Choosing a species is an important choice. These species are rated according to hardness, based on the Janka scale, and you must choose the right hardness to meet your own living conditions. A busy home dictates a very hard species, while a lesser busy home allows for softer woods. However, the best use for softwoods is installation in pantries and closets.
Stain color and finish type are next. Again, your own specific requirements will lead you in a specific direction, so be sure to discuss all the options with your flooring associate. In the meantime, it’s important to know that a finish like distressed or hand-scraped can help fight off the signs of aging that lead to refinishing in the first place.
Prior to installation, you’ll want to find out what, if anything, you’ll have to do to prepare. This can include moving furniture and removing old flooring if necessary. However, your associate will explain these details further.