Updated November 6, 2026
Three separate choices
- Colour comes from the wood itself and any stain. See staining.
- Sheen is the level of reflection in the top coat: matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
- Durability depends on the finish product and how many coats are applied, not on sheen alone.
Finish makers generally offer the same product in several sheen levels. The NWFA's overview of floor finishes and Bona's finishes page both treat sheen as an appearance choice within a finish type. A matte floor is not automatically stronger, and no sheen makes a floor scratchproof.
Matte and satin compared
| Consideration | Matte | Satin |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Low reflection, closer to raw wood | Soft glow, a little more depth |
| Fine scratches and dust | Usually least visible | Less visible than semi-gloss or gloss |
| Strong window light | Little glare across the floor | Some sheen visible at low angles |
| Footprints and smudges | Can show in some light on dark colours | Similar; depends on colour and light |
| Colour depth | Colour can read slightly lighter and flatter | Colour can read a touch richer |
Light, rooms and maintenance
Long sightlines toward big windows emphasise any sheen, so a satin floor in a south-facing room may look glossier than the sample did at the store. Dark stain with any sheen tends to show dust and pet hair. Cleaning is the same regardless of sheen: a dry or lightly damp microfibre mop and a cleaner made for the finish.
Choosing with samples
- Look at sanded and sealed samples on your own floor, not a brochure.
- Check them in morning light, evening light and with your lamps on.
- Stand back and look along the floor toward the windows as well as straight down.
- If connected rooms will share a finish, decide sheen for the whole run at once.
A few common scenarios
Busy household with a large dog: matte or satin will hide fine marks better than gloss, but it will not stop dents. See our pet stains and scratches guide.
Older floor with character you want to keep: a low sheen keeps attention on the grain instead of the surface.
Dim north-facing rooms: satin can add a little life; compare it with matte on the actual floor.
Mention your preference in your estimate request; we compare options on the floor before anything is applied. HFR Ottawa does not represent any finish manufacturer, and links here are not endorsements.
External links are general reference only and do not imply any affiliation or endorsement.