What Is The Best Wood for Staining?

Wood stains help enhance the appearance of your cabinet doors and protect them from everyday wear and tear. They are a versatile and affordable option to revamp the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom without completely replacing the cabinet doors. However, it’s important to note that some wood species are less porous and absorbent than others. This means you might not achieve your desired look, no matter how many coats of wood stain you apply. 

In this article, we’ll explore the best wood staining and provide some tips and tricks you can use for your next home renovation project. 

The Five Best Wood Stains

When looking for the best wood for stains, you’ll want to look for porous, absorbent, and less dense wood types. The most popular options include:

1. Oak

Oak is one of the best woods for staining. It's durable yet porous enough to fully absorb the stain evenly. Oak wood has an attractive grain pattern and a consistent texture. After you apply a stain, you don't need to worry about an uneven or inconsistent finish.

There are two types of oak: Red oak and white oak. Red oak will absorb wood stains quicker and only takes a few coats. While white oak is a little more resistant and will provide a more subtle finish.

2. Ash

Ash is known and loved for strength and durability. It has a prominent grain pattern and open pores, making it one of the best woods for stains. Since ash wood has a natural cream color, it can mimic other wood types, making it one of the best wood for staining dark, walnut, or espresso.

3. Cedar

While cedar can be more challenging to stain, the results are unmatched. Cedar has a distinctive grain pattern. Cedar is the best wood for staining espresso, grey, or darker colors. When paired with darker stains, like grey or espresso, you can achieve a rich, dark finish with your stain. It's important to remember that the natural oils secreted from cedar can make staining this wood more challenging. For the best results, consider applying a pre-stain sealer or a wood conditioner. This will help the stain easily penetrate the wood and avoid a splotchy finish.

4. Hickory

Hickory has a coarse-textured grain pattern. This wood type often features wavey, sweeping patterns and has contrasting bold colors. When you pair hickory with the best wood stain, you'll achieve a finished product with depth and dimension. While hickory is not as porous as other wood types, it can be stained with proper preparation and finishing techniques. 

Keep in mind - hickory tends to run on the more expensive side. While it is one of the best woods for espresso stain and darker hues, cedar and ash are more affordable and can deliver similar results. 

5. Chestnut

Chestnut has an open grain structure and a wavy grain pattern. It's loved for having a warm brown hue and is an incredibly versatile wood choice for staining. This is one of the best woods for staining grey and darker brown colors. If you choose chestnut, you'll want to consider your desired outcome. Since the chestnut has a warm hue, the stain may have some golden undertones. 

How to Stain Wood At Home

If you decide to stain your wood cabinet doors at home on your own, here’s how to get started:

• Always Prep The Cabinet Doors

If you don’t prep the wood, the stain may come out splotchy or uneven. Before applying the best wood stain, you’ll want to ensure your cabinet doors are fully sanded.

• Consider a Test Patch

Before applying the stain to the cabinet doors, consider a test patch. The test patch will provide peace of mind, ensuring it’s the exact color you want to achieve.  

• Apply The Stain With a Brush

A paintbrush will ensure you get a nice, even coat on the cabinet doors. You'll want to invest in a high-end fine bristle brush specifically made for applying stain or paint to wood.

• Apply a Few Coats

Depending on how light or dark you want the stain to be, you may need to apply a few coats to the cabinet doors. Typically, at least two coats are necessary. 

• Apply a Sealant 

After you finish staining your cabinet doors, you'll want to apply a sealant or a clear varnish. The clear varnish will help protect your cabinets from everyday wear and tear and maintain the integrity of your finished look.

Invest in High-Quality Cabinet Doors With Cabinet Door Factory

At Cabinet Door Factory, we have a variety of wood types to choose from for your next home renovation project. All of our cabinet doors are custom-made and made to order. We strive to provide our customers with quality craftsmanship. We have over 12 different wood species to choose from to complement your stain of choice. We also have various free resources you can take advantage of to ensure you get the perfect finish. 

Explore our selection of custom-made cabinet doors today to get started.

What is the best temp for staining wood?

The best temperature for staining your cabinet doors at home is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What is the best brush for staining wood?

You’ll want to use a natural bristle brush to apply the stain to your cabinet doors. This will help you achieve a nice, even finish.

What woods don't stain well?

Woods with a tight grain pattern don’t stain easily. Woods with a tight grain pattern include maple, cheery, and ash. 

What causes wood not to stain?

The most common reasons why cabinet doors may not stain correctly include wood density, absorption, and the wood is not prepped. If you don’t prep the wood and eliminate any of the previous finishes, it can impact the look and feel of the wood stain. 

Does the type of wood matter when staining?

Yes, When looking for the best wood for staining, you’ll want to look for a wood type that’s porous.

What are the different types of wood stains?

The three most popular types of wood stains are water-soluble dye stains, oil-based, and water-based. 

What is the best wood stain? 

The most popular wood stain on the market is the Old Masters Gel Stain Pint. This will vary depending on the look you’re trying to achieve and the wood you’re trying to stain.