JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Natural hardwood flooring can add warmth and beauty to any décor. Its use is ideal in many settings because it complements design styles from traditional to ultra modern. Wood flooring is a natural choice for homes and is among the most durable flooring options available. It adds unique appeal to home design and can maintain its style for many years.

"Wood flooring is a lovely choice for foyers since a contrasting wood inlay can be used to add a border or pattern," said Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member. "It also adds warmth to a traditional home office setting. With today's factory finishes enhancing its durability, wood flooring is now a popular choice for use even in powder rooms, kitchens, breakfast rooms, family rooms and bedrooms."

Hardwood flooring planks are as unique as the trees from which they come. Since trees differ in appearance and markings, grain patterns and color tones offer distinctive character and charm. The trees' species, native environment and the processing techniques used in harvesting the planks help determine the wood's appearance.

"I use premium woods with even color tones in more formal areas and like to use woods that have color variation in less formal areas," Sisler Johnston said. Wood is often sorted into three classification categories that characterize and distinguish its distinctive appearances. The first category consists of select planks that have subtle character markings and moderate color variations which produce elegant, formal and flowing patterns. The second category features wood planks with significant transitions in graining but only moderate color variations. It has random mineral marks and knots while providing traditional beauty and richness. Another category uses rustic planks that have broad variations in both grain and color with well-defined knots and mineral streaks. Rustic wood planks are often used to add Old World charm.

Different thicknesses and engineering methods determine wood flooring's cost and longevity. The most durable, albeit the most expensive, is three-quarter inch solid hardwood flooring that can be purchased with a pre-finished stain and sealer or finished after installation. Three-quarter inch solid hardwood will last for generations since it can endure multiple sanding and refinishing. It comes in a variety of wood species, including exotic cherry, teak, walnut, tiger wood, bamboo, oak and maple. Most woods are available in 3-inch to 4-inch widths.

Solid hardwood is created from a single piece of wood while engineered is made from multiple layers that are arranged in a cross-grain configuration for strength, stability and balance and bonded under intense heat and pressure to produce high quality flooring. Enhanced grain patterns and beveled edges add character and style. Engineered wood is designed to withstand higher levels of humidity. It is available in standard 3" and 4" widths as well as wider 5" planks.

A recent innovation by Shaw Industries is an engineered hardwood with a locking feature that allows planks to be installed quickly without glue or nails. An additional benefit is that an interlocking floor can be taken apart and reassembled. It is available in a variety of wood choices. Shaw also has a Green initiative called Green Edge that certifies all its hardwood flooring is real wood and uses 50 percent less forested wood. Green Edge products carry up to a 25-year warranty and offer many wood choices including hickory, walnut, maple, cherry and oak.

For wood flooring care and maintenance, Sisler Johnston suggests the use of floor mats at exterior doorways and protectors under furniture to minimize surface scratches. A damp cloth is recommended for routine maintenance or to blot up spills. Some manufacturers offer floor cleaners or stain-removing products specifically for hardwood flooring.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commercial clients, specializing in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes. The company designs residential and model homes as well as community centers, hotel and office suites.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston's design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs. Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

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Sisler Johnston Interior Design says natural hardwood flooring can add warmth and beauty to any décor.

1. Kargar Den. Wood flooring is a natural choice for home office seating and adds warmth to wood office furniture in a traditional design.

2. Cayman Living Room. As a result of the durability of factory finishes that are added to engineered hardwood, it is being offered as a flooring choice in powder baths, kitchens, breakfast rooms and family rooms.

3. Fleet Landing. The Rustic classification features broad variations in both grain and color with well-defined knots and mineral streaks. It is used in casual rustic applications to add old world charm.