Glossy board or matte board

Matte, satin finishes are the best. The glare factor of light bouncing off glossy finished wood boards or shiny vinyl boards are irritating to the eyes when playing chess games. I could deal with a semi-gloss finish if one was gifted to me but I wouldn't order one outright from a craftsman.

From a practical standpoint matte or satin would be better for prolonged use.  Glossy would be a bit of an eye strain (at least for me personally)during a long study session or game. 

Aesthetically I think matte and satin look better as a playing surface as well. 

I once bought a 2" squares stained blue board from Regency in the UK.  I quite like it. Several US retailers sell the same board in high gloss.  I think high gloss looks gorgeous in their pictures, but I've never played one one, or even seen one in person.