Creamy-coloured radiata pine, however, is a popular floor timber in the UK despite its relative softness. This is probably because of its light colour.

Pick a timber that you like and can afford. Generally, soft timber is cheaper than hard timber, and bigger trees produce darker colours.

Most harvested trees are comparatively young and therefore light in colour.

If you want darker colours try a recycled timber supplier. Many mill their own boards out of ancient timbers salvaged from demolition sites. These are timbers that date back to when woodworkers' supplies came from virgin bush. Treat it right

Floor treatments can take their toll. There are three choices: oil, solvent polyurethane and waterborne acrylic polyurethane.

Tung oil is the best. A forgiving oil with a semi-gloss finish, it is lightly absorbed by the timber which allows it to naturally shrink and expand. It should last about three years between recoats.

Solvent-based poly is a semi- or high-gloss coating, which is almost as hard as nails. But as it locks everything together, it sometimes causes splitting if the boards attempt to shrink or expand. Conditioning new boards for a while inside the house before they are laid can help avoid this. It is not really a problem on old, existing floors which can have five to 10 years between re-coats. Advertisment - Story continues below

Waterborne poly has less smell, less shine and a little less transparency than its solvent-based mate.

Oil and polys are applied with special squeegee-type mops and will provide protection for three to five years. Ask your supplier for the correct one for the product you choose.

The treatments can be cleaned up with light sanding and a recoat as with any painted surface. Badly neglected boards, however, may need to be completely resanded to remove deep scratches and ingrained dirt.

Grit and water are enemies when it comes to floor maintenance. Sweep or vacuum regularly and have a decent door mat. Do not use a wet mop. Just wipe the floors over with a slightly damp one or a cloth.

For spills and more stubborn grime, use a dab of detergent on a cloth and some elbow grease. Alternatively, mix a small amount of methylated spirits or white vinegar in a bucket of cold water and apply with a well wrung-out mop.

Even the forgiving nature of tung oil and the super hardness of solvent-based poly will show damage from excessive furniture abuse.

Fabric-based protectors can be glued or nailed to the bottom of most furniture legs providing protection for your floors. Change ball-type castors for the barrel style - they spread the load much better, particularly on heavy items such as beds and sofas.