When you refinish hardwood floors, most of the attention goes to the stain color. That makes sense, because color is the first thing you notice. But two other choices decide how your floor looks and holds up every single day: the finish (the clear protective coat over the wood) and the sheen (how much that coat shines).
At HD Hardwood Floors we help Charlotte homeowners make these two decisions on almost every refinishing project. Here is how we explain it at the kitchen table, in plain language.
Finish and sheen are two different decisions
It is easy to mix them up, so let’s separate them first:
- The finish is the product itself. It protects the wood from scratches, scuffs, spills and daily wear. Some finishes are built for a quiet guest room, others for a busy kitchen with kids and a dog.
- The sheen is the look of that product once it dries: from raw and almost invisible to a high, mirror-like gloss.
A useful way to think about it: the finish decides how well your floor is protected, and the sheen decides how it looks. You choose one of each.
The finishes we use, from economical to commercial grade
All of the finishes we apply are water-based. They are normally clear, durable and quick-drying, with low odor, and they do not amber the way many oil-based finishes do. Within that family there is a clear step-up in durability:
Bona Domo: the economical choice
A practical, one-component finish for low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms, home offices and guest rooms. It keeps the wood looking natural and does not yellow. It comes in satin-matte or semi-gloss.
Loba EasyFinish: reliable everyday performance
A strong option for medium-traffic areas that balances quality and cost. A good fit for living rooms and hallways in homes without heavy wear. Available in satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Loba 2K Supra AT: superior protection
A two-component finish reinforced with ceramic particles for excellent resistance to scratches and daily wear. This is the one we often suggest for busy family homes with kids and pets. Available in satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Bona Traffic HD: maximum durability
A two-component, commercial-grade finish and the most durable one in the Bona system. It is rated for commercial spaces, so at home it stands up to open kitchens, entryways and the heaviest traffic. It also comes in the widest range of looks, from a raw, unfinished appearance (Bona Traffic HD RAW) to extra matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.
You can compare all four side by side on our sanding and refinishing page.
Choosing a sheen: raw, matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss
Sheen is mainly about the look: how much light the floor reflects. That has a real effect on daily life, because, as the National Wood Flooring Association puts it, “the less sheen, the less you will notice small scratches and other normal wear.”
- Raw (ultra matte): looks like bare, unfinished wood. It hides scratches, dust and footprints best. Popular with white oak and modern, natural interiors.
- Extra matte: a soft, natural look with almost no shine. Very forgiving for families and pets.
- Satin: a gentle glow. The classic choice that suits almost any home and is still easy to live with.
- Semi-gloss: a noticeable reflection that makes grain and color look rich. Shows more everyday wear.
- Gloss: mirror-like and formal. Beautiful in the right room, but it shows scratches and dust the most.
A simple rule we share with clients: the busier the room, the lower the sheen. If you have a large dog or a high-traffic entry, a matte or satin sheen will keep the floor looking good longer between cleanings.
How the stain color fits in
Stain and finish work together. A dark stain under a high-gloss finish will show every bit of dust and every light scratch. A natural or light stain under extra matte will hide almost everything. If you are deciding between two stain colors, think about the sheen at the same time.
Also keep in mind that the same stain looks different on red oak and white oak. That is why we always test stain samples on your own floor before we finish. You can preview all 36 DuraSeal stain colors on both species on our hardwood floor refinishing page.
Our recommendation for most Charlotte homes
Every house is different, but for a typical family home with daily traffic, a two-component finish such as Loba 2K Supra AT or Bona Traffic HD in an extra matte or satin sheen gives you the best balance of durability and a natural, easy-to-maintain look. For a quiet bedroom or a rental you plan to refresh again later, an economical finish like Bona Domo can make perfect sense.
Before you decide, ask yourself three questions:
- How much traffic does this room get, and do we have pets?
- Do we prefer a natural, low-shine look or a more polished one?
- How dark is the stain we are leaning toward?
Your answers usually point straight to the right combination.
See it on your own floor
Finishes and sheens are hard to judge on a screen. During our free in-home visit we bring samples, check your floors and help you choose the finish, sheen and stain that fit your home and your routine. As our founder Hugo Filho likes to say, “I do the work like it’s my own home.”
Planning to refinish your floors in Charlotte or nearby? Call us at (704) 726-2575 or request your free estimate below.