Wooden flooring is durable, appealing to the eye, and famous for its versatility. Wooden flooring would suit any style of house. For an antique look, flooring of timber finish would be ideal. Flooring with a beech finish is ideal for a comfortable and warm feeling. Hardwood flooring comes in about a thousand finishes, and such flooring can withstand rough treatment, stains and chemicals.

It is worth gaining knowledge of wood and its species, and the different types and styles, before deciding on hardwood flooring. The hardwood preferred by most is red oak, for its elegance, durability and cost. Maple is also in demand, second only to red oak. Other woods that are used are bamboo, white oak and other imported woods. Woods are available in varied colors.

Wood is normally graded in three categories. The variations in the categories are only in the aesthetic sense. The first, or clear, refers to wood that is free from defects. The second, or select, is wood that has slight variations in color and little imperfections. The third, or common, is wood with color variations.

Hardwood basically is either in the form of solid or engineered wood. Solid wood is wood that is obtained from one solid piece of wood. The disadvantage of using solid hardwood flooring is that it contracts and expands more than engineered wood, and is more exposed to moisture. The solid hardwood floors expand and contract, thereby forming gaps. Engineered wood, also known as pressed wood, is made by joining strands of wood, fibers or veneers with gum. Engineered wood undergoes very little expansion and contraction, and is ideal for rooms that are exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

The common hardwood styles that are used are strip, plank and parquet. Planks and strips are long cuts of wood, and the only difference between the two is the width. Strips can be used to create an effect of larger space. Parquet is when small pieces of wood are joined together to form different patterns in the form of geometric designs.

A lot of care needs to be taken if the choice of flooring is hardwood. With a little care, such a floor not only brings in warmth and beauty but will also last a lifetime.