Low-Gloss In, High-Gloss Out:

The Benefits of Low-Gloss or Matte Hardwood Flooring & Its Growing Popularity

 

Some years ago, the big trend in hardwood flooring was high gloss. The shinier the floors, the better. Today, however, the trend is shifting to a low-level gloss. The change has already taken place in Europe and is steadily gaining steam in the U.S. Read below to learn of the benefits a low-luster finish can bring to your home.

Benefits of Low-gloss Vs. Gloss Hardwood Flooring

• It’s easier to hide small scratches and dents on a low-gloss floor versus one with high gloss levels. This is a particularly useful trait for families of young children and pets who may be a little tougher on floors and have heavier foot traffic.

• It’s easier to care for and clean a low-level gloss floor than a high-level one. Dust and dirt don’t show as easily on the former, and maintaining the high gloss of the latter isn’t something homeowners have to worry about. This is especially important for homeowners living in settings where a lot of dirt and debris can be brought in from outdoors.

• A low-luster finish shows off the floor’s natural beauty, highlighting its warm color variations and unique grain patterns. Instead of being the center of attention like its high-gloss counterpart, a low-luster floor blends into the background, creating a calm atmosphere, complementary to any home interior design style.

What’s Considered a Low-Gloss Hardwood Flooring?

A small, electronic device called a gloss meter is used to determine how much gloss the surface of a hardwood flooring product has by measuring how much light is reflected from a particular angle on the floor. The measurements are made in 100 gloss units. Gloss levels fall into one of three categories:

• A low-gloss / matte is considered 25 percent or less

• A mid-gloss or satin/semi-gloss level is considered 25-50 percent

• A high-gloss level is considered 50 percent or more

In the U.S., the average low-luster floor is around 30 percent, while in Europe, many of the floors are at 0-10 percent. To stay on trend, for now and for years to come, consider installing low-gloss hardwood flooring and creating a timeless, classic, and sophisticated look in your home.

To learn more about gloss levels, and to see samples of what a low-gloss hardwood flooring surface looks like, request a sample from Hardwoods4less.com.