Satin versus Semi Gloss waterproof hardwood finishes is a personal choice. Among the numerous types and varieties of hardwood available for interior finishing, both satin and semi-gloss hardwoods are popular, dependable finishes for wood floors. If you’re looking to purchase hardwood floors and need help deciding which one you should go with, read on to learn the difference between satin and semi-gloss hardwood finishes.
Satin and Semi-Gloss Options for a Hardwood Floor?
A popular choice for homeowners is hardwood floors. They provide a classic look and feel to any room or other areas. Hardwood comes in many finishes but two of the most popular are called satin and semi-gloss.
A semi-gloss gives off the brightest sheen of the two surfaces in question. A semi-gloss hardwood is generally twice as bright or reflective as a satin, so a semi-gloss is shinier than satin.
A satin finish is more matte and has a lower sheen level compared to a semi-gloss. Light doesn’t reflect as strongly on satin as it does on semi-gloss.
Both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your preference, the space you’re working with, and the type of wood you choose. Other than sheen there are really no differences.
What Is a Satin?
A satin finish is often considered the most traditional finish for hardwood floors because it is the most popular. People love satin finishes because it allows the natural color and beauty of the wood to show through without any added sheen or shine.
A satin finish can vary from dark brown to light brown, depending on which wood you choose to use in your home or office. A satin, when applied to hardwood floors, is a low-gloss finish that allows the natural tones of the wood to show through. It’s also considered an “antiquing” finish because it gives the floor a classic look.
Satin Advantages
Increased durability
Satin finished hardwood floors are known to last longer than higher gloss floors. This is not because the satin is stronger or is more damage resistant. Satin floors are said to last longer because the low-sheen finish helps hide scratches, dents, or other blemishes you will expect to collect over time.
Durability is typically measured by how long a floor can last until its looks so bad it needs to be replaced. Most people replace hardwood based on the visual damage you can see from wear and tear it gets over time. Satin finishes are so good at not reflecting damage that it’s a big reason it’s such a popular choice.
Low-maintenance
Satin hardwood floors require a similar maintenance regimen to semi-gloss, however, the less shiny sheen can hide dirt or dust for a few days longer than a bright semi-gloss can.
Easy to clean
Dirt and grime can easily be removed by sweeping or vacuuming.
Minimal risk of scratches
Satin floors are less susceptible to visible scratching than high-gloss or semi-gloss finishes.
Great for rooms with natural light
Satin finished floors are great for rooms with lots of natural light because they do not create a glare on your floors. They also look exquisite in formal rooms such as living and dining rooms.
Satin Disadvantages
Low luster
This could be an advantage or disadvantage. Some people like the more “natural wood” look, while others view satin as having low luster. A high sheen floor to some people is a mark of high quality or a sign of how clean a floor is. This is up to your taste in flooring.
What Is a Semi-Gloss Hardwood Finish?
A semi-gloss hardwood is a surface that has a shiny, reflective quality. This finish is often used on floors and furniture because it can be easily verified as clean. A semi-gloss finish helps a wood floor look squeaky clean while still protecting it from stains and scratches. A semi-gloss is a high-quality coating with a reflective sheen quality close to a mirror.
Semi Gloss Advantages
Durability
Semi-gloss is a durable wood flooring finish resistant to scratches and stains. It also has a more substantial wear and tear resistance than satin finishes. This means you can expect your semi-gloss hardwood floors to sustain less damage over time. However, any scratches that get through the semi-gloss coating will be highly visible to the naked eye.
Easy to clean
The semi-gloss makes cleaning up spills on your new hardwood floors easier than ever before. Most manufacturers recommend using just warm water and a soft cloth or mop when cleaning their products with this type of finish because it doesn’t require any special cleaners or detergents for it to shine again like new ones once you’re done cleaning it up!
Scratch resistant
This is one of the essential advantages of choosing a semi-gloss finish. It is one of the primary reasons this finish exists. The thick shiny finish is there to defend against scratches and dents from a well-lived-in home.
Semi Gloss Disadvantages
Intensive cleaning
Semi-gloss floors must be constantly cleaned because even the tiniest bits of dust or dirt will be noticeable, mainly if that area of your home receives a great deal of natural light.
These 2 finishes are also used on other wood surfaces. Semi-gloss cabinets were very popular in the past although most kitchens today will feature satin cabinets, or even a paint finish. Paint is a great finish choice as it allows you more choices of design in your kitchen as well as your bathrooms. While we typically only think about using paints on our interior walls, doors, and trim, kitchen cabinets are a great place to cover with a semi satin or semi gloss paint.
Conclusion-Satin vs Semi-Gloss
The decision between a semi-gloss and a satin lies primarily with your taste in style. If you want to see a real classic hardwood floor that can hide imperfections, choose satin. This finish is the most popular so you’ll have many products to shop.
If you want to see a shiny clean floor when the sunrise hits your floor in the morning, choose a floor with a semi-gloss. It brings out imperfections t the light, but it is up to you whether that’s a good or bad thing.
Regardless of which you choose, hardwood floors will always be an attractive choice for any space in your home. Check out our engineered hardwood and our solid hardwood to shop both satin and semi-gloss flooring today.
