Matte vs Satin: Which timber finish is right for you?

What is a timber floor finish?

A timber floor finish is the protective layer applied to the surface of timber flooring to enhance its durability and appearance. It seals the wood, protecting it from scratches, spills, and daily wear while also giving the floor its final look.

When choosing between a satin vs matte finish, the finish affects more than just how your floor looks. It also determines how light interacts with the room, how much maintenance is needed, and how well it hides dirt and imperfections. The right finish can change the entire feel of your space, so picking the one that suits your home and lifestyle is key to long-term satisfaction.

Matte finish

A matte finish is all about subtlety and simplicity.

With a low sheen level (typically between 10-25%), it has a smooth, non-reflective look that doesn’t bounce much light around the room. This finish has become a favourite in recent years, especially for those who prefer a minimalist or contemporary design style.

Advantages of matte finish for timber flooring

• Hides imperfections: One of the biggest perks of a matte finish is its ability to hide scratches, scuffs, and other imperfections because it doesn’t reflect much light.
• Low maintenance: Matte finishes are great for busy households. They don’t show dirt as easily as glossier options, so you won’t find yourself constantly cleaning.
• Perfect for high-traffic areas: If you have kids, pets, or high-traffic zones, a matte finish is a practical choice as it’s more forgiving with daily wear and tear.

Is matte the right choice for you?

If you love a more natural, understated look or prefer a finish that requires less upkeep, matte could be the perfect choice. It’s especially popular in modern homes and works well with Scandinavian and Hamptons design trends.

Satin finish

A satin finish strikes the perfect balance between shine and subtlety, with a moderate sheen level (typically around 35-40%).

It reflects more light than matte but without the glossy glare of high-gloss finishes, making it a popular choice for those who want their timber floors to look polished but not overly shiny.

Advantages of satin finish

• A touch of shine: Satin finishes give your floors a soft, elegant glow that brightens up a room without being too reflective.
• Hides imperfections well: While it has a bit more sheen than matte, satin still does a good job of hiding dust, dirt, and minor scratches, making it a practical choice for families.
• Versatile design: Whether your home is modern or traditional, a satin finish complements a wide range of styles and works well with evolving decor trends.

Is satin the right choice for you?

If you like a bit of shine but don’t want the high maintenance of a glossy floor, satin is the ideal middle ground. It’s perfect for homeowners looking for a finish that’s polished, durable, and adaptable to different styles over time.

Key differences between matte and satin finishes

When choosing between a satin vs matte finish, it’s important to understand how they differ in both look and practicality. Each finish has its own advantages, but the right choice comes down to your personal style and the needs of your space.

Sheen level

Matte finishes have a low sheen (10-25%), giving a more natural, understated look. Satin finishes, with a 35-40% sheen, offer a soft, polished glow that adds light to the room without being overly reflective.

Maintenance

Both finishes are relatively easy to maintain, but matte requires less frequent cleaning since it doesn’t show dirt as easily. Satin offers a more polished look, but you will most likely need to clean it a bit more often to keep it looking its best.

Practicality

Matte finishes are better at hiding scratches, dirt, and imperfections, making them great for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets. Satin finishes, while more polished, also do a good job of concealing minor flaws and dust, but they reflect more light, so marks may be slightly more visible.

Aesthetics

Matte floors feel more minimalist and modern, perfect for those who love a sleek, understated aesthetic.

Satin finishes, on the other hand, bring a bit more elegance and versatility, suiting both traditional and contemporary homes.

How to choose between satin and matte finish

If you’re still unsure whether satin or matte is the right choice for you, here is a simple breakdown to help you decide

Choose satin if…

• You like a touch of shine that adds a soft glow to your floors without being too glossy.
• Your home has a more traditional or versatile design, and you want a finish that works with various styles.
• You’re okay with a bit more upkeep to maintain that polished look.
• You want a finish that brightens the room and reflects light evenly.
• You prefer a more polished, elegant vibe for your space.

Choose matte if…

• You want a natural, understated look with little to no shine.
• You have an active household with kids, pets, or high-traffic areas, and you want a finish that hides scratches and scuffs easily.
• You prefer low maintenance, as matte doesn’t show dirt and dust as much.
• Your home has a modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian design, and you like a sleek, simple finish.
• You want a finish that stays looking clean with less frequent cleaning.

Ready for a floor refresh?

If your floors are looking a little worn or you’re ready for a new finish, we’ve got you covered. Our professional timber floor sanding and polishing in Melbourne will breathe new life into your floors, no matter which finish you choose. Get in touch with us to learn more and see how we can help bring out the best in your timber floors.