In custom homes in Denver, you’ll notice they all have one thing in common: their hardwood floors aren’t shiny. Why is that?
To the surprise of many homeowners, high-gloss finishes aren’t always a signal of quality. While easy to assume that gloss is new and looks expensive, that’s far from the case when it comes to hardwood flooring in Denver. Sheen level isn’t a reflection of quality, but does affect how the floors perform in real life.
What’s the difference between matte and high-gloss finishes? At our wood flooring warehouse in Denver, we have this conversation every day and the answer often surprises people.
What is Sheen Level in Hardwood Flooring?
Sheen is how much light a floor finish reflects. It’s measured on a scale that runs from flat or matte on the low end up to satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss at the top. The National Wood Flooring Association finds gloss finishes reflect the most light, while matte finishes reflect the least.
The finish including the chemistry, durability and protection is the same across sheen levels. However, the amount of flattening agents added to the formula differs. Essentially, more flattening agents mean less shine. The sheen level is visual and doesn’t affect performance.
Matte vs. Gloss Hardwood Floors: What’s the Real Difference?
| Gloss Level | Matte/Satin | Semi-Gloss | High-Gloss |
| Light Reflectivity | Low | Moderate | High |
| Shows Scratches | Least | Moderate | Most |
| Shows Dust & Footprints | Least | Moderate | Most |
| Maintenance | Easiest | Moderate | Most demanding |
| Preferred in Luxury Homes | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Best For | Active households, pets, high traffic | Transitional spaces | Formal rooms with low traffic |
Here’s what it looks like all laid out for you. High-gloss floors reflect beautifully in photos in showrooms, but in homes, you can see every footprint, pet paw, dust particle and minor scratch. There’s a difference between a controlled environment and how you live your daily life.
Matte and satin finishes diffuse light rather than reflect it. That hides imperfections and makes it easier to clean your floor with little effort.
Why Do Luxury Builders and Designers Choose Matte wood?
The shift toward matte and satin finishes in high-end residential construction is no coincidence, it’s about practicality.
Custom homebuilders and interior designers opt for low-sheen finishes because they look better in the long run. They also showcase the grain, color variation and texture better. In contrast, high-gloss finishes can flatten the look of your flooring, making it look artificial under the wrong lighting.
Note that Bona, the manufacturer of the world’s leading water-based floor finish, offers Bona Traffic HD RAW. It’s an ultra-matte version of their premium Traffic HD formula for homeowners who want the durability of the best finish on the market with the natural, raw-wood look common in high-end designs.
At Tongue & Groove, we work with homeowners and custom builders across Denver to choose finishes that perform and look their best. Weighing your options? Consider our hardwood refinishing services in Denver if you want to give your floors a whole new look.
What Sheen Level is Right for Your Home’s Hardwood?
How do you choose the right finish? It comes down to how you live. Here’s an overview:
Choose matte or satin if:
- You have kids, pets or live in a home with high foot traffic
- You want a floor that looks clean without the constant attention
- You’re building or renovating a luxury home
- You want the wood’s natural character to come through
Choose semi-gloss if:
- You want a moderate sheen without the maintenance demands of high-gloss
- The space has controlled traffic and good lighting management
Consider high-gloss only if:
- The space is low-traffic and largely decorative
- You’re prepared for frequent cleaning and touch-ups
- The look you want calls for a reflective surface
Just know that sheen level is not permanent. When you refinish your hardwood flooring, you can choose the sheen level. If you regret applying a high-gloss finish years ago, you can correct it later.
Understanding Glosses and Sheen Levels
High-gloss hardwood floors aren’t any more luxurious than matte floors. At Tongue & Groove, we often find the opposite to be true. Let us be your guide so you upgrade your space without worrying about scratches or scuffs down the line.
Ready to learn more about sheen levels? Visit our Denver showroom or contact us today!
