Real wood flooring is the number one replacement flooring used by homeowners today. These floors will enhance the beauty of any home and are an outstanding long term investment. Wood flooring does not harbor mold, mildew, or other allergens like carpeting can so it is an excellent choice for persons prone to allergies. If your floors become scratched or begin to look dull, they can be sanded and refinished and will look new again at much less cost than replacing the flooring with other materials.

There are a couple of issues with real wood flooring that you should consider before you make the final decision to install these floors in your home. Wood floors are susceptible to warping, cupping or swelling when installed in damp areas such as bathrooms. So another flooring choice may be more logical in these areas. Also, real wood flooring should only be installed by an experienced carpenter. So unless you place yourself in this category it is best to leave the installation to the professionals. Outside of these issues, real wood flooring is an excellent choice for your home and offers several styles and types for your considerations. As with most things, your budget will drive your choices. But whatever your budget, there is a product for you.

Your first decision will involve the grade of real wood flooring.  First grade flooring is best and provides the most beautiful appearance.  Of course, first grade flooring is the most expensive.  Second grade flooring will have slight blemishes and imperfections but these do not affect the durability of the flooring.  If you are okay with a little less perfect look, second grade flooring can be a more cost effective choice.

Next, you will need to consider the type of wood.  Real wood flooring comes in a variety of different types such as oak, birch, ash, pine, cherry, maple and mahogany.  The oaks, birch and ash are considered to be the hardest and would be excellent choices for high traffic areas.

Decide on the style of real wood flooring next.  Plank flooring is generally 3 inches to 5 inches wide.  Strip flooring is usually available in widths from 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/4 inches.  Parquet flooring comes in a 6 inch by 6 inch pattern and allows for many geometrical designs limited only by your imagination.  Quality and installation of all of these types of flooring are similar, however, the parquet flooring may be more costly since it is a more tedious and labor intensive installation.

There are a lot of decisions to make when deciding to install real wood flooring in your home.  But once you see the beauty and elegance they add, all the agonizing you went through will be worth it.  With proper installation, care and maintenance, real wood flooring will last for the life of your home and since it never goes out of style you will always be overjoyed with this floor selection.