My husband is crafting a bar with a maple top and a poplar railing. I mentioned that different wood types usually take stain differently, and while it could be a concern, he chose poplar for cost reasons. We're considering staining the maple a color like 'Special Walnut,' but I'm not sure whether we should stain the railing the same or choose a different stain for contrast. What do you all think?
3 Answers
Definitely do some test pieces first! Wood can absorb stain in unexpected ways depending on the wood type, even for similar species. Cutting a few test strips from the same wood and trying out the stains you’re considering is the way to go. This way, you can see how the colors actually blend together and find what looks best.
Having visible contrast between the woods can actually be a great design choice! Carpenters often use different woods to create a unique look and embrace the variations in stain. If you like the idea of contrast, go for it! It can make your bar feel more custom and intentional.
Staining maple can be a bit tricky due to its hardness. I’d suggest leaving the maple natural and staining the poplar railing for a nice contrast. If you want to mitigate the green tones in the poplar, using oxalic acid can help speed up the process of turning it brown. Just remember to sand before you stain to get the best finish!