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Finishing Your Stairs

A guide to choosing the right sheen to fit your needs

Semi-Gloss Finish

Benefits:

  • Durability: Semi-gloss finishes are known for their resilience to wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like stair treads.
  • Easy Maintenance: This finish is relatively easy to clean, making it a practical option for busy households.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Semi-gloss provides a subtle shine that adds depth and highlights the natural beauty of the wood.

Recommended Use:

  • High-Traffic Areas: Ideal for stair treads that experience heavy foot traffic, as it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
  • Water Resistance: Offers good resistance to water and spills, making it suitable for staircases in areas prone to moisture exposure.

Additional Benefits:

  • Light Reflectivity: Semi-gloss finishes can brighten up a space by reflecting light, giving it a more open and inviting feel.
  • Scratch Resistance: Offers some level of protection against scratches and scuffs, maintaining the appearance of your stair treads.

Satin Finish

Benefits:

  • Elegance with Low Shine: Satin finishes provide a refined, low-luster appearance, offering a balance between shine and subtlety.
  • Easy Maintenance: Like semi-gloss, satin finishes are relatively easy to clean and maintain.
  • Conceals Imperfections: Helps hide minor surface imperfections, making it a forgiving option for stairs with some wear.

Recommended Use:

  • Moderate-Traffic Areas: Suitable for stair treads in areas with moderate foot traffic, such as living spaces and bedrooms.
  • Balanced Aesthetics: Offers a touch of elegance without being overly shiny, complementing a variety of interior styles.

Additional Benefits:

  • Smooth Texture: Satin finishes tend to have a smoother feel compared to semi-gloss, which can be desirable for those seeking a more tactile experience.
  • Fade Resistance: Helps protect the wood from UV rays, preserving its color and appearance over time.

Matte Finish

Benefits:

  • Subtle and Natural Look: Matte finishes provide a flat, non-reflective surface, giving your stair treads a natural, understated appearance.
  • Conceals Imperfections: Like satin finishes, matte finishes are excellent at hiding minor surface flaws or wear.

Recommended Use:

  • All Areas: Best suited for stair treads in areas with normal  foot traffic, such as private spaces or decorative staircases.
  • Non-Glare: Ideal for spaces where glare from light sources is a concern, as matte finishes do not reflect light.

Additional Benefits:

  • Non-Slip Properties: Matte finishes often provide a slightly more textured surface, offering improved traction and safety.
  • Surface Protection: Helps shield the wood from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors, prolonging the lifespan of your stair treads.