I am getting ready to have my baseboards stained. I don't want them white as to keep reflections down. What is a good wood stain to use? I like a darker color.

Most stains are not reflective unless you seal them with polyurethane. Then, it depends on how many coats you apply.

As far as a color or type, I would simply go to your local home improvement store and get a stain sample chart. Then you can bring it home and look at it in your room with your lighting. I would also suggest you narrow your selection down to two or three you like, go buy a small can of each, and then stain a separate piece of scrap wood used for your room with each type. Stain looks different on varying types of wood. It may cost you $10 or so but worth it to get the look you want.

If you don't care to do that, to answer your question, I used Minwax stain on mine. English Chestnut (brown) and Jacobean (black).

Good luck on your choice.

Thanks Mcmurphy! I don't know why i didn't think of that. There are some scrap pieces laying around. I'm off to the depot to try it out!

Also, don't over sand the baseboards. Higher grit sandpapers "polish" the wood to a certain extent, making them a.) shiny, and b.) less absorbent for stain. Lower grit sandpapers will leave a duller finish, and will allow the wood to absorb more stain, making them appear darker.

I'm not talking about leaving the baseboards all ratty and furry and nasty with 60 grit ... but given the choice, I'd sand them to 120 grit, not 220 grit.

This is 3 coats of Minwax Dark Walnut (sanded with 120 grit), then 2 coats of Minwax "Satin" Poly.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/judsonp/Home%20Theater%20Construction/ceilinganddoormisc004.jpg