Satin or Matte finish on my new hardwood floors?

5 years ago

Our flooring contractor used two coats of satin poly and is now ready to apply the final coat. I have to choose between a satin or matte finish. Our new renovation is a bit rustic/farmhouse but it’s a ranch style home. The hardwood is live sawn white oak. Thoughts on what to choose?

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

5 years ago

Satin...most people like to see a 'little glow' after they clean. A matte finish can be very upsetting for those of us who like the glow (as seen in your photos). If you already have satin on there, then your floors will stay identical to what you see right now with satin. Now imagine losing all reflecting light.

If you wanted to go with matte, you would have put down 2 coats of gloss/semi-gloss. Then a coat of matte. Too many 'low gloss' layers can look hazy. I would be concerned the two coats of satin might make a 'matte' layer look hazy.

And remember: no matter how much you clean or scrub, the floors will NEVER look shinier/cleaner than they do RIGHT NOW. Just be aware of that. Too many people have found out too late that they are HAPPY with a shiny floor after they clean. And they are VERY disappointed that the 'clean shiny' look only lasts for an hour. These are the people who end up OVER CLEANING their floors because they are DESPERATE to see some 'shine' on their clean floors. I've heard of people cleaning 2-3 times per DAY....just so they can see a bit of shine.

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Comments (18)

julieste
5 years ago
Satin.
butterflyjlv thanked julieste
Love stone homes
5 years ago
We are deciding between matt and satin as well. Leaning toward satin, matt may show more prints etc
butterflyjlv thanked Love stone homes
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PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
SATIN
butterflyjlv thanked JAN MOYER
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
5 years ago
I agree--satin. Your floors are beautiful!
butterflyjlv thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
Shawna Hays
5 years ago
Definitely satin
butterflyjlv thanked Shawna Hays
PRO
G & S Floor Service
5 years ago
Matte - I prefer as little shine as possible.
butterflyjlv thanked G & S Floor Service
daisychain Zn3b
5 years ago
We went with matte and find it really shows foot prints much more than the previous which I think was semi gloss or possibly satin.
butterflyjlv thanked daisychain Zn3b
Kelly Cacioppo
5 years ago
Do you have any updated photos with the final coat of matte finish? Also- what brand of poly did you use?
butterflyjlv
Original Author
5 years ago
I will have some in a few days! Final coat went on today and we went with the matte. I believe it was Bona Traffic extra matte finish
lyna louis
5 years ago
I love the look of your floor, very nice!
butterflyjlv thanked lyna louis
Design Girl
5 years ago
Satin
jturner2urf
3 years ago
I.know it's been a year but would you be able to show me a picture of your matte floors?
suzanne dunn
3 years ago
i know its been a year but are u happy with your choice of Matte versus the satin finish

any regrets?
Elizabeth Green
2 years ago
No update, a little disappointing.
Design Girl
2 years ago
@Elizabeth Green - No update but as a decorator I'd go with satin. Matte makes the floors look lifeless.
Renee C
7 months ago
I did white oak ultra matte HD bona finish. They never look clean and shiny to me. me. Just
Renee C
7 months ago
They always look dull. Even after they are washed. Go with satin.