Hardwood flooring continues to dominate modern interiors because of its durability, beauty, and versatility. The finish you choose—matte, gloss, or textured—plays a huge role in how your floors look, feel, and perform over time. Each option has unique strengths that suit different lifestyles and design goals.

Let’s compare matte, gloss, and textured finishes so you can decide which best complements your home and needs.

Why Finish Choice Matters

The finish on hardwood planks does more than create shine. It protects the wood, influences how scratches and dirt appear, and determines how much maintenance is required. With options like matte, gloss, and textured, the choice comes down to style preference and practical considerations such as durability and upkeep.

At LV Flooring in Toronto, the team helps homeowners explore these finishes first-hand in their showroom to ensure a perfect match for every space.

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Matte Plank Finishes

Matte finishes have quickly become a favourite among homeowners who want a balance of style and practicality. Unlike glossy options, matte planks do not reflect much light, which gives them a subtle, organic feel that blends seamlessly with almost any décor.

They highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate understated elegance. Matte finishes are especially popular in homes aiming for a clean, modern, or Scandinavian-inspired look.

The Look

Matte floors provide a soft, low-sheen surface that closely resembles raw, unfinished wood. This effect allows the natural grain patterns and variations in colour to stand out, adding authenticity and warmth to interiors. Whether paired with rustic furniture or sleek minimalist designs, matte floors adapt easily to different styles.

Benefits of Matte Floors

• Conceals scratches and dust: Because the finish does not reflect light, imperfections are less noticeable.
• Low maintenance: Cleaning is straightforward, and floors retain their look longer between refinishing.
• Modern appeal: Matte is widely favoured in high-end and minimalist interiors.

Considerations

Matte finishes absorb light, which can make small rooms feel darker. They are also less reflective, so they don’t create the same “polished” effect as gloss.

Gloss Plank Finishes

Gloss finishes are ideal for homeowners who want their floors to make a bold statement. Known for their reflective surface, gloss planks create an instant impression of luxury and sophistication. They brighten up interiors by bouncing natural and artificial light, making them especially useful in homes with limited daylight.

Gloss finishes also highlight the fine details of premium hardwood, turning your floor into a centrepiece rather than just a backdrop.

The Look

High-gloss floors deliver a polished, mirror-like appearance that amplifies the elegance of any room. By reflecting light, they create the illusion of extra space, which works well in smaller living rooms or open-plan designs. This finish is often favoured in more formal settings where a refined and glamorous aesthetic is desired.

Benefits of Gloss Floors

• Elegant appearance: Adds drama and sophistication to interiors.
• Illusion of space: Reflective surfaces make rooms feel more open.
• Showcase quality: Gloss finishes highlight the natural beauty of premium hardwood.

Considerations

Gloss finishes tend to show footprints, dust, and scratches more easily. They require frequent cleaning and may not be ideal for busy households with pets or young children.

Related Article: The Pros and Cons of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Textured Plank Finishes

Textured finishes bring depth and personality to hardwood floors, appealing to those who want a floor with character. Instead of a perfectly smooth surface, these finishes feature deliberate variations—such as wire-brushing, hand-scraping, or distressing—that highlight the uniqueness of each plank.

The result is a floor that feels authentic, lived-in, and visually dynamic. Textured floors are an excellent choice for busy homes, as their natural variation helps conceal everyday wear and tear.

The Look

With grooves, ridges, and irregular patterns, textured finishes emphasize the grain of the wood in a way that smooth planks cannot. They deliver a rustic, vintage charm that fits effortlessly into farmhouse designs, industrial lofts, or traditional interiors. At the same time, certain textured options, like wire-brushed finishes, also pair well with modern spaces by adding subtle dimension without overwhelming the design.

Benefits of Textured Floors

• Masks wear and tear: The natural variation in the finish makes scratches and dents less visible.
• Adds grip: Textured surfaces can be less slippery than smooth finishes.
• Unique character: No two planks look the same, giving floors a distinctive style.

Considerations

Textured surfaces can be more challenging to clean because dust and debris may settle into grooves. They are also less suited to highly formal interiors that require sleek finishes.

Which Finish Is Best for Your Home?

The choice between matte, gloss, and textured comes down to lifestyle and personal taste.

• Choose matte if you want a modern, low-maintenance floor that hides daily wear.
• Choose gloss if you’re aiming for a luxurious, light-enhancing finish and are comfortable with more upkeep.
• Choose textured if you prefer rustic charm and want a surface that disguises scratches and dents.

LV Flooring in Toronto offers all these finishes across solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and even laminate options. Visiting their showroom can help you compare finishes under natural light and make the right choice for your space.

Related Article: Engineered Vs. Solid Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring: Key Differences

How LV Flooring Ensures Quality

Choosing the right finish is only part of the process. Professional installation ensures the planks look their best and last for decades. LV Flooring employs experienced installers who follow industry standards, source premium materials, and provide aftercare advice to maintain your investment.

Maintenance Tips for Each Finish

Keeping your floors in good shape depends on the type of finish:

• Matte: Sweep regularly and mop with a damp cloth. Its low sheen naturally hides imperfections.
• Gloss: Clean more frequently to remove visible dust and smudges. Use felt pads under furniture to avoid scratches.
• Textured: Vacuum with a brush attachment to pull dirt from grooves and occasionally deep clean with recommended wood cleaners.

Making the Right Choice

Matte, gloss, and textured finishes each bring something special to hardwood flooring. Whether you value modern simplicity, polished elegance, or rustic charm, the right finish will elevate your home and reflect your style.

If you’re ready to explore these finishes in person, visit LV Flooring’s North York showroom or call their expert team today. They’ll help you find the perfect hardwood plank finish for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do matte finishes make hardwood floors look dull?

No. Matte floors are designed to highlight the natural grain without shine, giving them a modern, understated look rather than a flat or lifeless appearance.

2. Are gloss finishes harder to maintain than matte?

Yes, gloss finishes show dust, footprints, and scratches more easily, which means they require more frequent cleaning compared to matte finishes.

3. Can textured plank finishes work in modern homes?

Absolutely. While often associated with rustic interiors, textured finishes like wire-brushed oak also complement contemporary spaces by adding depth and character.

4. Which finish is best for homes with pets?

Matte or textured finishes are usually better because they conceal scratches and paw prints more effectively than glossy surfaces.

5. Do matte floors increase resale value?

Yes. Matte is currently trending and highly appealing in the housing market. It provides a timeless look that attracts buyers looking for low-maintenance elegance.

6. How often should gloss floors be refinished?

With proper care, gloss floors can last many years before refinishing. However, because scratches are more visible, homeowners often choose to refresh them sooner.

7. Are textured floors harder to clean?

They can be. Dust and debris may settle into the grooves, but using a vacuum with a brush attachment or specialized hardwood cleaner helps keep them looking fresh.

8. Can I change from a matte to a gloss finish later?

Yes. Hardwood floors can often be sanded and refinished to change the finish. Professional refinishing services from LV Flooring can handle this process.