Brazilian Cherry exotic species, one of more than 50 to choose from.

(Courtesy of the National Wood Flooring Association)
Hardwood flooring offers enduring beauty and long-term value. Unlike other flooring options that need to be replaced over time, real wood floors are a flooring alternative that will last a lifetime.

Advances in wood flooring during the past few decades now make it possible to have wood floors anywhere in your home, even rooms like the kitchen or bathroom. Today’s wood floors are available in a variety of colors, styles and price ranges to compliment any décor and budget.

Step 1: Wood floor types There are two types of wood floors: solid and engineered. Each has its own benefits and advantages, and each is available in a variety of species, widths and styles. Knowing which type to recommend to the consumer will depend on where she wants to use it in your home.

Solid wood is exactly what the name implies: a solid piece of wood from top to bottom. The thickness can vary, but generally ranges from ¾-inch to 5/16-inch. Solid wood floors can be used in any room that is on or above grade, or on or above ground level.

One of the many benefits of solid wood is it can be sanded and refinished many times. Solid wood floors are ideal for family/living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and even kitchens and powder rooms. About the only place where solid wood can’t be used is the basement.

Engineered wood floors are real wood floors that are manufactured using three to five layers of different wood veneers. The sub layers can be of the same or different species. The grain of each layer runs in different directions, which makes it very stable. This means that the wood will expand and contract less than solid wood flooring during fluctuations in humidity and temperature.

The top layer of engineered wood flooring consists of high-quality wood. Engineered floors can be nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor, or glued down to a wood subfloor or concrete slab. This makes engineered floors ideal for slab and basement installations, but they can be used in any room. While engineered wood can be sanded and finished, it cannot be done as many times as solid wood.

Step 2: Wood floor styles Hardwood flooring is manufactured in three styles: strip, plank and parquet. Each style is available in a variety of species, colors and widths, so recommending the right style simply is a matter of which look the consumer prefers.

Strip flooring ranges from 1½ to 3 inches wide and creates a linear effect in a room, often making the room appear larger. Strip flooring generally is considered “traditional” wood flooring.

Plank flooring typically ranges from 3 inches to 7 inches wide. While plank flooring is linear, its wider widths often create a more casual look.

Parquet flooring can vary in size and usually generates a geometric, non-linear look. It can be very simple in design or somewhat complex.

Step 3: Wood floor species Recommending the right species of wood flooring is strictly a matter of the consumer’s style, budget and personal preference. More than 50 domestic and imported species of wood flooring are available to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.

Light-colored woods make a room appear more open and airy. These woods lend themselves to a more modern look. Typical light wood species include ash and maple.

Medium-colored woods make a room appear more warm and cozy. These woods lend themselves to a more casual look. Typical medium wood species include hickory and oak.

Dark-colored woods make a room appear more stately and refined. These woods lend themselves to a more formal look. Typical dark wood species include mahogany and walnut.

New to the scene are exotic species, which can run the gamut of colors. Bubinga, which originates in Africa, can appear pink, red or reddish brown with purple streaks or veins. Australian Cypress ranges from cream-colored sapwood to honey-gold heartwood, with dark brown knot holes throughout.

Santos mahogany, which originates in South America, is a dark reddish brown. Purpleheart, which originates in Mexico, has a brown heartwood that will age to a deep purple or purplish brown. Burmese Teak, which originates in Asia, varies from a yellowish brown to a dark golden brown. For a totally unique look, Wenge, which originates in Africa, will age to a very deep brown, almost black, color.

Step 4: Wood flooring finish methods There are two finish methods available for wood floors: job-site finished and factory finished. Choosing the right method will depend on the level of customization the consumer wants to achieve.

A job-site finish is one that is applied in the home. With a job-site finished floor, the consumer chooses the type of finish to be applied to her floor, which will impact maintenance as well as the stain, if any, and sheen of the final product. In other words, a job-site finished wood floor offers unlimited possibilities for customizing the final appearance of the floor. However, because the floors will be sanded and finished in the customer’s home, you must advise her to expect noise and dust, and some disruption to the home. Time must be allowed for the finish to dry on-site, during which time no one will be able to walk on the floor.

With factory-finished floors, the finish is applied at the mill, long before the floor reaches the customer’s home. A major benefit is there is minimal dust and noise during the installation process.

Step 5: Wood flooring finish sheens Three finish sheens are available for wood floors: satin, semi-gloss and matte. Each sheen has a different level of shine and luster, which will impact the final appearance of the floor.

Satin finishes offer the most shine and will reflect the most light. This is sometimes referred to as glossy.

Semi-gloss finishes offer some shine and will reflect some light.

Matte finishes offer the least shine and will reflect the least light. This is sometimes referred to as flat.

Step 6: Wood flooring finish types When choosing the right type of finish, it is important to consider the consumer’s lifestyle and maintenance preferences. All wood floors will require routine maintenance, such as sweeping or dust mopping, but different finishes will have a big impact on how the customer will care for her floor long-term, as well as how the floor will look in the years to come.

Surface finishes, which are blends of synthetic resins, are very popular because they are durable, water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. These finishes most often are referred to as urethanes or polyurethanes and remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating. There are several types of surface finishes available:

• Water-based finishes appear clear and will resist turning yellow over time. They will dry in about two to three hours.

• Oil-based finishes appear amber in color. They will dry in about eight hours.

• Acid-cured finishes appear clear to slightly amber. They will dry in about two to three hours and are extremely durable.

• Moisture-cured finishes appear clear to amber. They will dry in about two to three hours in humid conditions. Moisture-cured finishes are extremely durable and more moisture- resistant than other surface finishes.

To maintain a surface finish floor, simply use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product, avoiding wax-based products and petroleum-based cleaners.

Wax finishes soak into the pores of the wood and harden to form a protective penetrating seal, which will appear low luster and amber in color. They will dry in a variable amount of time depending on the type of wax used and the job-site conditions. Wax finishes are durable but will show spots from water and other contaminates.

Acrylic impregnated finishes are injected into the wood to create a super-hard, extremely durable floor. These finishes rarely are used in residential applications. Rather, they are most often used in very high-traffic areas.