Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - What's the best Wood floor to buy.

I will be doing my own floor and looking to use wide planks, maybe 3 1/2. Whose should I by and where?

thanks
Ron

Price and quality of milling and finish, as well as grade of wood used, tend to vary among manufacturers. And, many manufacturers of hardwood flooring produce good, better, best levels of quality depending upon grade of wood as well as quality of finish. Some folks find good deals online, others shop locally. Visit some flooring stores in your area and see what is available.

Price can also vary due to wood species. Wider plank flooring tends to cost more, too.

You will encounter cabin grade (mostly short pieces with knot holes, minerals, worm holes and factory defects that gives a nice rustic look, takes longer to install, but may have the same finish as the first quality but with no finish warranty). Tavern grade (lots of mineral, boards that were not good enough to make it to first quality, and usually finished with less than the first quality finish with no finish warranty). Some offer "value" lines that may or may not have the manufacturer's best finish and may or may not have a finish warranty and board's have sound knots and some mineral. Then, there is the best quality, usually select and better with some clear grade mixed in with the best finish and warranty that the manufacturer offers. Quality of milling tends to vary among manufacturers as well.

If you find a product that you like locally, you may want to do an online search for the same product to see how prices compare. When ordering online, you typically have to pay freight to your destination.

If installing your own floor, go to www.installingwoodfloors.com for the Bible on wood floor installation.