Wood flooring comes in variety of types, sizes

There's something reassuring about walking on a wood floor. But choosing one for your home can feel anything but comforting, given everything there is to consider: the more than 50 species of wood, the many shapes and sizes of the boards and the various surface treatments.

The major decisions you'll face throughout the purchase and installation process are outlined here; consider them all before you visit flooring showrooms or sit down with an architect. If possible, borrow sample boards of your favorites to see how they coordinate with your walls and furnishings. Once you've narrowed the options, listen to your instincts. They'll lead you to the wood floor that's just right for your home.

Picking the wood

A floor's appearance depends primarily on the material it has been milled from. Here are some common options.

AUSTRALIAN CYPRESS is characterized by its wavy grain pattern with black rings. Its color ranges from creamy white to light brown.

Pros: It can hold up to humidity, making it an excellent choice for moisture-prone areas, such as a kitchen.

Cons: Knots can cause splitting during installation, so it is necessary to order extra material. It is also fairly difficult to stain.

RECLAIMED LUMBER is wood that has been salvaged from old structures, such as barns and wine barrels.

Pros: No two floors are alike, since the lumber often has distinctive markings left over from its original use.

Cons: Reclaimed wood tends to be more expensive than other options, and is not as easy to finish due to existing surface conditions.

OAK is the most popular flooring used in the United States. Red oak has pinkish hues; white oak is more ashen.

Pros: Pairs well with almost any finish, installs easily, and stands up to heavy foot traffic.

Cons: Oak floorboards can turn black if exposed to moisture, so they're not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens.

SANTOS MAHOGANY is distinguished by its undulating grain patterns and deep undertones that are flecked with red and gold.

Pros: Considering the hardness of this wood, it takes a finish surprisingly well. It's also durable and moisture-resistant enough to be used in bathrooms.

Cons: Santos mahogany is a fairly rare species and thus more expensive.

AMERICAN WALNUT, also called black walnut, has been used for floors and furniture for hundreds of years.