Did you know that for much of its history, most people lived with dirt flooring in their homes and places of work? Hardwood flooring, though, has been around for at least several centuries. In the past, hardwood flooring was crafted by hand (electric power tools not yet being available), meaning that it was a lot of work to put one in. Today, however, modern technology and manufacturing processes make it possible for just about any homeowner to install and enjoy the benefits of a hardwood floor.

Why choose hardwood floors when other flooring materials are available? The best reason we can give is that there is no other flooring material that is so durable and also so versatile. Hardwood floors will last and last - they will stand the test of time, even in high-traffic areas.

Versatility? Hardwood flooring is one of the most versatile flooring materials available today. Whether you need it in the den, kids playroom, bedroom, kitchen, home office, hardwood flooring is a great choice. In fact, with modern technological advancements, you can install some types of hardwood flooring below ground - like in a basement - where the ground underneath may be damp.

"But hardwood flooring is expensive!" That is a common refrain. And while it is true that your initial investment can be significant, that is not the full story. You see, installed hardwood flooring will actually increase in value as your whole home value increases. And if it is properly maintained, your hardwood floor can significantly raise the value of your home.

What are your choices? Well, hardwood flooring can be purchased as a solid wood - which means that the flooring boards are each solid pieces of wood, or you can purchase something called an engineered wood floor. The engineered wood floor is made by taking thinner strips of wood and fusing them together in such a way that they will not shrink as much, and will be stronger than, a solid wood floor board. Your installation professional can advise you on which would be best for you.

You can purchase hardwood floors today in the traditional thin strips, in plank form (which is longer than strips), or in the ever-popular parquet style, where the wood has been arranged into geometric designs that are, simply put, stunning.

Another set of choices you will need to make is whether to choose prefinished or unfinished hardwood floors. The unfinished flooring will require sanding and staining after it is laid. (Tip: let a pro do all this work.) The prefinished type of hardwood floor requires no sanding or staining - you simply install the flooring and you are done!

When choosing your woods, you choose lighter colors for high-traffic areas, as this will not show foot traffic as much. To help prevent excessive wear on your hardwood floor in those high-traffic areas, you should buy and place mats and rugs to cover these areas (such as near doorways and room entrances). Again, if you are flooring a high-traffic area, try to choose a high-density wood like hickory, maple, or oak, as these will better handle all that foot traffic.