At Corlew and Perry, we take pride in being Franklin, TN’s trusted flooring experts since 1927. Serving Brentwood and Nashville, TN, our commitment to quality has made us the go-to destination for hardwood flooring solutions. One of the most frequent questions our customers ask is whether popular hardwood stains like Duraseal, Bona, Poloplaz, and Pallman come in different shades—and the answer is a resounding yes! Each brand offers its unique palette, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every home’s style and aesthetic.
Understanding hardwood stain options
Hardwood stains not only enhance the natural beauty of your floors but also allow for a tailored look that complements your space. The wide array of shades across different brands gives homeowners the flexibility to achieve specific tones, from light and airy to dark and dramatic. Here’s how the top stain brands differ and what they bring to the table:
Duraseal: Known for depth and richness
Duraseal has long been a favorite among flooring professionals for its rich and consistent finishes. Offering an extensive range of over 30 pre-mixed shades, Duraseal caters to traditional and modern tastes alike.
Popular shades include:
- Jacobean: A timeless deep brown.
- Provincial: A warm, medium brown that suits a wide variety of spaces.
- Golden Oak: A light and inviting hue that highlights the wood’s natural grain.
Duraseal’s stains are also compatible with water-based or oil-based polyurethane, making them versatile and long-lasting.
Bona: Eco-friendly and modern tones
Bona stands out with its water-based formula and focus on environmentally friendly options. While Bona doesn’t have as extensive a shade selection as Duraseal, its 20+ stain colors include refined, contemporary hues that appeal to homeowners seeking subtle sophistication.
Notable Bona shades include:
- NordicSeal: A soft, whitewashed finish perfect for Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
- Driftwood: A muted gray ideal for coastal or rustic homes.
- Espresso: A deep, chocolate brown for those who prefer bold contrast.
Bona stains dry quickly, making them an excellent option for homeowners looking to minimize downtime during their flooring projects.
Poloplaz: Vibrant tones with premium durability
Poloplaz is a less commonly discussed brand but deserves recognition for its intensely pigmented stains that produce vibrant and bold results. While the shade range may not be as extensive as Duraseal or Bona, Poloplaz’s colors are highly saturated, providing stunning finishes.
Some popular Poloplaz shades include:
- American Walnut: A deep, rich brown with reddish undertones.
- Gunstock: A versatile mid-tone brown that blends well with a variety of decors.
Poloplaz’s stains pair beautifully with their high-performance finishes, which offer exceptional durability.
Pallman: Premium European-inspired hues
Pallman brings a European flair to hardwood stains, offering a curated range of shades that evoke elegance and craftsmanship. Known for their silky smooth finishes and UV resistance, Pallman stains are often preferred for high-end projects.
Top Pallman shades include:
- Natural: Enhances the raw beauty of wood with minimal color change.
- Graphite: A sophisticated gray-brown that’s trending in modern interiors.
- Antique Brown: A warm and rich shade that adds a vintage touch.
Pallman’s stains are particularly popular in luxury homes where fine details matter.
Comparing stain shades: What sets them apart?
While all these brands provide diverse shade options, the undertones, intensity, and finish compatibility vary significantly:
- Duraseal offers the widest variety and versatility for both traditional and modern designs.
- Bona is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners looking for subtle and trendy hues.
- Poloplaz excels in vibrancy and pigmentation, making it great for bold designs.
- Pallman is the go-to for refined, European-inspired aesthetics.
When choosing the right stain, it’s crucial to consider factors like room lighting, existing furniture, and the type of hardwood you’re working with.
Corlew and Perry: Your partner in finding the perfect stain
At Corlew and Perry, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect hardwood stain. With over 95 years of experience serving Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, TN, we’re equipped to help you achieve the look you’ve always dreamed of for your home.
Want to see how these stains look on real hardwood? Visit our showroom in Franklin, TN, to explore samples and consult with our flooring experts. Let us help you bring your vision to life with the perfect stain!