When it comes to wood finishes, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Whether you’re refreshing a single cabinet panel or tying together an entire open-concept kitchen, matching the wood stain to perfection is essential. No two pieces of wood are exactly alike—so why should their finishes be?

Why Stain Matching Is an Artform

Wood is a natural material. Even pieces cut from the same tree can vary in texture, grain, and undertone. Add in variables like lighting, age, and prior finishes, and suddenly, matching a stain becomes more than just picking a swatch.

That’s why we approach each project as a unique canvas. Our goal is to not only find the right colour match but to ensure it works in your actual space, under your lighting, on your wood—not just in theory.

While off-the-shelf stains can come close, they rarely deliver the precision or polish needed for a truly custom look. That’s where our on-site matching process comes in.

Step-by-Step: Our On-Site Custom Colour Matching Process

1. Consultation and Assessment

Every great project starts with a conversation. When you reach out to FHG Contracting, we begin with an in-home consultation. This is where we listen to your goals, assess the wood types, and understand the existing tones in your space—floors, counters, backsplashes, and lighting all play a role in how your stain will appear.

We’ll also inspect the condition of the wood, whether it's new, aged, or previously finished. Each of these factors helps us determine the best base for building a stain that suits your vision.

2. Bringing the Lab to You

Once we’ve established your desired colour direction, we bring our custom-mixing tools directly to your site. Our mobile colour lab allows us to create, test, and adjust stain samples in real time.

We mix small test batches of low VOC water-based stains, applying them on sample wood pieces or hidden areas of your cabinetry. Then, we analyze how they look in your unique lighting conditions—sunlight, artificial lighting, and shadow all influence the final appearance.

3. Adjusting for Wood Tone and Absorption

Not all woods absorb stain the same way. Oak, maple, pine, birch—each species reacts differently to the same colour. We consider this while refining our custom blend.

Through expert layering, tinting, and dilution, we gradually move closer to your desired result. This hands-on approach means you’re never guessing how the stain will turn out—it’s right there in front of you before we begin full application.

4. Client Approval and Final Testing

Once we land on a formula that meets your expectations and complements your existing décor, we provide a final sample for your approval. Only when you're 100% satisfied do we proceed. This gives you peace of mind, knowing the finished product will match your vision—no surprises, no re-dos.

5. Full Refinishing or Staining Application

With the perfect match confirmed, we move on to applying the stain across the full surface area. Whether it’s refinishing existing cabinetry or finishing newly installed woodwork, our techniques are meticulous and professional.

Because we use low VOC water-based stains, you benefit from a faster drying time, lower odor, and a safer environment during and after the work is complete.

Benefits of On-Site Colour Matching

🎯 Precision

Factory-mixed stains simply can’t account for the unique variables of your wood and your lighting. On-site matching ensures your colour is exact, not just approximate.

🛠️ Efficiency

Because we’re making real-time adjustments in your space, you don’t have to go through a long back-and-forth process with offsite samples or guesswork. It’s fast, efficient, and tailored to your timeline.

🌿 Health & Sustainability

Using low VOC water-based products, we drastically reduce indoor air pollution and minimize environmental impact. This makes our process safer for children, pets, and those with respiratory sensitivities.

💸 Cost-Effective Upgrades

Instead of replacing expensive cabinetry or millwork, our custom stain services allow you to enhance and restore what you already own, all while keeping costs down and quality high.

🏡 Design Harmony

On-site matching helps ensure consistency across all design elements in your home. We can match your stain to flooring, countertops, backsplashes, or even furniture—so your space flows beautifully from one element to the next.

Ideal Projects for Custom Colour Matching

• Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing
• Perfect for breathing new life into a dated kitchen without the cost of replacement.
• Furniture Touch-Ups and Restoration
• Match your stain to an heirloom table, a reclaimed wood shelf, or your custom-built island.
• Trim and Moulding Integration
• When installing new trim or moulding, matching it to existing woodwork ensures it looks seamless and intentional.
• Stair Railings and Banisters
• Create a cohesive look between your upper and lower levels by matching stains on handrails and posts.

Why FHG Contracting?

At FHG Contracting, custom colour matching isn’t an add-on—it’s part of who we are.

We specialize in:

• ✅ Staining Using Low VOC Water-Based Products
• ✅ On-Site Custom Colour Matches
• ✅ Cabinet Refinishing and Restoration

We believe your home deserves finishes that are both beautiful and safe. Our work reflects that belief in every brushstroke.

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

Ready to take your project from ordinary to outstanding? Whether you’re working on a remodel, refreshing your space, or just need to fix a mismatched stain, FHG Contracting has the skills, products, and precision to get it right—right there on site.

📍 Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (T8H 0Z7)

📞 Call us today at 1-780-934-4115

📧 Or email info@fhgcontracting.com

Let’s make your woodwork work for you—custom-matched, eco-conscious, and expertly crafted. Because perfect colour isn’t found in a can—it’s created on site.