With engineered wood flooring, the finish is just as important as choosing a colour. Matte, satin and brushed boards may appear very similar in the showroom but will perform differently “under foot.”
Matte finish
Matte, or flat finish is almost nonreflective. Is a very typical option in recent modern houses, as it gives an aesthetic sensation of tranquility and appears not so bright . Day-to-day, matte tends to:
Camouflage dust and footprints more effectively than shinier finishes
Does not let in the sun enabling you to see without glare
Won’t scuff easily if you drag furniture along or walk in with grit on your soles
Matte is also generally best if you have kids, pets or just a heavy-traffic hallway. For Engineered Wood Flooring, visit //www.irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/engineered-wood-flooring
Satin finish
Satin, meanwhile is right in the middle and has a soft sheen which reflects light but doesn’t look glossy. In real life, satin can:
Lift rooms – makes your room a little brighter and more finished
Matte shows smudges, prints and also light scratches less than satin.
Better for traditional decor (or anywhere you want an extra “polished” feel)
Satin is a good option if you prefer a cleaner, slightly dressed-up style.
Brushed finish
The brushed boards have a textured surface due to the process of removing softer grain. That texture gives it more of a characterful, textured appearance. Day-to-day, brushed finishes:
Remain unnoticeable with minor scratches as the smoothness is far from perfect
Feel more grippy underfoot
Can hang onto dust in the grain (so vacuuming is important.)
Pro tip: Always take a sample home, and look at it in your light as finish is all about how it reflects light on site.