Carpet | Sheet Vinyl | Hardwood | Ceramic Tile | Natural Stone Tile | Laminate The Basics All pre-finished hardwood comes ready for installation. Creates a warm environment and usable throughout the house. Easy to maintain. Choices in edges - square, beveled or eased. Beveled edges act like gutters for your hardwood floor capturing dust and grit that can cause scratches and make cleanup easier. Choices in species and color. Some common species are: red oak, white oak, maple, cherry, white ash, and hickory/pecan Within each species there are selections of color finishes. Red Oak White Oak Maple Cherry White Ash Hickory/Pecan Choices in sizes - 2 1/4" strip, 3" or 5" planks. Choice of gloss level. Typically high gloss, medium gloss and a matte or satin finish Lower gloss levels are better suited for active rooms when saving the elegant look of the high gloss for a formal living room or dining room. Matte or lower gloss floors help minimize the appearance of dirt and scratches but the finish reflects less. Hi-Gloss Low-Gloss Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Engineered - the boards consist of 2 or more layers or "plies" that provide dimensional stability. Solid - solid pieces that come in 1/4", 1/2" or 3/4" in thickness. The graining on the boards is determined by the way it has been cut. There are two processes. "Sliced Cut" shows a more uniform and sometimes more linear graining pattern whereas "Rotary Cut" displays a larger and bolder graining pattern. Design Tips Room Size - Remember that lighter stains or natural finishes will make a smaller room appear larger, while darker stains will absorb the light and create a more intimate setting. Lighter Darker Finish Color Choose a finish color that either coordinates or contrasts with your cabinetry and furniture. Darker woods tend to be more formal while lighter natural colors are more casual. Board Width - you can visually expand a room by selecting a narrow width board, while wider boards tend to work better in a larger room or area. Don't be afraid to mix species of woods. Some of the best interiors today don't match perfectly but are rather a combination of products that compliment each other in interesting and unique combinations or arrangements. Consider using different species or stains of hardwood floors throughout the house to give each room it's own identity. Perhaps use a contrasting stain of hardwood as a perimeter border. Run the hardwood floor on the diagonal to add interest to the floor Insert a hardwood medallion in a foyer or bathroom Create a pattern such as a chevron pattern The Value of Upgrading Wider selection including more exotic species and harder woods. Increases your resale value. Greater design opportunities and layout options, such as placing the strips or planks on the diagonal or including borders/insets. Increase in actual board thickness. Extended warranty. What's Hot Rustic or historic looks in oak or hickory. The larger 5" plank size. Exotic species such as cherry, chestnut and teak.