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Specialty Hardwood Floor Finishes

Elevate Your Hardwood Floors with Premium Specialty Finishes

The finish applied to your hardwood floor is about far more than protection—it's what defines the floor's final appearance, feel, and long-term durability. Whether you prefer the understated elegance of a matte finish, the timeless warmth of satin, or the rich depth of a high-gloss surface, choosing the right finish is an important part of creating hardwood floors that complement your home.



At Abeln Floor Systems, we help homeowners throughout St. Louis and the surrounding communities select premium hardwood floor finishes that combine beauty, durability, and easy maintenance. Since 1984, our family-owned company has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service, delivering finishes that showcase the natural character of every floor.


Every home is different, and every floor deserves a finish that's tailored to the way you live.

What Are Specialty Hardwood Floor Finishes?

Specialty finishes are premium coatings designed to enhance the appearance of hardwood while providing long-lasting protection against everyday wear. Modern finishing systems offer homeowners more choices than ever before, allowing them to customize the look, sheen, and performance of their floors.


Our specialty finish options include:


  • Matte finishes
  • Satin finishes
  • Semi-gloss finishes
  • High-gloss finishes
  • Water-based polyurethane
  • Oil-based polyurethane
  • Low-VOC finishing systems
  • Commercial-grade protective coatings
  • Custom sheen matching


We'll help you select the finish that best fits your home's design, traffic levels, and maintenance preferences.

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Cabinetry

Trim and millwork

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Interior paint colors

Furniture

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Architectural style

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Furniture

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Architectural style

Natural lighting

Existing hardwood in adjoining rooms

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Choosing the Right Finish for Your Home

Every finish creates a different visual effect and offers unique performance characteristics.

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Matte Finish

Matte finishes provide a clean, contemporary appearance with very little surface reflection. They naturally conceal dust, footprints, and light scratches, making them a popular choice for active households and modern interiors.

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Satin Finish

Satin remains one of the most requested hardwood floor finishes because it offers a soft, elegant sheen without excessive shine. It complements virtually every architectural style and provides an excellent balance between beauty and practicality.

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Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss adds more depth and reflectivity while maintaining a classic appearance. It's often selected for formal living areas and homes that want a brighter, more polished look.

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High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss finishes create dramatic visual impact by reflecting natural light and emphasizing the richness of the wood grain. While beautiful, they typically require more maintenance to keep their polished appearance

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Cabinetry

Trim and millwork

Stacked brick-wall icons in black and white, overlapping like layered cards
Stacked brick wall icon in black and white lines

Interior paint colors

Furniture

Stacked brick tiles icon, black outline on white background
Stacked black-outlined brick wall icons on a white background

Architectural style

Stacked black-and-white brick wall icons for masonry or construction materials.

Furniture

Stacked brick wall icon in black outline on white background

Architectural style

Natural lighting

Existing hardwood in adjoining rooms

Stacked tile icon with brick pattern, outlined in black and white
Stacked black-outlined brick wall tiles icon on white background

High-Gloss Finish

High-gloss finishes create dramatic visual impact by reflecting natural light and emphasizing the richness of the wood grain. While beautiful, they typically require more maintenance to keep their polished appearance

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Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Finishes

Selecting the right finish also means choosing the right protective system.

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Water-Based Finishes

Water-based products dry quickly, produce lower odor during application, and maintain the natural color of lighter wood species. They provide excellent durability while allowing homeowners to return to their spaces sooner.

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Oil-Based Finishes

Oil-based finishes offer a rich, warm appearance that enhances the depth of many hardwood species. They remain a popular choice for traditional homes and historic restorations where a classic look is desired.



We'll explain the benefits of each system so you can make an informed decision based on your goals and lifestyle.

Before we consider your project complete, we perform a detailed quality inspection with you to ensure every aspect of the installation meets our standards—and yours.

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Final Walkthrough

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Final Inspection

Every project concludes with a detailed walkthrough to ensure your newly refinished floors meet our standards for craftsmanship, beauty, and long-term performance

Our Specialty Finish Process

Every specialty finish project is completed with careful attention to detail.

01

Surface Preparation

Whether part of a new installation or refinishing project, we ensure the hardwood is properly prepared for optimal finish adhesion.

02

Finish Selection

We guide you through available sheen levels and finish systems, explaining how each option will affect the appearance and maintenance of your hardwood flooring.

03

Professional Application

Using premium products and proven techniques, we apply each coat evenly to produce a smooth, durable, and consistent finish.

04

Quality Inspection

Before the project is complete, we carefully inspect every room to ensure the finish meets our standards for beauty, durability, and craftsmanship.

Why Homeowners Choose Abeln Floor Systems

The finish is the final step that brings every hardwood flooring project together. Proper application requires experience, patience, and attention to detail to achieve consistent results that will perform beautifully for years.


Homeowners throughout St. Louis trust Abeln Floor Systems because we offer:


  • Family-owned service since 1984
  • More than four decades of hardwood flooring experience
  • Skilled residential flooring craftsmen
  • Premium professional finishing systems
  • Custom sheen recommendations
  • Historic home expertise
  • Honest product recommendations
  • Free consultations
  • Fully insured professionals
  • Same-business-day responses whenever possible


Our goal is to deliver hardwood floors that are as durable as they are beautiful

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which hardwood floor finish is most durable?

    Both high-quality water-based and oil-based finishes provide excellent durability when professionally applied. The best choice depends on your home's needs, lifestyle, and design preferences.

  • What's the most popular sheen level?

    Satin remains one of the most popular choices because it offers an elegant appearance while helping minimize the visibility of dust and minor scratches.

  • Can I change the finish sheen during refinishing?

    Yes. Refinishing provides the perfect opportunity to select a different sheen level and completely update the appearance of your hardwood floors.

  • How long will a specialty finish last?

    With proper maintenance, professional hardwood floor finishes can provide many years of protection before requiring maintenance recoating or refinishing.

Finish Your Hardwood Floors with Confidence

The right finish protects your investment while bringing out the natural beauty of the wood beneath it. Whether you prefer a subtle matte appearance or a rich, traditional sheen, our experienced craftsmen will help you choose a finish that complements your home and lifestyle.


Contact Abeln Floor Systems today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about our specialty hardwood floor finishes.