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Wood flooring options can add a great traditional touch to any home.  For an addition of elegance and time tested quality, hardwood flooring is a great option.  A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can add tremendous value to a residence, while also building a base for an elegant atmosphere.  Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade.  Finding the best kind of flooring can be a little daunting, but the process is always rewarding in the end.  Although carpet is definitely an alternative, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that pushes up home values like nothing else.

The first step is in finding out whether your home is appropriate for wood flooring.  Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction.  High humidity is also a significant problem when considering wood flooring.  Excess moisture can wick up from the subfloor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling over time.  Crowning and cupping are common problems for wood flooring exposed to moisture.  When a floor crowns or cups, it bows out of shape, most frequently in the middle of the floor.  This can be a difficult issue to correct once moisture has caused the problem.

Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the best flooring option for you and your home, there are many products and manufacturers from which to select.  Maple and oak are more traditional species, while cedar gives a more rustic and natural atmosphere.  A higher gloss finish will produce a shinier surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued setting.   The thickness of the boards is also an important factor in selecting the right wood flooring product.  Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.

Moisture is a big problem for hardwood flooring.  Avoid exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible.  If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation.  Clean up spills on the wood flooring immediately in order to prevent eventual warping and cracking.  If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, it is time for another coat of finishing on the flooring.  Protect your investment, and hardwood flooring will maintain its value for generations.