Your hardwood floor finishing will make all the difference in the look of your home.
When you decide to install hardwood flooring in your home, there are so many decisions to make, but plenty of them are fun ones. Most decisions have a lot to do with the overall look you are trying to achieve with your hardwood. After you choose your species of wood, and the width of your planks, you’ll need to choose a finish. There are four primary options when it comes to hardwood flooring finishes. The main difference between each finish is the glossiness. Consider your needs in terms of functionality and design when you choose your hardwood flooring finish.
Types of Finishing
The four main types of hardwood floor finishes are matte, sating, semi-gloss, and glossy. Each one will give you a different look, and your decision will be based on the look you like best, the location of your flooring, and the level of functionality you require.
Matte. This type of finishing is the least shiny of the bunch, meaning that it reflects the least amount of light. Matte finished hardwood flooring has very little sheen and generally looks dull and flat. While those words might seem negative to some, they are highly desirable traits for some people. A matte floor takes on a very clean look, and does a great job of hiding scratches.
Satin. Hardwood flooring with a satin finish tends to be one of the most popular options. The level of sheen that comes with satin finishing does a great job of highlighting almost any species of wood. It gives a bit more shine than you get with a matte finishing, but the added level of gloss strikes just the right balance for many people.
Semi-Gloss. The shinier your flooring gets, the more difficult it is to maintain. Semi-gloss is a great option for those that prefer a glossy look, but don’t want to worry too much about scratches. A low-traffic area is the best location for semi-gloss finished hardwood.
Glossy. You don’t often see glossy floors in homes because this type of hardwood finishing creates a very special look that is usually reserved for things like gym floors, bowling alleys, and event spaces. Glossy floors are notorious for showing dents, footprints and dust, so they need to be carefully cared for.
John K Eareckson & Co.
At John K. Eareckson & Co., we pride ourselves on providing the best quality and craftsmanship in the Baltimore-Washington area, from custom hardwood installation and repairs to refinishing. So if you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, pick up the phone and give us a call today! If you have any questions about New Hardwood Floors, please contact John K. Eareckson & Co. by calling 410-788-4200 or visit JKEHardwoodFlooring.com today for a free quote regarding any of your hardwood flooring needs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!