One of the key factors that contribute to the beauty of engineered wood flooring is the variety of finishes available. These finishes not only enhance the natural beauty of the wood but also add character and charm to any space.
In life, the most common ones are the following 6 types of finishes of engineered wood flooring:
- Brushed
- Hand Scraped
- Sawn Mark
- Smoked
- White Washed
- Distressed
| Finish | Cost | Advantages | Maintenance |
| Brushed | Moderate | Adds depth and dimension, hides scratches and wear. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
| Hand Scraped | Moderate to High | Unique, artisanal look, hides scratches and imperfections. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
| Sawn Mark | Moderate to High | Rustic, industrial look, adds authenticity. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
| Smoked | High | Rich, luxurious appearance, enhanced grain and texture. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
| White Washed | Moderate to High | Light, airy appearance, brightens up a space. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
| Distressed | Moderate to High | Vintage, timeworn look, adds character. | Regular sweeping or vacuuming, occasional mopping with wood floor cleaner. |
Brushed Finish
The brushed engineered wood flooring is created by using a wire brush to remove the softwood from the surface of the engineered wood planks. This process exposes the natural grain of the wood and creates a textured surface with subtle grooves and ridges. The result is a floor that looks and feels authentic, with a rustic charm that adds character to any room.
Characteristics of Brushed Finish
- Its texture, created during the painting process, creates a slightly rough surface to the touch, giving the wood an inviting and warm feel.
- This texture also helps to hide minor scratches and dents, making brushed-finished floors a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
Benefits of Brushed Finish
- The ability to hide imperfections: The textured surface of a brushed finish does a great job of concealing minor scratches, dents, and wear and tear.
- The versatility: The natural, rustic look of brushed finished flooring complements a variety of interior styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Hand Scraped Finish
Handscraped engineered wood flooring is created by manually scraping the surface of the engineered wood planks to create a distressed, aged appearance.
This process is done by skilled craftsmen using specialized tools, such as hand scrapers and chisels, to carefully remove the softwood from the surface of the planks.
The result is a floor with a unique texture and appearance that mimics the look of floors that have been worn down by years of use.
Characteristics of Hand-Scraped Finish
- The scraping process creates a surface that is slightly rough to the touch, with subtle grooves and ridges that give the wood a weathered, vintage look.
- The scraping process highlights the natural grain patterns and knots in the wood, creating a floor that is rich in detail and visual interest.
- Each plank is unique, with its distinct markings and imperfections, adding to the authenticity of the finish.
Benefits of Hand-Scraped Finish
- Because the surface of the wood is already textured, minor scratches and imperfections are less noticeable, helping to hide them effectively.
- Hand-scraped finished flooring has a rustic, aged look that works with a variety of interior styles from traditional to contemporary.
Sawn Mark Finish
Sawn mark engineered wood flooring is achieved by leaving the saw marks from the milling process visible on the surface of the engineered wood planks.
This finish celebrates the natural texture and character of wood, showcasing the marks left by the saw blade.
Characteristics of Sawn Mark Finish
- The saw marks left on the surface of the wood create a rough, tactile surface that is reminiscent of reclaimed wood.
- The saw marks highlight the natural grain patterns and knots in the wood, creating a floor that is rich in detail and visual interest.
Benefits of Sawn Mark Finish
- The saw marks and rough texture of the finish create a sense of history and craftsmanship, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their interiors.
- The rough texture of the finish helps hide scratches and dents without requiring special care.
Smoked Finish
Smoked engineered wood flooring is achieved by exposing the wood to ammonia fumes in a controlled environment.
The ammonia reacts with the tannins in the wood, causing a chemical reaction that darkens the color of the wood. The longer the wood is exposed to the fumes, the darker the color becomes.
Characteristics of Smoked Finish
- The color is not uniform, with variations in tone that add to the natural beauty of the wood.
- The smoked finish further enriches the wood’s natural grain and texture.
Benefits of Smoked Finish
- Add depth and sophistication to a space. The rich, luxurious color of a smoked finish creates a sense of elegance and luxury that is perfect for creating a high-end look in any room.
- The smoking process penetrates deep into the wood, creating a finish that is resistant to scratches and wear.
White Washed Finish
White-washed-engineered wood flooring is achieved through a process that involves applying a thin layer of white paint or stain to the surface of the wood and then wiping it away before it dries.
This results in a subtle white finish that allows the wood’s natural grain to remain visible.
Characteristics of White-Washed Finish
- The whitewash creates a soft, muted finish that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
- The whitewash highlights the unique grain pattern of each plank, making the floor look elegant and beautiful.
Benefits of White Washed Finish
- Brighten up a space, and the light, airy appearance of a white-washed finish can make even the smallest room feel more open and spacious.
Distressed Finish
Distressed engineered wood flooring is achieved through a process that artificially ages the wood, creating a worn, weathered appearance that mimics the look of floors that have been in use for decades.
This process can involve techniques such as hand scraping, wire brushing, and sanding, which create a variety of textures and patterns on the surface of the wood.
Characteristics of Distressed Finish
- The distressing process creates a surface that is slightly rough to the touch, with a variety of textures and patterns that give the wood a weathered, timeworn look.
- The distressing process highlights the natural grain patterns and knots in the wood, creating a floor that is rich in detail and visual interest.
Benefits of Distressed Finish
- The worn, weathered look of a distressed finish creates a sense of history and craftsmanship, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their interiors.
- The distressing process can effectively conceal scratches and dents, making distressed finished floors a sensible option for high-traffic areas.
In conclusion, the finish of your engineered wood flooring plays a crucial role in defining its overall look and feel. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a brushed finish, the artisanal appeal of a hand-scraped finish, or the industrial edge of a sawn mark finish, there is a finish to suit every style and taste. By choosing the right finish for your engineered wood flooring, you can create a stunning backdrop for your home that is as durable and practical as it is beautiful.
