The Best Wood Stain Colors You Can Use In Your Home

The stain color you pick decides how the wood in your home looks and ages. It affects everything from how the grain shows up to how your room feels. In 2025, most homeowners are leaning toward deeper, more natural wood stain colors like browns, blacks, greys, and other soft neutrals that don’t overpower the space.

Colours aren’t just trendy, they’re practical. Deeper stains usually hide flaws better and hold up over time. Lighter stains can make a room feel bigger and brighter, but may need more upkeep. 

According to Houzz’s 2025 Home Design Trends Study, 3 out of 4 renovators said they’d pick stain over paint for wood finishes inside the home. The main reason: it keeps the wood looking like wood. 

If you’re working on floors, cabinets, trims, or furniture, the stain color matters more than most people expect. The wrong shade can make the space feel dated. The right one adds warmth and value. 

What Is Wood Stain?

Wood stain is a liquid finish that adds color to wood without covering the grain. It soaks into the surface and brings out the texture of the wood. It’s not paint, but it is meant to show what’s under it. 

There are three types you’ll usually come across: 

• Oil-based stains: Long drying time, but good for floors and high-use areas
• Water-based stains: Fast drying, low odor, easier cleanup, and great for interior use
• Hybrid or water-borne oil stains: These are newer, like CBR’s BRODA series. They have deeper penetration without any strong fumes. 

Wood stains also come in different finishes: 

• Transparent: Shows off the full grain 
• Semi-transparent: Adds color but still lets the grain peek through
• Solid: Covers most of the wood, closer to paint, but still absorbs into the surface

Different woods absorb stain differently. Oak, for example, stains evenly. Pine can get patchy unless you use a wood conditioner first. This is why testing the stain on your exact wood piece is always recommended. 

Why Choosing the Right Stain Color Is Important 

The stain color you pick changes how the wood looks, how the space feels, and how well the finish holds up. It affects how much light the surface reflects, how visible the grain is, and how the color works with the rest of your room. The right color should suit the wood, match the lighting, and fit the tone of the space. 

Keep these in mind: 

Room Lighting Makes a Big Difference 

Dark wood stain colors can make small or low-light rooms feel tighter. Lighter stains reflect more light and make a room feel more open.

Stains Behave Differently on Different Woods 

Woods like oak take stain evenly. Softer woods like pine can end up blotchy if it is not prepped right.

Tone Matching Matters 

If you’re working with cool-toned paint or flooring, warm stains (like golden oak) can clash. Stick to colors with the same undertone. 

Some Stains Hide Wear Better than Others 

Deeper tones like walnut or ebony can hide small dents or uneven grain. Very light stains usually need more upkeep. 

Grain Visibility is Affected by Color and Transparency 

Transparent stains show off wood grain the most. Solid stains cover it almost completely. Pick based on how much texture you want to see. 

Style Comes Down to How It Fits the Space 

What looks good in a sample photo might not suit your home’s layout or lighting. Always test in your own space first. 

The right stain should work for the wood, the lighting, and everything around it, not just look good in the can. 

How to Choose the Right Wood Stain Color for Your Home 

Getting the best wood stain color depends on a lot of things. You need to think about the type of wood, lighting, finish, and where the stained surface will go.

Here’s how to make the right call: 

• Check how much light the room gets 

If it’s a darker room, stay away from heavy stains like espresso or ebony unless you’re using good lighting. Lighter wood stains, colors like classic gray or golden oak, help open up tight spaces. 

• Test stains on the actual wood you’ll be using

Don’t rely on store samples. The same stain can look completely different on pine, oak, or maple. Always test a small patch and let it fully dry before making a decision.

• Match the undertones 

Wood stain colors have undertones like warm (yellow, orange, red), cool (gray, blue), or neutral. Match them to your floors, walls, and furniture. Mixing warm and cool tones usually doesn’t work unless you know what you’re doing. 

• Think about how much wood grain you want to see

Transparent and semi-transparent stains show off the grain. Solid stains cover more of it. For natural wood with nice texture, go lighter on the pigment.

• Pick a finish that suits the use

Areas like floors and tabletops do better with darker, low-sheen finishes that hide wear. Cabinets or trims might look better in a satin or semi-gloss finish. 

• Avoid choosing based on photos

Light, camera angles, and edits can completely change how a stain looks in a picture. What looks warm and neutral online might end up looking orange on your wood. 

• Use samples from trusted brands

Most stain manufacturers now offer small-size testers or pre-stained wood chips. It’s worth spending a little to avoid a wrong choice that costs time and materials later.

The best wood stain colors react to your wood, your lighting and the finish you want. 

