Your Finish Options for Hardwood Floors

Choosing a hardwood floor gives you access to a tremendous range of options.  Beyond the type of tree used to manufacture the flooring, and the type of flooring construction (natural or engineered), you must also choose the finish and color of your flooring.  There is a surprising number of finish options on the market for your consideration, as well as several different colors from which to choose.  It should be noted that the color of your floor will be largely determined by the type of wood used, and then by the stain used (if any).

The finish you choose for your hardwood floor will provide everything from the overall look and feel of the floor to the character that it imparts to your home.  What finishes are available?  What does each finish offer your home?

Wire Brushed – This type of finish is achieved by using a wire brush to scrape away the soft, pulpy exterior wood from planking.  It provides a unique grainy texture to the wood, with visible grain and texture throughout each plank or tile.  Wire brushed wood offers an elegant look for any room in the home.

Smooth – This is the most common type of finish used for hardwood flooring.  It involves no texturing and no distressing, and is simply a very smooth finish applied to the wood so that the natural grain and beauty can stand out.

Distressed – A distressed, antiqued finish is very popular.  This gives your floor the look of long use, without the drawbacks that such use can incur.  Most woods are distressed at the factory, using a combination of machinery, hand-distressing techniques, then sanded and stained.  Many consumers consider a distressed look lovely, though some prefer the smooth finish mentioned above.

Hand Scraped – If you really want the aged, antiqued look of old wood floors, then hand scraped is the finish you should choose.  Each plank is scraped by hand, giving it a unique appearance and texture.  This is the best way to give your home rustic charm.