WOOD floors not only look gorgeous, they are healthy, hard-wearing and warm because wood is a natural insulator.

A wood floor can make a room seem bigger, lighter and more impressive - all factors that give a house character and, according to estate agents, make it more saleable.

The choice, however, is bewildering. There are different timbers, in different grades, colours and patterns. There are also different types of floor construction and finishes. And not every floor is suitable for every room. We have taken some tips from the Wood Floor Advisory Service on getting it right.

A short list of popular woods to consider might include ash, bamboo, beech, cherry, larch, maple, merbau, oak, pear, sipo mahogany, walnut and wenge.

This gives a good spread of floor colours from the palest blonde (maple), through to reds like cherry, and the almost black wenge.

Many are available in different finishes. For example oak comes in smoked oak, brushed and stained oak or white oiled oak.

For floor construction the choice is between solid floors, which are timber through and through, and engineered floors, which have a top layer of hardwood mounted on cross laid softwood or on plywood. Both are available in planks, strips, or patterns such as herringbone or basket weave.

There are also laminated floors, which are just like photographs of wood grain on plastic, mounted on MDF. Confusingly, an engineered floor can be called a laminate sometimes because it has a layered construction.

If it is a real wood floor that is wanted, double check it is not just a photograph of one. Because if it is it may cost 15 to 20 per cent less initially than a real wood floor, but it will not last and is easily

damaged.

Most suppliers recognise three grades of wood, which relate to the floor's visual appearance only and not to quality.

Select - the highest grade - is knot-free and has a uniform colour and texture. These floors command the highest prices, but some people find them monotonous. The cheapest grade is rustic. Its small knots and colour variations can make for a lively, interesting floor that is full of character.

When it comes to finishes there are now three to choose from. Most wood floors sold in Britain have a lacquer varnish, usually an acrylic (lacquer or varnish). Lacquer gives the floor a brilliant gloss. It is smooth, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Oiled and oiled-and-waxed floors are quite new in the UK, but are proving popular. They are sealed with a mixture of wood-oil and wax. The effect is a very subtle sheen.

Oiled floors do mean a little more in the way of housework as they need to be oiled occasionally, but they are lovely and are great for anyone who wants to create a natural look.

Choosing the right wood flooring for the room is important. If it is for an area that gets a lot of wear, choose a hardwood. Of the most popular timbers maple is the hardest, with ash, beech, oak and cherry following respectively. Do not use softwoods like pine or spruce. If the room leads to

the home's entrance door, install a mat to remove any grit from under shoes.

Wood floors aren't a very good idea for a wet bathroom where a lot of bathing and showering take place. However, engineered boards can cope with some humidity and are a good choice for a busy kitchen.

For small rooms it is a good idea to go for strips as they will help make the room look bigger. Planks, herringbone and basket weave on the other hand give a large room scale and can be very impressive.

A solid wood floor will last a lifetime, but correct fitting is crucial.

Ninety per cent of all problems with wood floors arise from poor fitting.

Where a room has not been properly surveyed, humidity problems have been ignored, or the sub floor has not been properly laid, the consequence can be little short of disastrous.

The Wood Floor Advisory Service is a free source of information for anyone who has, or is thinking of buying a wood floor. It does not recommend suppliers - the choice is left to the customer. Call them on 0800 0858 325 for an information pack or advice.

Debra Aspinall