Tips for Choosing the Right Hardwood Floor Finish 

11/20/2024

Hardwood is one of the most sought-after flooring options because it offers an incomparable class, style, and elegance. Moreover, hardwood suits both classic as well as contemporary interiors beautifully. In addition to these factors, when it comes to durability and value addition, no other flooring option compares to hardwood.  

There is a wide range of hardwood options available nowadays, which makes it extremely difficult to select one type over another. Apart from the wood species and colour, it is also important to pay attention to the hardwood floor finish. The finish of your hardwood floor will not only affect its appearance but also its maintenance and durability. With the right kind of finish, your floor will remain well-protected from spills, foot traffic, scratches, and wear and tear. It is also important to remember that these finishes tend to wear down over a period of time and refinishing may be required. Many different finishing materials are used for hardwood, including wax, shellac, penetrating oil, moisture-cured urethane, and polyurethane.   

Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes 

A hardwood floor may be finished in many different ways. The most common options are gloss and matte finish, with semi-gloss and satin finish falling between the two. These finishes determine how much light is reflected from the floor surface, which, in turn, impacts how lustrous or shiny it appears. Therefore, the hardwood finish type must be selected based on the lustre preference of the homeowner.  

Matte Finish: An extremely popular option, the matte finish has a lustre of 25%. Though it is considered to be a flat finish, a matte finish offers a casual and modern look. This type of finish protects the floor from foot traffic and the movement of furniture and is extremely efficient in hiding imperfections. Therefore, this low-gloss finish is ideally suited for homes with high traffic, pets, and children.  

Satin Finish: This type of finish provides 40% lustre, and has a classic yet contemporary appearance. Many homeowners prefer this as an all-around option that doesn’t date. Floors with satin finish are easier to clean and it can hide almost all imperfections other than the major ones.  

Semi-Gloss Finish: With a lustre of 55%, this is a good choice for homeowners that want a glossy finish without spending a lot of time and money on maintenance.  

High Gloss Finish: This type of finish creates extremely reflective and shiny flooring with 70% lustre. This finish highlights the floorboards’ unique and finer details and can be an attractive feature, particularly for exotic hardwood flooring. Though the high gloss finish is very sophisticated and classically beautiful, it also has some downsides. Any imperfection, as well as dirt, dust, and other debris, appear more prominent on a high gloss finish. Also, it is highly prone to wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas. These floors can be high maintenance and require frequent cleaning.  

Making the Right Choice 

Choosing the right hardwood floor finish depends on the style of your home and personal preferences. High-gloss finishes complement formal and modern settings. On the other hand, if your home has traditional, rustic, and cozy interiors, your hardwood floor probably needs a matte finish. Because of its ability to hide wear and tear better, matte finish is also a more practical choice for homes experiencing experiences heavy foot traffic.   

If you have more questions related to your hardwood floor, please feel free to contact us at Enoak.