Choosing a new floor can prove intimidating due to all the options available to modern homeowners. Even if you already know you want a wood finish, you still face a lot of considerations. Here are four questions you want to keep in mind as you shop.

1. What's the Budget?

Different types of wood or faux-wood flooring are available for a surprisingly wide range of prices. You might fall in love with the first gorgeous sample of hardwood flooring you see, only to find the price impossible. It's best to keep an open about mind and consider all your flooring possibilities. These may include:

• Hardwood flooring - Hardwood flooring has the advantage of actually being the real thing, and you can purchase it in the form of planks, strips, or parquet tiles. It feels like wood under the feet and can take a variety of stains, varnishes, or other finishes. Many shoppers are willing to pay a premium to have a luxurious hardwood floor on prominent display in their living room or den.
• Laminate wood flooring - If you find your budget won't accommodate genuine hardwood flooring but you still want wood, consider laminate flooring. This form of flooring is made of engineered fiberboard topped with a photographic image of genuine woods such as oak, hickory, and other favorites. 
• Vinyl flooring - Vinyl plank or sheet flooring is the most affordable way to convey the impression of a wood floor, although that impression may not hold up to close scrutiny. It is relatively easy and quick to install, which makes it popular among do-it-yourself hobbyists and apartment managers.

2. How Much Abuse Will It Take?

Will your wood floor be featured in a room used for special occasions -- or will it endure daily traffic from pets, small children, and frequently-moved furniture? The amount of abuse your floor is likely to take should influence your purchasing decision.

• Since hardwood floors can collect scratches and cost more to replace than synthetic materials, give serious thought to choosing the hardest wood you can get your hands on. Examples of extra-hard woods include hickory, mesquite, hard maple, and Brazilian cherry.
• Floors that routinely receive lots of rough use might be better off with carpeting or synthetic wood materials. On the other hand, you can sand and refinish a scratched hardwood floor; cheaper materials must be replaced.

3. What Color, Stain, or Finish Makes Sense?

What color and shade of wood should you select for your home? This is largely a matter of personal taste, but a couple of general rules apply. If you want to make a very large room appear cozier, for instance, go with a darker, richer floor color. If you're trying to make a small room look more spacious, choose a lighter wood tone to complement similarly light-colored walls and furnishings.

Wood flooring is usually available in both natural and stained varieties. Different hardwoods can come in practically any shade, allowing you to choose a satisfactory natural color without staining. But stains and varnishes can also bring out the natural grain in an appealing way. Make sure the stain is topped with a protective finish. 

Glossier finishes for hardwood or laminate floors should be reserved for those "special occasion" rooms, because high gloss finishes are unforgiving -- even the slightest scuff mark will pop out to the naked eye. Low-gloss finishes create a less dramatic visual effect, but they also require less cleaning and polishing.

4. How Easily Can It Be Cleaned?

Most wood and faux-wood floors can be cleaned adequately with regular dusting or vacuuming. If your vacuum cleaner has a beater bar, either detach the beater bar or buy a new vacuum cleaner that doesn't include one. Beater bars can damage the finish of both wood and vinyl flooring.

Certain cleaning agents can harm stained floors -- especially those that penetrate the wood -- so always follow the cleaning instructions for your flooring product to the letter. Vinyl sheet flooring can usually be cleaned with ordinary water, but occasionally you may need to use a manufacturer-approved cleaning agent to restore sparkle to the finish.

Think about these questions carefully as you prepare to shop for the wood or faux-wood flooring. Once you've taken budget, wear, color/finish, and cleaning issues into account, you'll be that much closer to finding the ideal flooring product for your needs!

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