People strapped for cash may consider using leftover deck stain on their indoor hardwood floors. That could have some advantages besides saving money on the stain. Indoor floors will match the deck and may not need a polyurethane sealer if you use deck stain.
Answer To The Question Can you use deck stain on hardwood floors:
You can use deck stain on hardwood floors but that doesn’t mean you should. While deck stain won’t harm your hardwoods, it could harm you with extra chemicals you shouldn’t emit in the house.
The article below explains the differences between the two products and what others say about using deck stain on indoor hardwood flooring.
Similarities Between the Two
Exterior stain and indoor floor stain are similar in the sense they do the same thing. They create a color on the wood that also shows off the wood grain. Here are some other similarities.
- They are oil-based products so they will both make the wood shine.
- Both also help add to wood’s longevity because they protect it.
- Absorb directly into the wood, leaving the color.
- Can be darkened with additional applications.
- Both outdoor and indoor stain products will repel water and are scuff-resistant.
- Both require a top clear coat to keep the stain looking good and offer more protection for the wood.
The Differences
Some home experts say it’s fine to use deck stain on indoor hardwood but understanding the differences between the two products will help you realize this is a bad idea.
Exterior deck stain has different properties from indoor hardwood stain. The deck product has added chemicals to protect the wood because it’s being exposed to the weather, bugs, mildew, and fungus. Indoor stain doesn’t need those chemicals.
Chemicals in Deck Stain
One of the primary chemicals in deck stain is fungicides. This is the biggest difference between deck and indoor wood stain.
Fungicides kill things like mold and mildew. It can also be toxic to humans. Using it outside where there is plenty of fresh air is safe, but putting a product with fungicide on indoor wood floors or furniture where there is less ventilation is dangerous.
Fungicides also have rankings of safety. Zinc oxide is determined to be the least toxic of the formulas in exterior stains.
Beyond fungicides, deck stains have pesticides and other chemicals to protect your deck from water, UV damage, and weathering. These aren’t found in high amounts in indoor stains.
The same concern raised about fungicides also applies to these other chemicals. They produce toxic aromas and emissions that shouldn’t be trapped in a home.
Odors
One of the primary reasons given for not advising to use an exterior stain indoors is because deck stains have a stronger odor than indoor wood stains. This is because of the chemicals involved.
The smell of wood stain is harmful to humans and it’s recommended to open windows to apply any kind of stain to indoor floors. Stain odors can cause dizziness, respiratory issues, and even allergies.
The overall safety advice is to avoid inhaling a wood stain while applying it. Wearing a mask while working is good protection.
Wait until it’s dry before using the area, even if you used an indoor stain for your project. The wait time is typically 24 hours for the stain to completely cure.
You should also look at the products’ labels for safety information. Some exterior stains state explicitly that you can’t use them indoors while others may have both outdoor and indoor uses.
A Difference in Look
Deck stain products have a deeper color than typical indoor hardwood stains. This is to protect wood exposed to sun, rain, and other weather from fading. The richness of the deck stain is one reason many look to it for inside their home.
However, you can get the same look with the color of the indoor stain by reapplying it until you get the shade you want.
Application Is The Same
The work you put into staining your hardwood flooring is going to be the same as staining your deck so you won’t save in labor.
You will still need to remove any old finish from your indoor hardwood floors before you stain them.
That involves sanding down the floors with a power sander. Then, you will need to vacuum up any dust as that interferes with the stain whether you use an indoor or outdoor stain.
On a deck, you can rinse off the dust with a hose and let it dry so that is where sweat savings comes in.
A roller paintbrush is used for the large areas whether you use the exterior or interior stain and a small brush for tighter spots.
Most people think they can save money using deck stain inside because the exterior stain already has chemicals that protect the wood in it. Yet, it doesn’t seal the wood.
Sealing
Some homeowners think using a deck stain indoors will mean they won’t need a sealer. Yet, you will need a sealer. That’s true even after using an exterior stain on your deck.
A sealer will prevent wood, whether it’s inside or out, from absorbing water. This is important to protect your wood and adds to the durability of your deck or floors. A sealer will also protect your deck or floors from minor scratches.
Those who are trying to save money have one other option. Skip the stain and just seal your hardwood floors with polyurethane. That will give them a shine and protect them from water absorption and scuffing. Your floors will look natural and you will be able to see the grain.
Final Thoughts
Even those who are looking to save money shouldn’t skimp on the indoor stain for hardwoods. Using deck stain for hardwood floors inside the home will look fine but will also add some harmful chemicals to your indoor air.
It also doesn’t allow you to forego sealing. Your best option for saving money is to go straight to a polyurethane sealer for indoor floors, skipping the stain altogether.
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