We plan on having 2500 square feet of site finished 2-1/4″ select grade maple flooring installed in our new house. It will be nailed down and given three coats of finish. Is $10 per square foot a reasonable amount to budget? We’re building in Seattle. Also, is it possible to stain the floor a honey color? I’ve heard that maple takes stain unevenly.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
This time-tested installation method for flangeless windows ensures smooth operation and provides air, water, and vapor control.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
In Chicago $10/sq foot is the going cost for Maple or Red Oak floor installed and stained/sealed.
Yes, you are correct. Maple does take stain unevenly, it is also called "splotching". The best technique I have found to shift the color of Maple or Pine (which also accepts stain unevenly) is to seal the floor/trim with a 1# cut of blonde shellac or ultra pale shellac. Then once the pores of the Maple/Pine are sealed with the shellac you will be able to shift the color evenly with your stain. It works really well and has been used for a long time.
Cheers!
Dark Magneto
A local flooring contractor is a better source for the cost information, as opposed to asking us cyberspooks. Your figure "looks" reasonable, but in your locale, with your specific job conditions, things could vary.
Yes, maple is difficult to stain. But an oil-based urethane will have an amber color, and there are tints that can be added to waterbornes that give the finish the same glow as achieved with the poly.