Next Question is what style/design of wood flooring is most cosmetically appealing to you. Pattern is also a key design element. While the choice of color is the most important design decision when it comes to any decorative surface, pattern is also important. That is especially so when it comes to specialty themes, such as wood floors employing a theme reminiscent of Historic Colonial Williamsburg floors with a pattern of 3-inch and 5-inch alternating planks.

Pattern also plays a role in creating a focal point in a room. Consider how planks running toward a fireplace hearth would help lead your guest's eyes in that direction. Pattern contributes to other design needs such as making a large room feel smaller and cozier simply by using wide planks. Diagonal plank patterns work well as problem-solvers when walls are not running parallel or are out of square. These include 2 ¼ inch strip flooring, 3-inch and 5-inch random-with planks, and a beautiful Herringbone Parquet.. The most popular patterns by far are a 3-inch-wide beveled edge, or 3-inch-wide square edge planks.

Which brings up an important question: What is a beveled edge profile? Planks with beveled edge profiles have a small rounded edge on all four top edges. The bevel enhances the pattern and adds greater directional eye appeal. Technically speaking, a beveled edge plank is more forgiving and helps compensate for minor sub-floor variations in older homes.

Another choice is a linear bevel plank. These planks are designed to enlarge a room's visual appearance even further. A linear bevel plank profile is beveled on the two long sides of the plank but has a square edge on both ends for creating a more linear effect. The third edge profile is the simple square edge or smooth profile. It visually makes less of a statement in a room, thereby allowing the mature texture and color of each plank to speak for itself.