Choosing a floor may seem a bit daunting, especially if you've never done it before. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, understanding more will prepare you to choose the very best floor for your lifestyle, space, and budget.

Many hardwood shoppers don't realize there are two types of wood — solid and engineered. Both solid and engineered flooring add value and structure to your home and are available in plenty of species, stains and styles. So, what exactly are these two types of hardwood and how do they compare? Let's explore.

The big news in laminate flooring this year is Rustics Premium™ New England Long Plank, a dramatic line from Armstrong which offers a hand-scraped, oiled finish hardwood look and the longest laminate floor boards to date – over seven feet.