20yo home - taking hardwood floors to natural for resale - a question....

[Sharon in SC]

Our old home is being prepped for the market. Because the kitchen cabinetry and trim work for the two rooms adjacent to the kitchen are darker stain (rest of the downstairs and upstairs is white), we're refinishing the hardwood floors in the downstairs taking them from that matching dark stain to natural in an effort to brighten things up. What that will mean is that when you walk in the front door, the stairwell banister and stair treads (ends on either side of the carpet) will be dark (matching the stained trim/kitchen cabinets). Is this a problem? PLEASE say "no"! :p

[Suzanne in ABQ]

If the treads and banister are in good condition, I'd say "No Problem!" They (designers on HGTV) frequently mix wood finishes in kitchens (island dark, while the rest of the cabinets are light, for instance). My guess is that the stairwell will "pop" against the light floor, really stand out. It sounds lovely. :)

[Ellie]

homes often have different kinds of wood in different parts of the house. You should be fine.

[Mrs. H.]

nt

[Sharon in SC]

I'd say "No Problem!"

Good answer, Suzanne! :D Actually, we're thinking exactly what you've expressed - that design shows are all about mixing and matching and that the tread may actually "pop". They are in good condition - just need to be cleaned/polished.

Thanks for taking the time to post. You've been an encouragement!
Sharon