Like any organic material, different types of wood have their own unique characteristics which add to the beauty of the material as well as offering you different options when it comes time to choose the wood that is right for you.

In addition to the different species of wood you have to choose from, there are also different grades available, offering you a multitude of choices. For example, flooring that is graded as “select grade” will have the most uniform color without any knots. By contrast, wood that is “rustic grade” will have natural color variations, and will contain more knots. Neither one is necessarily better than the other; instead it all goes to personal choice as well as how you want your home to look.

The durability of the wood you choose is also important. When you are selecting wood for high traffic areas such as family rooms, you may want to opt for a harder wood. For areas such as the kitchen, you’ll want to make sure the wood you choose can withstand both moisture and spills.

You can opt for a less-durable wood for formal living rooms and dining rooms. These areas usually have less traffic. When choosing the color of your flooring, go with a stain one shade lighter or darker than the general décor in order to best complement the room’s colors.

Whatever type of wood flooring you choose, you are sure to bring a timeless beauty to your home that you will enjoy for years to come.