So, you’ve picked out the wood for your floors, maybe White Oak, Walnut, or something with bold grain like Tigerwood. That’s a big decision. But now comes a question that many homeowners have given no thought to at that point:
“What kind of finish should I go with?”
It might not seem like a big deal at first, but the finish you choose affects everything: the look, the feel under your feet, how well your floors hold up to daily life, and how easy they are to maintain. A glossy floor might show more dust. A matte finish might hide scratches better. And some finishes are just easier to live with if you have a high traffic home with children and pets.
We’ve seen it again and again: people put all their focus into the wood species, and the type of finish is an afterthought as mentioned.
This blog is here to help you avoid that. Whether you’re going for a modern look, a rustic vibe, or something in between, we’ll walk through how to choose the right finish that actually works for your home and lifestyle.
Let’s keep it simple and figure it out together.
What Is a Hardwood Flooring Finish (And Why Should You Care)?
Let’s break it down.
When you select hardwood floors whether it’s custom White Oak or something more exotic, what really seals the deal (literally and visually) is the finish.
A hardwood flooring finish is the protective coating applied to the top of the wood. It’s what gives the floor its final look matte, glossy, somewhere in between and it’s also what shields it from everyday wear like scuffs, spills, and scratches.
There are two main types:
- Prefinished flooring: The finish is applied at the factory. It’s often favored for the benefit of not having to sand and finish the flooring in your home. This method is completed to a very high level of quality and is also UV cured. This not only provides more durability but also eliminates off-gassing which is expected for up to 30 days after a finish is applied in your home.
- Site-finished (or unfinished): The floor is installed bare, then sanded, stained, and finished right in your home. This allows you to make the decisions of stain color, finish type, and sheen level, after the hardwood flooring is installed, working in person with a wood floor finisher. It also eliminates the otherwise required micro-bevel applied to hardwood flooring that is to be prefinished.
Clients have different reasons for choosing prefinished or site sanded and finished, and it is simply a matter of personal preference. Experience has shown us that homeowners who are remodeling favor prefinished while those who are building a new home prefer site sanded and finished.
To install, sand, and finish 1,000sf of hardwood flooring for example, would traditionally be a 5-7 day project. If that same hardwood floor were prefinished, it would be a 1-2 day project and no sanding is done in your home which can require a detailed cleaning.
Choosing the right finish isn’t just about looks. It’s about how you live in your space. And we’re going to help you make that call with confidence.
Types of Hardwood Flooring Finishes (With Pros & Cons)
Here’s where things get interesting. There’s no one-size-fits-all finish, and each type has its strengths depending on how you live and what look you’re going for.
Let’s break down the most popular options:
🟤 Oil-Based Polyurethane
Best for: Busy households, high-traffic areas
- Pros: Durable, long-lasting, warm amber tone
- Cons: Slight yellowing over time, higher VOCs (stronger smell during application)
🔵 Water-Based Polyurethane
Best for: Modern homes, those wanting a clear, non-yellowing finish
- Pros: Dries quickly, low odor, great for light woods like White Oak
- Cons: Slightly less durable than oil-based
🟢 Hardwax Oil
Best for: Natural look lovers, those okay with more upkeep
- Pros: Enhances natural grain, easy to spot-repair
- Cons: Requires reapplication more often, not as tough as poly
🟣 Aluminum Oxide (Factory Finish)
Best for: Prefinished floors, families wanting low maintenance
- Pros: Extremely durable, long warranty
- Cons: Hard to refinish, not customizable
🔴 Acid-Cured (Swedish Finish)
Best for: Exotic woods, high-end homes
- Pros: Very strong and fast-drying
- Cons: High VOCs, needs professional handling, not eco-friendly
Choosing a finish is really about what matters most to you—low maintenance, natural feel, durability, or design flexibility.
How to Match a Finish to Your Lifestyle
This is where most people get stuck and where custom hardwood flooring really shines.
Here’s how to think about it:
Have pets or kids?
Go with something tough, like oil-based polyurethane. It holds up to claws, toys, and muddy feet.
Hate seeing scratches and dust?
A matte or satin finish is your best friend. Glossy finishes look nice at first, but they show everything.
Love a natural look?
Hardwax oil keeps the texture and grain of your wood visible, especially on species like White Oak or Hickory.
Want the most set-it-and-forget-it option?
Aluminum oxide prefinished planks might be the way to go—low fuss, long life.
Think of it like choosing the right pair of shoes. You wouldn’t wear suede to hike in the rain, right? Same idea here. The finish should fit your everyday life, not just your Pinterest board.
Matching Finish with Wood Type
Not every wood plays nice with every finish. Here’s a cheat sheet:
- White Oak: Plays well with almost any finish. Water-based for a modern look, oil-based for warmth.
- Walnut: A softer wood go with a satin or matte finish to reduce wear showing.
- Tigerwood: Tigerwood has a bold grain and natural reddish tones. Water-based keeps its color truer; oil-based can impart an amber tone.
- Red Oak: Traditional and sturdy. Looks great with a medium gloss or satin polyurethane.
If you’re working with custom hardwood flooring, you can test finishes on a sample plank before committing. That’s one of the big benefits of going custom: it’s made for your home, not just for the shelf.
Sheen Levels: Matte, Satin, or Gloss?
Once you’ve picked the type of finish, you’ll still have one more decision: How shiny do you want your floors to be?
- Matte: Flat, modern look. Hides dust, dents, and scratches well. Big in 2025 trends.
- Satin: Soft glow without the shine. A great middle ground and the most popular choice.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss: High shine. Looks elegant but shows dust and damage more easily.
Tip: Matte finishes are trending right now for their low-maintenance appeal and subtle elegance.
How Much Maintenance Will It Need?
This is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a floor finish.
- Polyurethane (water or oil): Needs minimal upkeep. Just sweep, vacuum, and do the occasional deep clean.
- Hardwax Oil: Needs periodic reapplication, but the touch-ups are easy.
- Acid-Cured: Strong and long-lasting but if something goes wrong, it’s not DIY-friendly.
- Aluminum Oxide: Very little maintenance, but if it ever wears out, you’ll need to replace the plank rather than refinish it.
Ask yourself: Do I want to be able to touch it up myself, or do I want to install it and forget about it for 20 years or more?
When to Call in the Pros
If you’re installing custom hardwood flooring unfinished, locate a local hardwood floor finishing professional with good references as the finish is important. It’s especially important when:
- You’re using certain species that require special treatment or finishes
- You’re using a species that does not naturally take stain evenly like Hard Maple
- You want the finish to last 20+ years without issues
Whether you wish for us to finish your flooring or you want to work with a local onsite hardwood flooring finisher, it is important that you are well informed of your options and have the ability to ask questions and see finished samples. These are things we cover with clients on a daily basis.
With over 30 years of experience, we have seen a lot at Pennington Hardwoods, and among the most frustrating for clients is when their onsite finisher does a poor job. Always ask for references to ensure they don’t cut corners, and ask if they are members of the National Hardwood Flooring Association. Being a member represents a desire to be professional.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Looks
Picking the right finish for your custom hardwood flooring isn’t about being trendy. It’s about creating a floor that fits the way you live.
Whether you want low maintenance, natural charm, or high-end shine there’s a finish out there that’ll make your floors last longer and look better doing it.
The best part? With custom hardwood flooring, you don’t have to settle. You get to choose the wood, the finish, and the vibe your home gives off the second someone walks in.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our custom flooring options and see the benefits of allowing us to make precisely what you want, compared to buying a commodity hardwood floor.
