You'll love a hardwood floor for the warmth and elegance it lends to a room, and today's hardwood flooring options allow you to select just the right one for your decor.

Points To Consider

Species

The appearance of your floor depends largely on the species from which it is made.  Maple has a very subltle grain, while the grain of oak is quite pronounced.  There are many differant species avaliable, red oak, white oak, maple, cherry, white ash, hickory, beech, walnut, bamboo and many more exotic species of oak, teak, chestnut and cherry.

Board

Wider planks (5") are better suited to large rooms: narrower boards (2 1/4" or 3") work well in smaller rooms.

Gloss Level

Floors with a satin or semi-gloss finish are suitable for areas with moderate to high traffic, like kitchens or family rooms.  High gloss foors are more appropriate for areas with low traffic, like dining or living rooms.

Edge Style

There are three edge styles: Square Edge, Micro-Bevel and Full bevel.  A Square Edge means boards fit flush against each other for a smooth look.  Both Micro-Bevel and Full-Bevel offer visual interest by creating an angle where boards meet.