How to recognize a quality hardwood floor

It's easy to believe that all hardwood floors are the same. But when you know how to recognize a quality hardwood floor, you'll find that few brands make the cut.

Ask the dealer to open a box in front of you and check for yourself:

• Straight strips of uniform thickness
  Lay a few strips on the floor and put them together. They should fit perfectly. When you run your hand across them, you shouldn't feel any variation in thickness.
• Small and consistent V joints
  When put together, the strips form V joints where they meet. These joints hide imperfections in the subfloor and make it easier to move furniture around. If the joint is too deep, dirt and dust can collect and make the floor hard to care for.
• Uniform finish, even in the joints
  The durability of the finish is determined by the quality of the polyurethane and the way it is applied. For example, the bottom of the joints has to be perfectly coated with varnish or it will collect dirt and water, causing it to darken prematurely.
• Highest standard of finish
  Varnish needs to be applied in the right amount, not too thin and not too thick, in order to avoid a plastic effect and let the beauty of the wood show through. Hold a strip at eye level to see for yourself.
• Consistent color from one box to the next
  If the wood is stained, the stain should reach the bottom of the joints to ensure an even floor color. Check that the color is consistent from one strip to the next and from one box to the next.
• UV protection to fight yellowing
  Bright light and sun can cause wood from naturally pale species to yellow. UV protection in polyurethane finish can reduce and slow this process down.
• Respect for grades
  Make sure the grade you choose by looking at samples is really what's in the box. Every grade has its own characteristics that help create the appearance and atmosphere you're looking for.