Hi @Carolyn3636,
Thank you for your question about matching stains.
Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to match stains as they are relative to the timber they have been applied to.
If you have access to your construction documents, do they specify what timber was used for the stairs? Or the subcontractor who installed them?
It's hard with big builders like Metricon as they have so many subcontractors working for them that it might be difficult to track down who actually did the job, but contacting Metricon to ask the question might be a good place to start. They may have a record of the stair builder who may be able to advise what specific product they used.
From your photos, it looks like they've used a stain and varnish, but it's hard to say whether it is water or oil-based.
To determine if timber has been coated with oil- or water-based stain and varnish, feel the surface. Oil-based finishes tend to feel slightly tacky or sticky, whereas water-based finishes feel smooth and dry. You can also try placing a drop of water on the timber. If the water beads up, it's likely an oil-based finish, while faster absorption indicates a water-based finish.
They may have used Cabot's Gloss Oil Based Walnut Stain And Varnish or Cabot's Walnut Water Based Stain And Varnish, but there is no way to know for sure without trying. You may be able to use a scrap piece of timber to compare it with the stairs.
Allow me to tag @arfabuck, @Nailbag and @Noyade to see if they have any advice to offer.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
