If you’re building a new home and your architect or interior designer recommends you choose an exotic type of hardwood flooring because it’s a good investment, would you agree? It tells you that hardwood flooring is more expensive than the other options.

Why are hardwood floors a good investment? Well, basically, solid hardwood floors can last a lifetime and can easily make your property value appreciate over the years. Aside from the economic factor, the element of beauty is what exudes and gives you a feeling of pride, fulfillment, and contentment.

So it’s time to select what type of hardwood floor you want. There are three types, solid, engineered, and impregnated acrylic. Engineered floors have plywood under the hardwood, while an acrylic-injected wood floor is an acrylic-impregnated floor.

Now that you have selected the type of hardwood which is the solid type, you will be asked if you want it unfinished or prefinished. With prefinished, it is quite easy and quick to install. Unfinished hardwood must be sanded, stained and sealed after installation. You also have to decide if you want it light or dark, wide or narrow plank, hand-scraped or smooth.

Your choice of species is abundant. They make the basic difference in color, grain and texture. Some of them are red oak, white oak, maple, cherry, walnut, hickory, ash, and elm. If you prefer exotic hardwoods that are species grown in tropical forests, there is Brazilian cherry or African mahogany and many others. They are natural with no added chemicals, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly and do not need any additional color. Exotic species are very hard, dense, less susceptible to termites, and highly resistant to dents and scratches. What can make planks incredibly tough and strong is when it is coated with aluminum oxide. Whether it’s a dark or light natural shade, it will give you a luxurious, timeless and classic look and appeal.

His choice is solid Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring in wide planks and not the common 2 1/2-inch size. To make your home exceptional, choose a wider floor so there can be more seasonal spacing between the planks.

When installing your flooring, it must be nailed to a sub-wood floor and done by professional hardwood flooring installers. Now that you’ve installed your exotic Brazilian cherry hardwood floor, how do you keep it clean, shiny, and looking like new? For one thing, if it’s coated with polyurethane, the easiest and safest way is to use polyurethane cleaners like Basic Coatings’ Squeeky Cleaner. The cleaner is mixed in 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Another cleaner is the Mirage cleaner that you can get from your local dealer or Home Depot. Instead of those listed, it is suggested that you purchase a cleaner made by hardwood floor or floor finish manufacturers. If you want your floor to look good every time, you should vacuum your floor regularly and place drop cloths in areas where people congregate. The use of wood floor protectors under chair and table legs is recommended.

Another beauty of hardwood floors is that they are soundproof if installed correctly. There are no hollow sounds or disturbing vibrations. You will be amazed and pleasantly surprised when your exotic Brazilian cherry hardwood floor always becomes a regular topic of conversation with your friends and guests.