Hardwood flooring has many advantages over other types of flooring. First of all, most flooring made from hardwood that comes from North America can claim to have a positive environmental impact. Most North American wood species come from well managed forests where the trees are harvested in a way to minimize environmental damage, and where replanting occurs after an area has been logged. Furthermore, high quality hardwood flooring that is properly cared for can last for several decades, and even generations. When amortized over many years, a hardwood flooring will prove to be a great investment, even if the initial cost seemed expensive. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that hardwood floors are simply beautiful. No other design element in a home commands the presence of a hardwood floor, and nothing else connects people to the beauty of nature the way that a beautiful, natural hardwood floor can.