The 10 Best Wood Stain Colors to Use in Your Home 

These wood stain colors have stood out in 2025 and are trending in popularity, performance, and their designs. Each of them comes from a trusted brand.

#	Color & Brand	Description & Use Case	Why It Matters (2025 Insights)
1.	BRODA Ebony #226 – CBR Products	A deep black-brown semi-transparent stain that maintains wood grain and offers UV protection. Ideal on accent trim, beams, and doors.	Water-borne oil formula balances performance with lower VOCs and fits with the demand for healthier finishes.
2.	Cedar – Behr	A warm golden-brown color that was named as Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year. Great for decks, siding, and outdoor surfaces.	Fits the trend toward earthy, natural tones and strong finishes for outdoor spaces.
3.	Oxford Brown – Pittsburgh Paints Co.	Semi-transparent amber/russet tone used on fences, porches, and exterior woodwork.	Chosen as the 2025 color of the year for rustic yet modern appeal with broad application.
4.	Burnt Hickory – Cabot	Rich earthy brown with charcoal undertones, ideal for decks and outdoor projects.	Part of Cabot’s 2025 palette is influenced by shou sugi ban finishes and artisanal styling.
5.	Violet – Minwax	Unconventional bold purple stain that showcases grain with visual flair. Used for cabinets, shelves, and statement pieces.	Minwax’s 2025 Color of the Year signals a move toward expressive finishes.
6.	Golden Oak – Minwax/Valspar/Behr	Warm amber-brown, flexible on floors, furniture, and cabinets.	Popular in 2025 for earthy mid-tone warmth common in cabinet applications.
7.	Driftwood Gray – Defy/ Armstrong Clark/ TWP	Soft gray-brown that gives wood a weathered, modern look. Great for interiors, decks, or reclaimed wood.	Gray stains remain trending for neutral, minimalist spaces in 2025.
8.	Classic Gray – Multiple brands	Neutral gray tone with visible grain, works on shelves, paneling, or trim.	Gray finishes continue among the top kitchen and interior trends in 2025.
9.	Jacobean or Wenge – Minwax/ Valspar / Behr	Dark brown tones with cooler or neutral undertones. Ideal for staircases, doors, or statement furniture.	Reflects revival of dark wood finishes for rich, historic character in modern homes.
10.	White Wash/ Pickled White – Minwax/ Behr	Light, white-toned finish that softens wood grain. Works well on trim, shiplap, or farmhouse-style furniture.	Common in modern rustic and cottage-style interiors for a bright and airy look

Let’s get deeper down into this.

1. BRODA Ebony #226 – CBR Products

Type: Water-based semi-transparent stain

Use: Exterior siding, decks, fences

Ebony #226 is a deep black wood stain. It gives a dark finish, letting the wood grain show through. The formula is water-based, low in VOCs, and made to hold up in Canadian weather. It works well on cedar, fir, and other softwoods.

What to Know: 

• Can be used on new or previously stained wood.
• Designed to resist peeling, fading, and moisture. 
• Best for exterior use like walls, fences, and outdoor woodwork.
• For richer color, apply two coats. 
• Works with BRODA clear topcoat for added protection. 

Remember to test on a small section before applying to the full surface. Results can be different according to the wood type.

2. Cedar – Behr 

Type: Oil-based or water-based exterior stain (semi-transparent and solid options available)

Use: Decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture

Behr’s Cedar stain is one of the most widely used warm-toned options for outdoor wood. It adds an amber finish that works well on pressure-treated lumber and softwoods like pine and cedar. It’s part of Behr’s Premium line, which is known for its mildew resistance and long-lasting color retention.

What to Know: 

• Available in semi-transparent and solid finishes.
• The water-based version is low-VOC and easier to clean up.
• Designed for heavy sun and rain exposure.
• Resists cracking and peeling over time.
• Can be applied to both new and previously coated surfaces. 

Test on your surface first. Cedar tones can appear more orange or brown depending on the wood species and number of coats.

3. Oxford Brown – Pittsburgh Paints Co.

Type: Solid color stain

Use: Decks, fences, siding, and other exterior wood

Oxford Brown is a rich, dark brown wood stain with a solid finish. It offers full coverage while still allowing subtle texture to show through. Made by PPG (Pittsburgh Paints & Stains), this color works well for modern outdoor spaces or high-contrast trim.

What to Know: 

• Part of PPG’s Paramount and ProLuxe stain lines. 
• Solid stain formula hides surface imperfections.
• UV-resistant and formulated to prevent cracking or peeling.
• Best suited for well-prepped or weathered wood.
• Gives a deep brown color with slightly cool undertones. 

