida24]

Too dark!!

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

We went about about light as we could haha

[@paz11580]

Beautiful job, but what's with all that "male superiority?" It's 2024.

[@ignatiusreilly8280]

I heard piss stains hardwood floors very well, you two folks should give it a try. Get a 12-pack and get to work 👍

[@GoldenKeyDesign]

Noted 😂

[@mightymike889]

Great stuff but Lowkey not a fan of the wife in the videos... Throws off the video every time... Keep grind with the house!