HARDWOOD
Characteristics
Oak and maple are the most popular. New: pre-oiled exotic woods, now available with semi-gloss and gloss finishes.
Pros
Forms a warm, natural atmosphere. Never goes out of fashion. More comfortable for legs and back than harder surfaces. Durable if properly sealed. With oiled floors, a sanding and a coat of mineral oil will hide scratches. Look for longer boards to avoid a patchwork effect.
Cons
Requires resealing every few years, but floorboards with a factory-sealed finish can be extremely resistant if they’re good quality. Dirt can accumulate in too-wide joints between boards.
Cost
$7-$22 per square foot
NATURAL STONE
Characteristics
Slate, marble, limestone and sandstone are popular choices.
Pros
Slab marble and limestone are not especially hard-wearing, but tumbled (travertine) marble is highly durable.
Cons
Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Because it is a natural material, stone can contain imperfections (texture, colour, veining). Needs regular sealing.
Cost
$8-$50 per square foot
1 Comment
good info, except the headings are hidin or not there so one is guessing what product they are reading about. Please fix and it is a great resource to have on file.