Floor Staining in San Antonio, TX
Our professional floor staining services at San Antonio Flooring Company can bring new life to your hardwood floors. We take pride in our skilled team that transforms old, tired floors into beautiful surfaces that enhance your home's value and appearance.
We offer a range of staining options to match your style and décor preferences. Whether you're looking for a rich, dark tone or a lighter, natural finish, our experts can help you choose the perfect color. Our staining process includes thorough preparation, expert application, and proper sealing to ensure a long-lasting result.
At San Antonio Flooring Company, we understand that your floors are an important investment. That's why we use only high-quality products and proven techniques for all our floor staining projects. You can trust us to deliver exceptional results that will make your floors look like new again.
Types of Floor Stains We Offer
Our selection includes traditional oil-based formulas, eco-friendly water-based alternatives, decorative acid stains, and easy-to-apply gel varieties.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains remain a popular choice for many of our customers due to their deep penetration and rich color development. These stains seep into the wood grain to create that classic, warm appearance many homeowners desire.

We offer oil-based stains in over 20 color options, from light natural tones to deep ebony finishes. These formulations provide excellent coverage and typically require fewer coats than other stain types.
The durability of oil-based stains is another significant advantage. Once properly sealed, these stains can withstand heavy foot traffic for years without showing significant wear.
Keep in mind that oil-based options have a longer drying time (usually 24-48 hours) and stronger odor during application. We'll handle proper ventilation during the installation process to ensure your comfort.
Water-Based Stains
For environmentally conscious homeowners, our water-based stains offer an excellent alternative. These low-VOC formulations have minimal odor and dry much faster than oil-based varieties.
Water-based stains come in a wide spectrum of colors, including some unique shades not available in oil-based options. We can even custom-mix colors to match your specific design vision. These stains are particularly effective for achieving lighter, more natural looks while still providing good protection.
Water-based options typically dry within 2-4 hours, allowing us to complete your floor restoration project more quickly. They're also easier to clean up and maintain over time.
The one limitation is that water-based stains may not penetrate as deeply as oil-based formulas, but our professional application techniques ensure beautiful, lasting results.
Acid-Based Stains
For truly unique, one-of-a-kind floors, our acid-based stains create stunning visual effects. Unlike traditional stains, these work through a chemical reaction with the concrete or cement subflooring.
The result is a marbled, variegated appearance with depth and character that can't be replicated with conventional stains. Each floor becomes a unique piece of art. We offer acid stains in earth tones including:
- Amber
- Terra cotta
- Blue-green
- Brown
- Black
These stains are permanent and won't fade or peel over time. They're ideal for contemporary spaces, basements, or anywhere you want distinctive flooring.

The application process requires special expertise, which our trained technicians provide. We carefully control the chemical reaction to achieve your desired intensity and pattern.
Gel Stains
Our gel stains offer exceptional ease of application with minimal dripping or splashing. They're perfect for vertical surfaces like stair risers or detailed trim work around your floors.
These thicker formulations sit more on the surface of the wood rather than deeply penetrating it. This makes them excellent for achieving uniform color on woods. Gel stains work wonderfully on:
- Pine floors
- Maple
- Cherry
- Birch
We can apply gel stains in a single coat for a lighter effect or build up multiple layers for deeper color saturation. Their consistency allows for more control over the final appearance.

