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 ON, ABOVE OR BELOW GRADE
Some wood floors are best suited to be installed on-grade (at ground level), above grade (above ground level) or below grade (below ground level). Know on what grade you want your wood floor to be installed so that you can make the appropriate wood selection.
STRIP OR PLANK
Wood flooring comes in two basic types: strip and plank. Strip flooring is usually 2-1/4 inches wide, but can range from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches. Strips are the most common because they work well with both traditional and contemporary styles. Plank flooring boards start at 3 inches and can be as wide as 8 inches. Planks complement country and rustic styles, or larger wide-open spaces.
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SOLID HARDWOOD OR ENGINEERED HARDWOOD
After deciding on strip, plank or parquet flooring, there is the choice of solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is just that, one solid piece of wood from top to bottom. It is appropriate for installing on or above grade, but not below grade because it is more sensitive to moisture. Solid wood strips and planks require a wood subfloor and are nailed down. It can be sanded many times and with proper care, will last for generations.
Engineered hardwood is made of several layers of wood that are stacked and glued together under heat and pressure. It is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and can therefore be installed on, above or below grade. Engineered wood strips and planks can also be nailed down, glued down, stapled down or sometimes even "floated" (no nails or adhesives) over a subfloor. This of course makes for more installation options. And like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer will last for generations.
Important to note:
*Solid hardwood is not recommended below grade due to moisture concerns.
*Engineered hardwood usually comes prefinished only.
PRE-FINISHED OR SITE FINISHED
You have the choice of flooring that is pre-finished at the factory or site-finished at the time of installation. Here are the highlights of each option.
Pre-finished floors are prepared in a strictly controlled factory environment. It makes for a high quality finish that is perfectly uniform and consistent. Many manufacturers of pre-finished floors will offer wear warranties on the finish, some up to 25 years. And one of it’s most appreciated features is that pre-finished flooring arrives ready to install, making the job relatively fast and easy.
The biggest advantage to a site-finished floor is having a limitless amount of color choices and a broader variety of wood species from which to choose. The tradeoff is that finishing a floor on-site means dust, odor and time. Because the environment can not be controlled as it is in a factory for pre-finished hardwood, it’s impossible to achieve the same quality of finish. For the best and most flawless site-finished floor, it is best to have the job done by a skilled professional.
If you decide to go with a site-finished floor, protect your investment by choosing the best brand and type of finish. This decision should not be left up to the retailer or contractor, but instead should be made by you. Water-based finishes are most recommended for overall performance, environmental safety and safety for the person applying the finish.
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DECORATIVE OPTIONS & SHEENS
Every hardwood floor is one of a kind, but with a decorative accent like a border or inlay, a floor can personalize a home. Designs of borders and inlays can be intricate as they depict scenes, pets or florals. They can be simple with stripes, checkerboards and other geometric patterns. A border will add definition to an entranceway or room, and borders are especially good for defining space in "open" floor plans. Inlaid designs, usually made of several woods, are called medallions and create a great focal point.
Use your imagination, and possibly the assistance of an interior designer, to help you achieve the look you want. And consider using off-the-shelf products to create your own designs and patterns.
Installing decorative flooring can be difficult and should therefore be left to a professional. Make sure the installer has experience working with mixed materials and ask to see samples of previous work and get references. You may even wish to use an interior designer to help you achieve the look you want.
 Vents, registers and grilles also need to be considered. They are one of the small details and finishing touches that can make a big difference. Select the type and style that best suits your decor.
There are three types of sheen with hardwood floor finishes: high-gloss, semi-gloss and satin. High-gloss reflects more light and tends to be used most often in contemporary settings. Though high gloss also shows scuffs and scratches more readily than semi-gloss and satin finishes. Satin shows less wear, reflects less light and is most favored for residential use. The characteristics of semi-gloss fall right in the middle.
*High-Gloss is only available for Site-Finished floors.
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