Staining a building’s exterior or interior wood surfaces is a popular way to upgrade a space or add a new feel to a home. Keeping up with stain trends is crucial in guiding customers on what to purchase and preparing paint and stain professionals for future requests from homeowners.
Finishers Depot, an industrial coatings distributor in Texas, supplies professionals with industrial products. Paint & Decorating Retailer spoke with Zach Saviano, lead technical specialist at Finishers Depot, about the day-to-day trends in wood stains and the staining products customers are purchasing and using across various Texas cabinet and millwork shops.
Tracking the Top Trends
In 2025, Finishers Depot customers are favoring warm stains that enhance the natural character of wood. Moving into 2026, Saviano anticipates neutrals will dominate, complimenting both cool color palettes and warm tones.
“This year, we’ve seen a clear preference for warm, midtone finishes—especially walnut, greige and soft taupe shades that highlight wood character without overwhelming it,” Saviano says. “We’re expecting to see deeper, earth-toned neutrals take the lead in 2026—clay, olive-brown and soft amber tones that pair well with both cool and warm design schemes.”
When purchasing stains, consumers consider a wide range of factors, like color, price and durability. Saviano says longevity, application consistency and design are the top factors influencing stain purchases at Finishers Depot.
“There’s a broader design shift toward natural minimalism—earthy palettes, light wood floors and softer contrasts that complement open-plan spaces,” he says. “These warm neutrals tend to be easier to apply and touch up, which reduces rework and helps crews stay on schedule. Builders and production teams are also leaning into finishes with longer shelf life—colors that won’t look dated two years after install.”
Observing purchasing patterns from year to year, Saviano says customers tend to choose stain finishes that last longer than the newest color trend or craze.
“It’s less about trend cycles and more about finishes that hold up both visually and practically over time,” he says. “There’s been a real shift from extremes to balance. Just a few years ago, it was all about dark espresso or bleached-out whites. Now, customers are opting for softer, more versatile tones that feel grounded and timeless.”
What Customers Want
The ability of retailers in the independent channel to adapt and be flexible is especially helpful when staying on top of the latest trends. Offering in-store services like color matching and paint equipment rentals also sets independent retailers apart from big-box competitors. Saviano has seen this in his operation and has noticed an increase in demand for custom-matched colors and specialty stain products like water-based stains.
“There’s a noticeable rise in interest around waterborne stain systems—especially those that can match the warmth and clarity of solvent-based finishes,” he says. “As production teams look for lower-odor, faster-drying solutions without sacrificing appearance, waterborne options are gaining traction. It’s a shift driven by both environmental considerations and shop efficiency.”
Must-Haves for Wood Care Projects
Increase basket size with these must-have products customers will need when working on any interior or exterior wood care project.
Stain Pads
A disposable alternative to bristle brushes, stain pads provide better durability than a foam brush and more control than a shop towel or rag.
Stain Pad Applicator
Pad applicators work stain into wood fibers while providing even coverage and reducing application time compared to traditional brushing methods.
Touch-Up Markers
These felt-tipped markers help hide minor scratches and nicks in stained wood.
Respirators
High-quality respirators provide professional-grade protection against dust, fumes and particles and are easy to wear for extended periods.
Sanding Sheet
Reusable hand sanding sheets are ideal for heavy-duty sanding projects, lasting longer than traditional sandpaper.