Many of our customers choose gel stains when refinishing existing floors that have minor imperfections, as the thicker formula helps disguise small scratches and inconsistencies.
The Floor Staining Process
Our systematic approach ensures your stained floors will enhance your space while providing durability for years to come.
1. Initial Assessment and Consultation
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your existing floor conditions. Our technicians will visit your property to examine the floor type, current finish, and any damage or repairs needed before staining can begin.
During this consultation, we'll discuss your color preferences and finish options. We'll show you samples of our stain colors and explain how they might appear on your specific flooring material. This is also when we address any concerns about foot traffic, sunlight exposure, or moisture issues that could affect your stained floors.
We'll provide a detailed timeline and cost estimate based on your floor's square footage and the complexity of the job. This transparent approach helps you make informed decisions about your flooring project without surprises later.
2. Furniture and Fixture Removal
Before we begin work, your space must be completely cleared. We offer professional furniture removal services to ensure this process goes smoothly. Our team carefully moves and stores your belongings in a safe location until the project is complete.
For fixed items like toilets or built-in appliances, our specialists can carefully remove and reinstall them after the staining process. We use protective materials to safeguard walls, trim, and any items that cannot be removed during the staining process.
We recommend removing valuable or fragile items yourself before our arrival. Our crew will lay down protective coverings on pathways to prevent tracking stain or damage to other flooring surfaces in your home. This preparation phase is critical for achieving clean, professional results.
3. Sanding and Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential for stain adhesion and even color distribution. We use commercial-grade equipment to sand your floors down to raw wood or concrete, removing old finishes, stains, and surface imperfections. For wooden floors, we typically perform:
- Rough sanding with coarse-grit paper to remove old finishes
- Medium-grit sanding to level the surface
- Fine-grit sanding to create the smooth finish needed for staining
After sanding, we meticulously clean the area using industrial vacuums and tack cloths to remove all dust particles. Even tiny dust specks can ruin a stain job, so we're extremely thorough during this step.
4. Application of Stain
Once the surface is properly prepared, we apply the stain using techniques specific to your flooring material. For wood floors, we typically use:
- Water-based stains for eco-friendly options with faster drying times
- Oil-based stains for deeper penetration and richer colors
- Gel stains for more controlled application on difficult woods
We apply the stain in sections using specialized applicators to ensure even coverage. Depending on the desired color intensity, we may apply multiple coats. Between applications, we allow proper drying time as rushing this process can lead to blotchy or uneven results.
5. Sealing and Finishing
The final and crucial step is applying protective sealants to lock in the stain and shield your floors from damage. We use high-quality polyurethane, epoxy, or acrylic sealers depending on your floor type and expected wear conditions. For residential floors, we typically recommend:
- Water-based polyurethane for low odor and fast drying
- Oil-based polyurethane for maximum durability in high-traffic areas
- Natural oil finishes for a more traditional look and feel
We apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for better durability. Between coats, we perform light sanding to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish. This meticulous process takes time but results in a longer-lasting, more beautiful floor.
After the final coat dries, we'll conduct a walkthrough to ensure your complete satisfaction. We'll provide maintenance instructions specific to your new floor finish to help preserve its beauty for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Staining
What are the standard costs associated with professional floor staining services?
Our floor staining services typically range from $3-$7 per square foot, depending on several factors. The condition of your existing floor, the type of stain selected, and the overall project size all impact the final price. We provide detailed, transparent quotes after an in-home assessment. This helps us account for any special requirements your space might have. Large projects often qualify for volume discounts. We're happy to discuss your budget constraints and find solutions that work for you.
How does the durability of your floor staining compare to other companies?
Our staining treatments last 5-7 years with proper maintenance, outperforming many competitors' 3-5 year averages. We use premium sealants that protect against daily wear, UV fading, and moisture damage. The durability difference comes from our multi-coat application process. Each layer adds protection while maintaining the natural beauty of your floors. We also offer optional high-traffic sealants for busy households or commercial spaces. These specialized products can extend the life of your stained floors by up to 25%.
What types of finishes are available when choosing a floor stain?
We offer water-based stains that provide vibrant colors with low odor and quick drying times. These are excellent for households with children, pets, or sensitivity concerns. Oil-based stains are available for those seeking rich, deep penetration and traditional aesthetics. These stains highlight wood grain beautifully but require longer drying periods. We also provide specialty finishes including metallic, acid-based, and semi-transparent options. Each creates unique visual effects that can complement various interior design styles.
How long does the floor staining process typically take from start to finish?
Most residential projects take 3-5 days from start to completion. Day one involves preparation and stain application. Days two through four focus on sealing and curing. Commercial projects may require 5-7 days depending on square footage and complexity. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your business operations. Weather and humidity can affect drying times. We monitor these conditions carefully and adjust our timeline accordingly to ensure perfect results.
What maintenance advice do you offer for freshly stained floors?
We recommend waiting 24-48 hours before walking on newly stained floors and at least 72 hours before replacing furniture. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching. Clean stained floors regularly with a microfiber mop and pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for your floor type. Avoid harsh chemicals, wax-based products, or steam cleaners. Schedule a professional deep cleaning every 12-18 months to maintain your floor's appearance. This helps extend the life of your stain and postpones the need for refinishing.