Hey everyone! I'm in the process of refinishing my oak stairs at home, tackling this DIY project myself. The stairs used to have carpet on them, and I've done my best to sand them down, but I'm having trouble achieving an even tone. I'm leaning towards an espresso stain since it's darker and might be more forgiving. I'm really trying to figure out which is better for a first-time DIYer: an oil-based stain or a water-based one?
2 Answers
If you're worried about the smell, oil-based might not be your best bet, especially in a small space like a townhouse. Water-based stains usually have less odor and clean up easier, which could make your DIY experience a bit more pleasant!
I would suggest going with an oil-based stain. It tends to soak in better, giving your stairs a deeper and richer tone. Just keep in mind that it does have a stronger odor and is a bit harder to clean up. For a good finish, I've heard that Bona Drifast is a fantastic choice!