Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Contractor Zack Dettmore and designer Camille Dettmore help homeowners choose a stain color for their floor with samples in their real space.
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Floor stain can be a tricky decision to make. You need to consider the natural light, ceiling height, wall colors, and other factors in your actual space. When contractor Zack Dettmore and designer Camille Dettmore wanted to help their clients choose the right stain for their floors, they knew the best option was a real color palette in their actual space.
Floor Stain Options:
Nutmeg: A great color for lighter hardwood floors.
Special Walnut: A cooler color that can help offset warmer red oak flooring.
Golden Pecan: A color with amber undertones reminiscent of popular 90s colors.
Early American: A bit of yellow and even slightly green undertones.
Natural: Very little tint but does accentuate the grain and the differences between boards.
The homeowners ultimately chose nutmeg for their space. Seeing the color on their actual flooring and in their space allowed them to compare all of the colors and make the best possible decision for their renovation.
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How to Choose a Floor Stain Color | This First House
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Contractor Zack Dettmore and designer Camille Dettmore help homeowners choose a stain color for their floor with samples in their real space.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Floor stain can be a tricky decision to make. You need to consider the natural light, ceiling height, wall colors, and other factors in your actual space. When contractor Zack Dettmore and designer Camille Dettmore wanted to help their clients choose the right stain for their floors, they knew the best option was a real color palette in their actual space.
Floor Stain Options:
Nutmeg: A great color for lighter hardwood floors.
Special Walnut: A cooler color that can help offset warmer red oak flooring.
Golden Pecan: A color with amber undertones reminiscent of popular 90s colors.
Early American: A bit of yellow and even slightly green undertones.
Natural: Very little tint but does accentuate the grain and the differences between boards.
The homeowners ultimately chose nutmeg for their space. Seeing the color on their actual flooring and in their space allowed them to compare all of the colors and make the best possible decision for their renovation.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Follow This First House:
Official website: thisfirsthouse.com
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: @thisfirsthouseofficial
TikTok: @thisfirsthouse
How to Choose a Floor Stain Color | This First House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
