skip to main content

Woodworking Home Decorating Building a Home

Staining Douglas fir beams.

Natalie Bosworth Hansen

3 years ago

What color of stain do you recommend for Douglas fir beams? I don’t want any yellow or orange color or a dark brown. The picture is the color that I’m wanting. What color of stain would get me there? I’m trying to match it to the round star window in the other picture.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

PRO
JudyG Designs
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5611820/question-regarding-staining-or-sealing-douglas-fir-beams-and-ceiling

Gorgeous window...
strategery
3 years ago
Clear. Where does the Star-of-David go?
Related Discussions
Stain for Douglas Fir beadboard porch ceiling
Q
Comments (2)
Yes @alisonmd can you please share some pictures and what stain you decided to use for your Douglas fir? Thank u!
...See More
How long will untreated douglas fir 4x4x8 beam last?
Q
Comments (7)
Untreated in contact with the soil - maybe 10 years. Not touching the soil but outdoors, you can double that time. Treated Doug fir in contact with soil should last about 25 years.....give or take. They do make landscape timbers (treated) for this purpose and likely for a far lower price than the Doug fir beam. The chemicals and treatment process in use now is considered "safe" for all home applications, including raised bed construction.
...See More
Need help with Douglas Fir timber stain color!
Q
Comments (21)
I might try this three step process using Minwax Simply White 275, Fruitwood, and Early American. Wiping off between applications. See blog post: https://www.lilyardor.com/how-to-stain-wood/#:~:text=For%20my%20stain%20I%20went,are%20by%20far%20my%20favorite.
...See More
Question regarding staining or sealing douglas fir beams and ceiling
Q
Comments (17)
Virgil, we plan to have drywall throughout the house. Might do paneling for some accent walls. Some of the windows and doors will be vertical grain douglas fir. I was asking if the windows and doors should get the same stain as the ceiling. I suppose the trim should be done in a similar fashion as well. seabornman, leaving the fir natural is definitely an option we want to consider, but I am not sure what is the actual natural color. I have been trying to find some pictures online, but there seems to be quite a bit of variation. If we did the semi transparent stain on the ceiling as Virgil suggested, I am assuming the natural finish on the windows and doors will be lighter.
...See More
Natalie Bosworth Hansen
Original Author
3 years ago
Dinning room
Natalie Bosworth Hansen
Original Author
3 years ago
The window will suspend from the dinning room ceiling. Clear doesn’t look very good with the color of the window.
res2architect
3 years ago
If you want to stain fir find a really good pro.
K H
3 years ago
Fir will soak up stain super quick. You will want to do test samples before even tackling the beams! Even a really light stain will make these dark. I would use a rejuvenating oil and then a sealer. Or I would use a gel stain if you want them to have an actual color.
Ale Ssandra
3 years ago
You are lucky to know the wood! I am guessing mine are red cedar but I am not sure. I want to lighten them but bleach only makes the wood yellow and wood accelerator makes it dark :(

all tips or guidance are welcomed!

wood accelerator test
PRO
Parco Studio
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Rubio Monocoat is a great product. It comes in all kinds of colors. Because so many colors are offered, you can get it to look like anything you like, without yellowing. Here's a picture of me working some samples on white oak veneer. The possibilities are endless with this product. It seals and colors all in 1 easy step. Just spread it on and wipe it off. Ok, that's 2 steps. I've used it on all kinds of wood as well. -Ben

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN New This Week: Rustic Wood Beams Wow in 4 Kitchens

By Mitchell Parker

These spaces show how rustic wood beams can bring warmth and character to contemporary spaces

KITCHEN CABINETS Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These pros and cons can help

PATIOS Patio Details: A Shaded Patio Opens Up the View in Wine Country

By Annie Thornton

A Douglas fir and metal pergola offers shelter from the hot sun on this scenic California property

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: Cool Reclaimed Wood Projects Fill a Craftsman’s Home

By Mitchell Parker

Using barn wood, beadboard and beams, this homeowner has crafted furnishings and features for his family’s Chicago home

WOOD Knotty and Nice: Highly Textured Wood Has a Modern Revival

By Mary Jo Bowling

Whether it's cedar, fir or pine, if a wood has a knot, it's hot

LIVING ROOMS New This Week: 4 Living Rooms With Nice Architectural Features

By Mitchell Parker

See how ceiling beams, built-ins and fireplace details help create dynamic designs

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Old-World European Flair in Oregon

By Louise Lakier

Custom woodwork, stained glass and Arts and Crafts touches create warm, earthy interiors in a ranch-style home

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Old-World Style on the Connecticut Coast

By Becky Harris

Reclaimed beams, handmade brick and a hand-scraped floor add a warm sense of age to this new kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Eye-Catching Colors for Your Kitchen Floor

By Jennifer Ott Design

Revitalize a tired wooden floor with a paint or stain in an unexpected color

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: The Making of an Arts and Crafts Kitchen

By Mitchell Parker

Richly stained wood cabinets and millwork honor an iconic style that rarely extended into the kitchen

Sponsored

Buckeye Carpentry & Renovations

Industry Leading General Contractors in Pickerington

More Discussions

How to un-paint these railings

13

General Contractor questions

4

Advice Needed on Installing a Wood Accent Wall

2

custom not so custom floating bunk bed help

33

are these kitchen cabinets worth keeping?

2