Hardwood is an excellent choice when you need new flooring. Other types of flooring are made to mimic hardwood, but none of them have the exact same appearance, feel, or sound like real wood. You may be surprised at the options you have when you pick out your new hardwood floors. Here's a look at some of them below.

1. Pick Out The Grade Of Flooring You Like 

Hardwood flooring comes in different grades. Three common ones you may hear are select, common, and rustic. A lower grade doesn't mean the planks are inferior. Grade categorizes the wood according to appearance. If you like wood flooring that has a lot of knots, streaks, and color variation, then you would probably like rustic grade flooring.

Select grade has the fewest markings, and the color is the most uniform. Your choice is up to your preferences in the way the flooring looks. Some species of wood will have more pronounced differences among grades than others.

2. Choose The Type Of Hardwood Boards You Want

Another big decision you have is choosing between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. They look basically the same since engineered flooring has a top layer of hardwood. The difference is in what is under the top layer. Engineered wood is made of layers rather than solid wood. This keeps the wood from warping, so engineered floors can be used in basements while solid hardwood can't.

The top layer of wood on engineered floors can be of different thicknesses, and the thickness determines how many times the floor can be sanded and refinished. Another big difference between the two types of hardwood floors is you have more installation options with engineered wood since it can be floated.

3. Select The Species That's Best For Your Home

The species of wood you choose for your floor is important since different species look different. You may want to go to a flooring store to see them in person and to find a look you like best. Keep in mind there is a cost difference as some species are considered luxury wood while others are common and less costly.

Plus, different types of wood have different degrees of hardness. Softer woods scratch more easily when you move furniture or when your dog's nails dig into the floor. Harder woods are much more durable and resistant to damage. When you look at wood flooring, check the harness rating scale so you understand how durable your choice of wood will be.

For more info, contact a hardwood flooring company today.