Apply over bare or previously stained wood for a consistent, even finish. Works best on vertical surfaces or well-maintained horizontal ones.

4. Burnt Hickory – Cabot

Type: Oil-based semi-solid or solid stain

Use: Decks, fences, siding, outdoor structures

Burnt Hickory is a dark reddish-brown wood stain made for outdoor use. It gives good coverage while still showing some wood texture, depending on the finish you choose. Cabot offers it in both semi-solid and solid formulas.

What to Know: 

• Designed for weather-exposed wood.
• Oil-based, so it soaks into the surface well.
• Resists sun damage, mildew, and peeling.
• Works on both new and old wood.
• Solid finish hides more flaws, semi-solid keeps some grain visible. 

Use it when you want a strong, warm color that holds up outdoors. Apply on dry, clean wood for best results.

5. Violet – Minwax

Type: Water-based stain

Use: Interior wood only

Violet is part of Minwax’s water-based color stain range. It’s a soft purple shade meant for indoor use. It works well on pine, oak, birch, and other unfinished wood when you want a colored finish that still shows grain.

What to Know: 

• Use on furniture, shelves, or decorative pieces.
• Dries fast and has less odor than oil-based options. 
• Needs a clear topcoat after staining. 
• Can look lighter or deeper depending on how many coats you apply. 
• Works best on light woods that absorb color evenly.

First, test on darker or uneven wood because the violet tone may not come through cleanly.

6. Golden Oak – Minwax 

Type: Available in oil-based and water-based

Use: Interior wood like floors, cabinets, trim

Golden Oak is a light, yellow-brown stain. It works best on oak, pine, or maple. The color is subtle and keeps the wood looking natural. It’s often used for floors, furniture, or baseboards in homes that lean traditional or classic.

What to Know: 

• Dries quickly if water-based; oil version takes longer.
• It highlights the grain. 
• Can look warmer (slightly orange) on softwoods.
• Needs a clear finish on top for protection. 
• Easy to reapply or touch up later. 

Test before applying because the final color depends on the wood and how it was prepped.

7. Driftwood Gray – Defy/ Armstrong Clark/ TWP

Type: Water-based semi-transparent

Use: Exterior wood like decks, siding, fences

Driftwood Gray is a cool, weathered gray stain. It gives wood a faded, coastal look while still protecting against sun and water damage. DEFY’s version is water-based and designed for outdoor use.

What to Know: 

• Semi-transparent for the grain to be visible.
• Low-VOC, dries fast, easy cleanup.
• Best for cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine.
• UV and mildew resistant.
• Needs a clean, dry surface before application.

Color may look lighter or more washed out on softwoods or old decks. One coat usually gives full color, but always tests first to be sure.

8. Classic Gray – Multiple brands

Type: Oil-based interior wood stain

Use: Floors, furniture, cabinets

Classic Gray is a soft, neutral gray stain used mostly indoors. It gives a light, modern finish that doesn’t hide the grain. It’s often used on white oak, maple, or ash in homes with Scandinavian or minimalist interiors.

What to Know: 

• Oil-based and needs longer dry time and proper ventilation.
• Works best on hardwoods; softwoods may show uneven color.
• Needs a clear finish on top for durability. 
• Color may turn warmer or cooler depending on the wood type

For an even result, prep the wood well and apply a sample first. Classic Gray can look very different on pine vs oak.

9. Jacobean – Minwax / Wenge – Valspar or Behr

Type: Oil-based (Minwax), available in both water- and oil-based

Use: Floors, furniture, interior trim

Jacobean is a dark brown stain with mild cool undertones, commonly used indoors for flooring, cabinets, and dining furniture. It’s deep but not black, a popular choice for people who want a rich, classic wood tone that still shows grain.

Wenge (found in Valspar or Behr ranges) is a deeper, near-black stain with a neutral to slightly warm undertone. It’s used when you want more contrast without going full ebony.

What to Know: 

• Oil-based stains require ventilation and dry time.
• Dark stains tend to highlight scratches or dust more easily.
• Always test first on softwoods; these colors can absorb unevenly.
• Apply thin coats to avoid sticky finishes or streaks.

Use Jacobean for a classic dark brown look. Choose Wenge if you want something closer to espresso or almost black without going into full ebony territory.

10. White Wash / Pickled White – Minwax / Behr

Type: Water-based stain (Minwax), acrylic or water-based (Behr)

Use: Interior furniture, paneling, cabinets, flooring

White Wash, also known as Pickled White, gives wood a soft white finish that still lets the grain show. It’s used mostly on light woods like oak or ash for a beachy or rustic look. It works well in coastal, farmhouse, or Scandinavian-style interiors.

