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Linda If the sanding didn't remove the water stains, they will probably come through any stain you use except perhaps a very dark stain. Sometimes the only thing to do with stained boards is replace the worst of them. It isn't overly difficult and if done before finish coat, you will never be able to see the repair. You can sand the stain off; it isn't difficult in the center of the room but the perimeter and corners are a bit of a pain.

The question is, how much do you hate the color? Also, if you are using an oil based poly, you will get a yellow/orange tint from the finish How large was the stain sample you saw and was it put on the exact flooring you have in your house? We always test stains right in the middle of the floor (never in a corner because you can't easily sand it off) Was the stain color used a completely different product than you selected or was it the product you chose but it just looks different than you expected? I'm asking because in the first case, you shouldn't be expected to pay for the additional work and in the second case, the contractor shouldn't charge you too much

Shannon Sanderson Thanks that is very helpful, I didn't even think to replace some of the badly stained boards and we do have some spare new ones we can use. I do not dislike the color, although my husband says its a bit red, which we were not going for ( it's a bona color, early American) the problem was that we sampled dura seals early American, which is much browner. We are going to use a water based poly, hopefully that will make it no redder than it is. So you think we can replace some boards before we poly it?

Shannon Sanderson Also, it's my brother in law starting up a wood floor refinishing business, so he is learning some new things as well, and he agreed to re sand and stain for no extra charge.

Shannon Sanderson Does anyone know if I can replace water stained floor pieces after they have been finished?

A Kitchen That Works LLC If you replace damaged boards, it will be very challenging to finish the new boards so that they match the existing ones unless you sand off the existing finish.

Shannon Sanderson Thanks, we haven't poly'd yet, doing that this morning. Should I replace the boards this a.m. Then poly it?

Linda If you want to replace any of the bad boards, do it before going any further. It isn't too difficult but won't match unless you do it before the finishing. Typically, a damaged board is removed by cutting a channel down the middle and either removing the entire board if it's a short length or then cutting crosswise enough to replace the damage and make it look right according to the boards around it. Don't cut too close to the joints in the boards on either side of it. Then, when the new board is put in, the bottom of the groove is removed so the board will go it and fit down in the space