A:  To some degree, this may be an aesthetic consideration.  A semi-transparent stain will show wood grain, while a solid or opaque stain will hide the grain but still allow the texture of the wood to remain visible.  If the wood is sound and has a nice grain, it may be a matter of what is more pleasing from a visual standpoint.  However, when wood is aged (with a potential for uneven wear), excessive porosity and/or extreme color variances, a solid or opaque stain will hide these imperfections. Please note that in some cases areas are damaged beyond repair. Such wood may be soft and excessively cracked or cupped. Such wood will not hold the stain over the long term and may need to be replaced prior to staining the whole surface.

Q: What should I use to clean and maintain my interior woodwork?

A:  In most cases the wood has been sealed and clear-coated with polyurethane. Polyurethane dries hard and does not require excessive maintenance. In general, dry dusting is all that is needed. On occasion mild, diluted soapy water can be used to remove any airborne contaminants that may be collecting on the surface.  When cleaning with this solution, be sure to rinse with small amounts of water and to dry the surface. It is important to avoid having too much water soak into the wood as this could cause swelling of the wood and damage to the overall finish. Again, this type of cleaning should be done infrequently.

Please note that cleansers containing paraffin or oils will leave a film on the surface, which would need to be completely removed if the surface is ever in need of a fresh coat of urethane.