Once your floor is sanded, the finish sheen you choose has a bigger impact on the everyday look and upkeep of your floor than most homeowners expect. Here's how the three main options compare.
Matte
Matte finishes have little to no shine, giving a natural, contemporary look. Because they don't reflect light, they're excellent at hiding dust, small scratches and everyday foot traffic marks — a strong choice for busy households, hallways and homes with kids or pets.
Satin
Satin sits between matte and gloss, with a soft, low-key sheen. It's the most requested finish in Sydney homes because it still shows off timber grain nicely while remaining forgiving of daily wear — a safe, versatile choice if you're not sure which way to go.
Gloss
Gloss gives a traditional, reflective look that makes colour and grain really stand out, and suits period homes or formal living areas. The trade-off is that gloss shows scuffs, dust and footprints more readily, so it typically needs more frequent cleaning to stay looking sharp.
Other Factors to Weigh Up
- Household traffic: High-traffic hallways and living areas usually suit matte or satin better than gloss.
- Light in the room: Gloss and satin bounce more natural light around a room than matte.
- Maintenance appetite: If you'd rather not notice every mark between cleans, matte is the most forgiving.
- Resale considerations: Satin is a safe, broadly appealing choice if you're finishing a floor with resale in mind.
See It On Your Own Floor First
Photos and screens never show sheen accurately. When we quote your floor polishing, we bring physical samples so you can see exactly how each finish will look under your home's own lighting before committing.