It's always better to lay down wood that is the color you want rather than messing with stains. Many fewer bad surprises.

People in the trade will tell you the third coat is the "money coat"-- it's what make the floor look really good.

I don't knw so much about floor finished, but when finishing wood in general one used gloss for the first however many coats then a lower sheen only on the final coat to maintain maximum clarity.

Beware that matte floor finishes will show every smudge. We went from semi-gloss to matte when we refinished, and I can't say that I'm happy with how much more work it takes to keep it looking nice.

Thanks for your insight! Our floor is already installed so no option for a pre finished color… did you do a light color with the matte finish?

@G&S Floor Service I would love your professional opinion on these points! You’ve really helped me in the past…

If, the look you want requires no stain. Then, yes, use a system that requires no stain.

Most water base systems requires a sealer to prevent edge bonding and panelization. You will need to check with manufacturer to see which product line requires it. Traffic HD requires a sealer over white oak, stain is not required.

Thank you! What kind of systems are good for no stain? And if im using Traffic HD how important is that third top coat - is 2 coats of traffic on top of two coats of Nordic seal okay?

Also is there a difference between Bona Traffic in Matte and Bona Traffic HD in extra matte? Can you tell me the differences? Thank you @G & S floor services your expertise is always so helpful!

Traffic HD is more durable than Traffic. HD is a more superior product.

If, you are using HD, a third coat is recommended if, you are expecting 500 daily foot traffic.

System for no stains, Bona Traffic HD and Loba Supra AT are great systems. You will need to use their sealers. Depending on the look you want, other brands to consider are Pallmann, Ciranova and Arboritec.

Thank you! Is it bad if they only do two coats of traffic HD? Will my floors have issues now or will it just mean refinishing earlier?

If, you did not use a sealer. I recommend applying a third coat to meet the film build requirement of 3 mil. The first coat mostly gets absorbed into the wood with very little sitting on top.

I am using a sealer - two coats of Nordic seal

Do you feel like a third coat of traffic is important in my case? I have three kids - no pets. Definite foot traffic tho!

Two coats of Traffic HD is more than enough. If, you are unsure, go for the third coat. Now is the time to do it. Plus, you will have peace of mind.

Thank you so much! One more question - you have been so helpful! If I want the extra matte finish - should I ask them to do the initial coats semi gloss and then finish with a matte coat? I’ve seen that mentioned but how important is that for them to do? Will it make it look less matte? Just looking for some clarity on that if I am doing 2 coats.

I do not see that being important at all. I have always applied the same sheen throughout, never had a issue. A lot of homeowners and contractors have had issues. Only cause I can think of is insufficient coverage.

Okay thank you!!! I heard people say that it could be cloudy with 2-3 coats of matte but if you haven’t seen that I trust your expertise. Thank you so much!! You have been so helpful

I live on an island and would prefer to use solid wood for my flooring. Would you recommend a particular wood to prevent cupping? I prefer wide boards. But I have been told I would have cupping with any solid wood in this moist enviroment. Could you advise me?

You'd probably be better off starting a new thread on this different topic than tagging on this one.

To avoid cupping use quartersawn wood. Oak is the easiest quartersawn flooring to obtain, but any quartersawn wood will be less prone to that kind of movement than the plain sawn alternative. You will have much less of an issue with narrower boards. If I were anticipating a problem I wouldn't go wider than 2-1/2". Engineered flooring will let you go wider.