Yes, Bona Red Out does work, effectively reducing (but rarely completely eliminating) the natural pink and red undertones in red oak flooring to give it a lighter, more neutral, or "white oak" appearance. It uses a two-part peroxide formula that neutralizes the wood’s extractives rather than relying on traditional wood bleaches.
Bona Red Out is a permanent treatment designed to neutralize red and pink tones in red oak flooring, rather than a temporary stain. It chemically alters the wood surface to create a neutral, raw-wood appearance, which remains as long as the floor is not sanded down again.
Note: A pinless moisture meter can determine the most accurate dry time of Bona Red Out. Document the raw wood's moisture content before applying Bona Red Out, and then wait until the moisture content is within 1% of the baseline measurement before application of stain or sealer.
Bona Red Out is a two-step waterborne color neutralizer designed to reduce red and pink tones to help mimic the look of white oak wood flooring.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
The most popular hardwood floor colors emphasize warmth, natural aesthetics, and versatility. The overarching trend leans away from cool, sterile grays and toward earthy, natural tones. Top trending and timeless choices include:
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
Don't use Behr stains on a floor. Just bona. They make a sealer called red out now that makes it look like white oak. We normally either use classic(clear) or amber seal and then 2 coats of satin traffic.
While you cannot change the underlying grain pattern of red oak, you can neutralize its natural pink and red undertones and lighten it to mimic the cooler, muted aesthetic of white oak. This is most effectively achieved by applying a neutralizing pre-stain, a color-shifting sealer, or a wood bleach.
To restore the shine to your hardwood floors, deep clean them to remove surface grime, then apply a specialized water-based hardwood polish to fill in microscopic scratches. For a completely restored finish without sanding, you may need to scuff and apply a new coat of polyurethane.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Dark Flooring
Dark-stained floors create a dramatic backdrop that allows furniture to stand out against the rich, velvety darkness. Additionally, the dark color absorbs and reflects light, adding depth and visual interest to the space throughout the home.
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
What flooring never goes out of style?
Red Oak Is Porous
On the one hand, red oak is at a higher risk of water damage, which can lead to warping. Therefore, it is not the ideal choice for installation near sinks or water. Red oak is also more prone to shrink than white oak. On the other hand, red oak finishes and stains easily compared to other woods.
The "prettiest" wood depends on your desired finish, but Oak (Red and White), Ash, and Walnut are widely considered the easiest and most stunning woods to stain. Their open, porous grain structures absorb pigments evenly, avoiding the blotchiness seen in tighter, denser woods.
To make red oak floors look modern, the key is neutralizing their natural pink and red undertones. This is achieved by sanding down to raw wood and applying cool-toned stains (like ash or gray) or specialized color-neutralizing sealers. Finally, finish with an ultra-matte polyurethane to remove dated shine.
Bona Red Out is a waterborne two-step system designed to neutralize red and pink hues in hardwood floors (such as red oak) to create a lighter, white oak appearance. It is applied exclusively to raw wood.
Deep cleaning
Prepare two buckets of water: one with lukewarm water mixed with a gentle laminate floor cleaner, and the other with clear water for rinsing. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and clean the floor following the wood grain. Ensure the floor is dried after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Not rot resistant so it's not good to use in or near ground contact outdoors, but above ground it weathers as well as pine, left untreated it turns silver, then shades of grey to almost black. It's not as hard as white oak but it's great for making cabinets even flooring inside your home.
These eight flooring trends are considered outdated by interior designers in 2025: