Mixing Species - Mixing wood species is another way to create contrast in wood flooring. Oak is not the only wood type being used today. Maple, birch, walnut, Brazilian cherry, mahogany, ash and many other species offer unique grain and color specs. These pre-fabricated tiles allow homeowners to mix and match to create their own patterns and designs. The angle at which a board is cut makes big differences in how the finished product looks.
Wood flooring is either plainsawn, quartersawn or riftsawn.
Plainsawn is the most common cut. The board contains more variation than the other two cuts because figure patterns resulting from the growth rings are more conspicuous. Quartersawing produces less board feet per log than plainsawing and is therefore more expensive. Quartersawn wood twists and cups less and wears more evenly. Riftsawn is similar to quartersawing, but the cut is made at a slightly different angle.