We're building a home. A week ago, they handscraped, stained and applied 2 coats of poly. In the 3 days that it took to do the work, we weren't allowed to go inside the house. Without telling the entire story, we are dissatisfied with the amount of pinkish red everywhere. It looks like red wine was dumped all over the floors.

We have Red Oak #1, hand scraped floors. Mequite Red stain was used.

We have talked to the builder about our options, and they initially mentioned applying a gel stain, but were hesitant to recommend that. The only option that is guaranteed is a complete refinish. Very costly. We have about 1700 sf.

We recently consulted with another hardwood flooring professional. They have proposed a tinted polyurethane as an option. They would like to test an area like the pantry or coat closet. He is suggesting a color like Rosewood or Antique Brown mixed into the poly. He said you can't put much, or you will see the brush strokes. I think he mentioned a ratio of about 1 gallon poly to 1 cup stain. Then, he would put a final clear poly coat on the floors.

This option is 42% of the cost of the complete refinish. We still haven't come to an agreement with the builder how we will share the cost of either option.

Has anyone tried this? Thoughts? Recommendations?

We would really like to give it a try and hope to test it this week. Waiting from the builder, for permission to test in a closet.