Satin. Gloss is usually too glossy.

But isn't glossy nicer looking? I know it's harder to keep clean and u see more dust...but don't you think it looks nicer?

glossy shows scratches.

I think glossy or satin is nice, but I prefer satin. I think it lets the character of the wood show through better, and it still feels lovely underfoot. There is often still a sheen to the floor when a satin finish is used, but it is just a bit more subtle.

I also think that with spotted gum, the gloss finish seems to bring out the orangey tones in the wood, which I am not as keen on. I am pretty sure the house we have recently bought has spotted gum flooring in a gloss finish. If I every redo the floors, it will definitely be in a satin. Edited to add: was searching for google pictures to try and find comparisons, but found this page - http://www.ajflooring.com.au/choosing-a-timber-floor-choosing - it seems the solvent based polyurethanes brings out the orangey tones: that must be what we have on our floors (floors done by previous owners).

Satin!

Hmmmmmm...what's the difference? my uncle knows a guy that does an awesome job - so I'm gonna leave it in his hands ;)

Agree Satin. I have done polished floors on two places : one was gloss and one was satin. The satin looks so much better and doesn't show up dust/dirt as loss seems to. One of my places was a 1980's beach shack, the current one is a 1960s chamfer board. Have the satin in current house. Would never do polish again.

oops meant to say would never do high gloss again...polished floors are the best

Wow..everyone is saying satin...i honestly thought high gloss would have been the winner..but clearly not

Satin by definition is DULL! (and therefore boring). Let your floor achieve its full potential and use gloss.

I think it depends on the look you are trying to create. I have had full gloss in the past, which totally suited the classic contemporary style of home I was going for, however as I am now building a coastal contemporary style home, satin is the clear winner this time!

Well.. still in the process of finishing our new build...It is a modern style house and the floor boards will only be going upstairs which is the 'Mancave' room - so there will be a bar, billiard table, lounge and tv...I am still thinking to do gloss - love the mirror finish look...but am now considering satin with all these reviews

If you are going to live there for a long time, it really comes down to what you personally like. As long as you have seen an example of both satin and high gloss floors, if you still love high gloss, you will be making a decision based on both knowledge and your heart....I personally like satin and it appears popular but it is your house and it is what will make you happy. No one will ever think they look awful...people just have a preference for one or other based on personal taste...if would be terrible if you made a decision based on what other like and then spent the next fifteen years regretting your choice....I got high gloss and regretted it, but I made the mistake of not seeing both options "in the flesh" before I made a choice....I have learnt more about the options since then and so would go with satin, but that is also because my houses are older styles.

haha well that will be my kitchen that i designed :D

Where do i go look at polished and satin floors?? Most stores that sell them only have small sections of it

Ask friends and colleagues, most people happy to share and show you.

If you go gloss in kitchen every little splash will show up as well as dust. I always think gloss looks cheap and I saw you had the opposite thoughts, I think you really just need to please yourself most of all as we are all so different and if you love the gloss go for it. Don't think about what others will think or resale..do it for yourself ..good luck

open houses too - have a look on www.realestate.com.au

I would agree about the cheap look of high gloss based on the fact that I have done both high gloss and satin in 2 different homes. However, that was because the place was a 1980's beach shack and it didn't suit the house (not that it looks bad or anything, it just doesn't look great). Yours is a new home I think from what you said and so if everything is pristine, then the floors will fit in. I think definitely the best option for you is to see it in the flesh. If you are getting quotes from a floor sander and polisher, it might be possible to see the work of a previous client. Some people may be prepared for you to just see their floor...as there are a lot of people out there that are happy to help and understand the difficulty of renovating and are kind with their assistance...........just like the people on this great site........I love this site......I have learnt a lot.

We're team satin too!

i put in new blackbutt floorboards a couple of weeks ago and I went Satin finish. looks great.

If you have a dog, gloss is a no no, the finish will be scratched and ruined in no time.

Satin. I'm currently researching flooring oil as an option, thank you John Hewson. Both gloss and satin polyurothane both scratch, and once scatched that's it. I like the idea of being able to re-oil myself to spot-fix scratches.

Haha....he has a hard life! Just like my 2 English cocker spaniels. One sleeping on my bed now..the sook..

Satin is a winner.

No no...all of downstairs will be tiles - no timber floors! Timber floors only in the bedrooms and upstairs in the 'mancave'....The rest of the house will be large 'Lapato' tiles - I LOVE tiles :)

Satin timber floor finish is a very elegant looking floor coating that stands the test of time better than a gloss finish. Gloss floors will show wear sooner, specially if you have pets and young children. The Satin Floor Finish image from our gallery of floor sanding projects may help with your decision making.

good luck

http://budgetfloorsanding.com.au/timber-floor-gallery/#prettyPhoto[pp_gal]/4/

Interesting that no one is mentioning semi-gloss. I have no strong preference but seems like an obvious compromise for the OP.

VERY OLD POST

Did semi-gloss not exist 5 years ago? Or it just wasn't as popular