The most popular surface finishes are oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. Water-based polyurethane, which can be applied relatively easily, dries quickly (12 hours), has low odor and low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission, and maintains a clear, smooth, shiny finish.
Water-based polyurethane is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a durable and eco-friendly floor coating. This finish is known for its low-VOC content, making it a safer option for families and pets. It dries clear and resists yellowing over time, ensuring your floors maintain their beauty for years.
Matte finishes are more prone to showing scratches and wear, while satin finishes are generally more durable and resistant to damage. In terms of maintenance, satin finishes may require more regular cleaning and upkeep to keep their shine, while matte finishes can better hide dirt and imperfections.
Polyurethane is the most popular finish for hardwood floors. A polyurethane finish is highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, stains and water damage.
Satin is the most popular floor finish sheen and offers a softer, less reflective surface without eliminating the new floor shine. Satin sheen floors can hide imperfections, dirt, and dust, so they are great for high-traffic spaces such as homes with children and pets.
Lower Gloss
Wear marks show up rather quickly and scratches or imperfections in the finish tend to stand out. If you're looking for the drama and appearance of the highest sheen level, yet want to invest in hardwood that will hide imperfections and last longer, semi-gloss wood floors work very well.
Wide planks and whitewashed finishes are particularly popular choices, as they enhance the natural grain while maintaining that sought-after brightness. For homeowners looking to create a serene, welcoming space, light wood floors offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.
If you enjoy lighter flooring, white oak and white maple are two of the best choices for a neutral color that won't go out of style anytime soon. If darker tones are more your type, walnut and cherry woods are both classic looks, according to Washco for Martha Stewart.
Oil-based polyurethane finishes are extremely durable and great for households with pets and/or heavy foot traffic.
That reflective surface on a shiny wood floor is especially prone to everyday wear and tear. Scratches and scuff marks are more visible here than they are on a floor with a matte or natural finish. And this wear and tear will be more pronounced in high traffic areas like the kitchen, or in homes with pets or children.
Maintenance: Gloss finishes are easier to clean but show smudges more, while matte finishes require less frequent polishing but can be more challenging to clean.
Lacquered Wood Flooring
Lacquers also tend to have high levels of stain resistant and water resistance and can be a good choice for those looking for a pre-treated floors in rooms more prone to water and spills, such as kitchens.
However, for everyday care, matte finish flooring is easier to maintain than satin finish flooring. This is largely due to the fact that footprints, smudges, dirt and dust are often obscured by the wood grain itself. Matte flooring is also better able to hide imperfections, so consider it for high-traffic areas.
While traditional hardwoods can be restored with or without sanding, it's almost impossible to sand prefinished or laminated floors. Even options such as luxury vinyl plank flooring typically cannot be sanded. These floors are too thin, and can't be sanded more than twice or they become damaged.
When over 30% of your hardwood floor has received damage, it is more cost-effective to replace the flooring rather than trying to refinish the hardwood. Common severe floor damage comes in the form of warping, chipping, stains, or termite infestation.
Looking at the current wood floor colour trends 2024 and potentially into 2025 we can see that natural browns and white wood floors are the most popular. Natural browns are the most popular wood floors followed by white wood flooring. Natural brown and white are hardwood floor colours that never go out of style.
Luxury carpet, once thought to be a relic of the past, is experiencing a dazzling resurgence in 2024. This revival is fueled by a growing appreciation for its plush comfort and the vast array of sophisticated styles available.
Pale Brown and Medium Brown are the epitomes of timeless hardwood floor color. These shades offer warmth and versatility, blending seamlessly with various decor styles and color palettes.
Dark Wood Flooring
Dark wood flooring is making a bold and luxurious statement in 2025. The rich, deep tones of dark wood species, such as walnut, mahogany, or dark-stained oak, add sophistication and warmth to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
Aluminum oxide finish has a lifespan of up to 25 years, which is especially beneficial for engineered hardwood floors due their thinner wear layer which limits the number of times they can be refinished.
But unlike in recent times, when we saw gray-stained hardwood gain momentum, homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards the natural color of hardwood in 2024. Lighter hardwoods, like white oak, maple, and birch, are particularly in demand.
Deep charcoals, midnight blues, and forest greens are making a splash in 2024. These daring stains create a sense of drama and sophistication, transforming your wooden furniture into statement pieces that capture attention and spark conversation.