What to Know: 

• Needs a clear topcoat to protect the finish.
• Dries fast. Remember, don’t leave it sitting too long. 
• Won’t apply evenly on softwoods unless the wood is prepped well.
• Over-sanding can make the stain absorb unevenly.
• Best to apply in thin coats and wipe back quickly. 

If you want a white finish without paint, this gives a washed-out look while keeping the natural texture of the wood. Always test first, as white stains can vary a lot depending on the wood type and how absorbent it is.

Related: List of Best Wood Stains to Buy With Lifespan

More Design Trend

• Warm tones dominate interiors: If you’re looking at paint or stains, warmer hues, browns and neutrals, are leading 2025 interior styles, according to Houzz and Architectural Digest studies. 
• Outdoor stain trends match deck design themes: Burnt Hickory and Oxford Brown pair with sustainable, biophilic, and layered exterior decks highlighted in Better Homes & Gardens and Builder Online reports. 
• Bold expressive colors are emerging: Violet became one of the first bold wood stain colors to be Color of the Year, pointing to growing acceptance of colorful or saturated wood finishes in transitional interiors. 

Why This List Works For Homeowners 

• All these stains are available in all major brands. 
• Each color has a specific use case, like indoors, outdoors, furniture, trims or cabinetry. 
• Backed by 2025 trend data, brands, and expert selections, guaranteeing relevance and credibility.

How to Apply Wood Stain Correctly 

• Start with sanding. Use 120-grit, then 180 or 220-grit. Sand along the grain. Wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth; no dust should remain. 
• Use a wood conditioner (only for softwoods). On pine, fir, or spruce, apply a conditioner and wait 15 minutes. It helps prevent blotchy results. 
• Stir the stain. Don’t shake it. Stir from the bottom to mix the pigment evenly. 
• Apply the stain. Use a lint-free cloth, foam brush, or synthetic brush. Apply in the direction of the grain. Let it sit for a few minutes; the longer it stays, the darker the result. 
• Wipe off the excess. Use a clean cloth and wipe with the grain. Don’t leave extra stains on the surface. 
• Let it dry fully. 
• Water-based stains: around 2-3 hours 
• Oil-based stains: 6-24 hours 

Wait until fully dry before applying a topcoat. 

• Apply a sealer if needed. For floors, cabinets, stairs, or outdoor wood, add a protective clear coat. Choose polyurethane or a water-based alternative. 

When to Stain and When to Re-Stain 

Staining isn’t something you do on a schedule, it depends on the condition of the wood, where it’s used, and how well it’s holding up. This is how to tell when it’s time. 

When to Stain New Wood 

• Interior Wood: You can stain as soon as the wood is dry, sanded, and clean. 
• Pressure-treated wood (outdoor): Let it dry fully, usually 3 to 6 months after installation, before applying stain. 
• Planed or smooth wood: Light sanding is needed before staining to help it absorb evenly. 

When to Re-Stain Existing Wood 

• The color has faded or turned dull. 

If the wood looks washed out or gray, especially outdoors, it likely needs a new coat. 

• The water no longer beads on the surface. 

Splash a little water on the wood. If it soaks in instead of beading up, the protective layer is gone. 

• You see peeling, flaking, or uneven wear. 

Solid stains may start peeling over time. Sand off the damaged areas before reapplying. 

• It’s been 2-3 years for exterior wood. 

Most outdoor stains, even high-end ones, need reapplication every few years, especially in harsh weather. 

• There’s visible damage. 

Cracks, mold, or rot need to be addressed before restaining. Don’t apply stain over problems.

How to Prep for Re-Staining 

• Clean the surface thoroughly. Use a wood cleaner or brightener if needed. 
• Sand down peeling or rough areas. 
• Let it dry completely

Conclusion 

Wood stain isn’t just a color choice , it’s part of how you protect and finish your home. The right stain will bring out the character of the wood, complement the space, and also stand up to wear over time.

So, if you’re working on interiors, focus on undertone, lighting, and how the finish fits into the rest of your design. For exteriors, durability matters more. UV protection, moisture resistance, and maintenance cycles will decide how often you re-stain.

Remember to test before you choose. Follow prep instructions properly, and stick to brands that are built for your climate and use case. That way, you’ll get a better finish, and it’ll last longer.

Need help choosing a stain that stands up to North America’s weather?
CBR Products provides a full range of high-performance wood stains, including low-VOC, weather-resistant options made for both interior and exterior use. You can explore our full stain color range!