The following are a few of the material options to consider when selecting your new floor Hardwood Pros • Oak and maple are the most popular. New : pre-oiled exotic woods, now available with semi-gloss and gloss finishes. • Creates 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. Laminate Pros • Great selection of styles and colours. Looks like wood, stone, ceramic. • Resists stains, scratches, dents, even cigarette burns. Oftentimes possible to install directly on top of existing floor. • Click-into-place styles can simply be dismantled and taken with you when you move, within reason. Good-quality laminate can last up to 25 years. Cons • Not recommended for bathrooms or other damp areas. Must be replaced when worn. Engineered floor Pros • An alternative to hardwood and laminate, it is also a more versatile option. • Produced by adhering sheets of real wood to a composite surface. Does not expand or contract with temperature changes. Sold prefinished. Can be glued or clicked into place directly over concrete or an acoustic underlay. Cons • Less durable than hardwood. Cannot be sanded more than once. Bamboo Pros • Gives decor an exotic accent. Beautiful blond tone with natural striations. Carbonization process deepens grain and colour. Some natural shades available. • Environmentally friendly: Bamboo is a renewable, rapid-growth plant. Harder and more resistant to dampness than wood, making it particularly suitable for the kitchen and basement. Cons • Relatively limited selection of shades. Cork Pros • Available in either tiles or interlocking planks to make a floating floor. Good selection of colours and styles, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind design. • Warm and cushiony on bare feet. Hypoallergenic and mildew- and dent-resistant, making it suitable even for bathrooms. As durable as wood, but an extra application of sealer is recommended in damp rooms. Cons • Does not go well with all decors. Less popular than wood.