If youre faced with the challenge of replacing a wood floor in your house, consider the appeal of wide plank flooring, rather than the typical narrow widths you see in most homes. Here are some quick tips to help you choose from the wide array of woods available.

1. Hue and Pattern.

Choose a wood with the hue and pattern that enhances the style and decor of your home. Which colors from your palette show best in the light and blend pleasingly with your furniture? Pines, birches, oaks, or hickories can open up a room, while walnuts, cherries, or stained woods can look more elegant or formal. Can you imagine your floor accented with knots, burled in flourishes, exuberantly-grained, or as clean and expansive as clear wood?

2. Durability.

Solid wood plank flooring is very durable and will last for generations. Maple, birch and ash are hardest, so you may want to leave these woods natural. Red and white oak, walnut and pine are easier to stain. For the early American appeal of a rustic lodge, imagine your floor in wide-plank pine, which will absorb stresses and wear them well.

3. Width of Plank.

The plank width should look proportional to the room. Wider planks up to 12-16 show better in larger rooms and reveal a woods knotting or burling. Narrow-width planks tend to suit smaller rooms. Ask your supplier to confirm your choice of wood to beautify your home as well as to select the highest grade of wood that meets your budget.

4. Finish.

Proper finishing of wide plank flooring ensures its longevity and prepares it for any usage, including that of your kitchen. Tung oil is best for a natural finish, but you can adjust your floors hue with any number of stains and finishes. Each will preserve your solid-wood floor for generations. Your supplier can plan the entire installation and ensure that the glowing tones and barefoot comfort of your wide plank flooring will please from your first look and first step.