Can you run a swiffer across it without it catching?

@Hallett&Co. i do not feel it catching with the swiffer

It looks nice, and if you want matte, then I would leave it. I would like it shinier and would probably use semi gloss. You may get a bit more shine with another coat of the satin finish too.

@cat_ky I’m more concerned of the wear and if job was done properly then the actual shine. It just feels and looks like it has a light top coat but maple looks fine so I’m not sure if that’s what floors should feel and look for semi gloss. I don’t want floors to look in bad shape so quick.

• satin, not semi gloss on my last comment. I am not sure how to edit post

Yes, oak is an open grain wood and maple is very much a tightly knit closed grain wood.

Thank. I was concerned if application was done properly but I’m glad to hear this is ok

As others have mentioned, oak is a open grain wood specie. You can't compare the texture to maple. If, you like or want the plastic feel. You can apply three to four coats of grain filler, then apply a final coat of polyurethane on top afterwards. Aqua coat grain filler goes for around $50 per quart. It will get expensive with labor. You need to apply the filler, buff and clean X3 or X4. It has poor build up and shrinks. This is why you need multiple coats. This is what they do with pre-finished flooring.

Only your first picture does a decent job showing the surface. If everything looks as good as this area, it appears to have been done properly. In fact, it looks fantastic. The harder portion of the wood looks smooth, uniform and clean, while the deeper grain appears to have sufficient finish coverage. Your finish appears to fall within the gloss level range for a satin finish.

If you want your Oak to look more plastic like the Maple, you can contract for more coats as G&S mentions, but be prepared for it to show indentations and wear just like your Maple will.

@timothywinzell Thanks for taking a look and explaining how you can tell that the surface looks good. I’m sure glad to hear this! Now I can stop worrying about the floors and continue with the rest of the remodel which is a big relief. Thanks everyone

You're welcome! Your first picture is a textbook example of how a finished Red Oak should look. Too many people think they need to apply a bunch of coats for durability and it ends up being detrimental.

You can preserve the look of your floor with regular cleaning, mats inside and outside each entry door and proper felt protectors on furniture that's moved regularly. We buy cheap washable rugs or runners to use at our sink and food prep area to absorb wear from standing and turning, and to keep harmful grit off the floor. Monitor high traffic areas and alert your floor contractor if/when you think you're getting close to wear that might affect the color. They can then prep the floor and apply another coat so it will look almost new again.

@timothywinzell all great suggestions that I will for sure apply. It was so much work putting everything in storage to do the floors and I don’t want to have to repeat again until many years from now when necessary. I will definitely buy a few rugs and keep an eye on floors for any maintenance