31 · Friday, May 7, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Spring Home and Garden How to choose the ideal wood floor for your home There is nothing like the timeless quality and classic beauty wood flooring can bring to your home. No other flooring option delivers the warmth, splendor and value of wood. Today there are countless colours available to choose from as well as different and rare species, each with their unique characteristics. This is why choosing the right wood floor to meet your specific taste and decor needs can be a challenge. According to Michel Collin, Marketing Director of Mercier Wood Flooring, one of North America's leading hardwood flooring manufacturers, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing wood flooring. First, you should consider the finished look you want to achieve for your decor. "It's always best to start with your floor when decorating," advised Collin. "If you want a modern or contemporary look, you should consider wood species that have a cleaner look with less texture and grain such as Maple, Birch, or Cherry. If you prefer a more rustic look, then White Ash or Oak would be best." Another factor to consider is the type of furniture you select for the rooms. If it's wood furniture it's important to ensure it doesn't clash with your new wood floor. "You can either match the wood furniture to the floor or you can opt for a contrast which gives a very nice look," he added. Dark mahogany, oak, or cherry furniture for example will show up much better on a light colored wood floor than it would on a dark wood floor. According to Nancy Soccio of Dolce Design in Montreal, some manufacturers such as Mercier Wood Flooring make the task of choosing the right wood floor much easier. "With their Design+ program Mercier offers so many colors, species, finished, strip widths, and grade that the possibilities for personalizing your floor are almost endless," she said. "This program takes the stress out of selecting the right hardwood floor for your décor." Then there's the finish. Solid hardwood floors come either unfinished or prefinished. "Prefinished wood flooring is a popular choice today because you avoid the labor, dust and fumes that come with finishing a floor," added Collin. He should know Mercier has been the leader in factory-finish wood flooring since it introduced the concept 30 years ago. Trends to watch More exotic wood species are gaining popularity with discerning consumers today. "Our South American wood species like Santos Mahogany and Brazilian Cherry are sought after by discerning homeowners for their rich tones, beautiful grains, and superior hardness," Collin added. Another popular trend is toward engineered wood flooring, a veneer of hardwood in the species of your choice glued on top of three to seven thin sheets of wood. Solid wood will expand or contract with heat and moisture, whereas engineered wood flooring, because it's made of crossbanded layers of wood, offers more dimensional stability. It's ideal for kitchens and basements where moisture is a factor. More information and tips on choosing wood flooring is available at www.mercierwoodflooring.com. www.newscanada.com $139. within zones TK750 ONTARIO SOD Sprin g Rescreen Sale Spring has sprung! The bugs are about... So fix those screens to keep them out! 905 2376 Royal Windsor Drive, Oakville 849-1915 For Lawn & Garden TIPS visit: www.GrowWithGreenThumb.com Aluminum or Fibreglass Mesh Installed in our shop You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM $ 40 Any Size! 00 + applicable taxes Pet Resistant Screen Installed in our shop $ 65 Any Size! 00 + applicable taxes (except on Saturdays - pick up will be on Monday) · Roller, Corner & Handle replacement are extra. Sale ends May 30, 2010 24 Hour Turnaround 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951 Pick-up and disposal fee $127. Call Ontario Sod (905) 849-1915.