Woodcraft carries a good line of stains. Stain goes pretty far, so 1 1/2-pint can (@5.50 ea) should see you through this job.

These stains just tint the wood, they don’t actually provide surface protection. You’ll have to apply an oil-based finish over the stained wood to acheive that (there are products that do both but they give you less control over the tinting process). Woodcraft has a wide choice of finishes as well.

Here’s a map of CA Woodcraft locations.

I agree with Harp. Depending upon the size of the piece of furniture and the brand of stain and finished you choose, total cost should wind up around $20—$25. That should include sandpaper, stain, cloths for application, finish, brush. All stains are not created equally. Woodcraft makes some good ones and I like Behr (Home Depot’s brand) also. Do a test on some other piece (same type of wood) to make sure you get the color you want. Find a finish that is oil based. Spray on Polyurethane may look easier but it will not give you the quality finish you want.

Have fun with it.

My cat will do it for free….she’s an expert, too.