Designing which wood floor to use in a room isn't just about choosing a color that compliments your decor. Traffic patterns, lighting, moisture, budget, species and construction are all major considerations as well.

Five Tips to Know Before Placing Your Order

1. Set a budget. Don't forget to take into account install costs including subflooring, tools, glue, nails, staples and labor.
2. Choose a product within your skill level. Start with engineered and work your way up to solids. Engineered floors are much more forgiving and faster to install.
3. Choose a wood acording to the use. Did you know you shouldn't use solid flooring in a basement? We'll have more on this below.
4. Choose a style and design to compliment the room's decor. Be careful not to match other features as it can lead to a plain, boring room instead of a beautiful one.
5. Purchase extra flooring. You'll make cuts you didn't expect and coming up short can be expensive. We recommend 10% extra, but if you've never installed a hardwood floor before you'll need more like 15%.

Analyzing Traffic Patterns

There are three types of wood flooring that all wear differently. Laminate is less expensive and can take the most abuse, but is typically not as visually appealing. Engineered floors have a rugged coating with a wood venier for the look of solid wood. Solids are often more expensive, but look the best. Solids can also be sanded and refinished over time to maintain thier look.

• Entries and Foyers. Decorative designs and exotic woods make a statement in this area. If you are worried about wear, area rugs can save the finish and highlight the floor.
• Kitchens and Family Rooms. These are the most common areas to see wood floors in new home construction. Dark, white and bleached floors do not fare well in these area due to high traffic, food & water concerns. Engineered woods hold up the best here, but top quality solids can be used. Good cleaning habits are essential in these areas.
• Formal Living and Dining Rooms. Most dining rooms have darker color furniture. This often leads to dark woods that require more maintenance, but in general, any product can be used.
• Bathrooms. Guest bathrooms that are not used on a daily basis work well with wood floors. Just be sure to clean up any water or other spills immediately.
• Home Offices. Be careful with rolling furniture in these areas as it can damage the floor very quickly. Engineered woods work the best here, but solids can work with chair mats and furniture slides.
• Bedrooms. Watch the transitions to and from bathrooms. If you're closet is on the other side of the room, stay closer to engineered woods instead of solids.

Ground Level Considerations

In addition to wet areas created by people (such as kitchens and baths), you also have to look at nature's effects.

• Upstairs. Aside from bathrooms, anything goes here.
• Downstairs. Solid floors can be used but you'll need to put down a subfloor if you are on a slab.
• Basement. Solids are a no-no in this area. Basements often have too much moisture and will ruin the solid flooring very quickly.

Visualize Your Room

Just because your friends have a beautiful 3" wide maple stip floor doesn't mean it will work for your situation. Fortunately, Armstrong has a great tool for seeing what works and what doesn't. Visualize your room with Armstrong's online design tool.