Species

• Two things you should consider when choosing a hardwood floor species are room function and room decor. If the room is a high traffic area, you should consider a higher density hardwood like white or red oak, maple or ash. Higher density woods are less likely to dent or dimple. Lower density woods like birch, walnut and acacia are better suited for lower traffic areas. Once you decide on a density, think about how the floor will look in the room. This will help you decide which wood to use. Using planks, which are usually 4 inches wide or more, as opposed to strips, which are narrower, will also influence your choice.
  
  

Grain and Finish

• The best grain for hardwood flooring comes from plain-sawn boards, which are cut tangential to the annual rings. These planks have the most diverse grain patterns and if the grain is well defined, as with some rosewoods, acacia and red oak, it takes on a "flame" appearance. Quarter-sawn boards are cut perpendicular to the annual rings, so the board takes on a more even color. Boards are available prefinished or unfinished. If you are installing an unfinished floor, treat a one foot section of you wood with the finish you plan to use before installation. This will show you how the finish will affect the grain once you apply to the floor.
  
  

Grades

• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), formerly known as the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA), maintains the rating standards for wood flooring materials. NWFA divides hardwood flooring into six grades (in order): Clear, Select, Common, First, Second and Third. The rules for these grades are an accepted industry standard, so look for NOFMA grade information when choosing your hardwood.
  
  

Moisture

• Wood for flooring should be "preshrunk," which means it is dried completely. At the work site, leave uncovered so that it can acclimate to the local humidity conditions. Ideally, the hardwood should have 6 to 9 percent humidity when you install it.