Hardwood timber floors from Northern Rivers Timber offer a great range in the level of features the floor will hold

There are three main feature levels or grades to choose from - low, medium and high.

There has been a notable change over the last few years with the market's approach to this selection. Not so long ago, select grade (low feature) hardwood flooring was by far the most sought after for its continuity and consistency in colour and grain and for its lack of natural markings.

It seems now however, perhaps due to the abundance of uniform, flawless flooring available today, that what people are looking for is what no other type of flooring has to offer - a tale to tell.

Character grade (high feature) flooring exhibits a variety of features including knots, gum veins and insect markings such as squiggly worm and pinholes providing intrigue and unique visual impact. It tells of the life of the tree and creates a natural, un-manufactured charm, unparalleled by other options.

Although often referred to as having a rustic effect, images of log cabins should be put aside. Character flooring is increasingly the first choice in sleek and contemporary design for its bold effect and its ability to incorporate warmth into otherwise bland or sterile environments.

Adding to the appeal of character floors is the price - sometimes over half the price of low feature floorboards.

Northern Rivers Timber has a wide selection of character flooring available, including mixed hardwoods such as the Northern Rivers Creams blend - one of its best sellers.

Since recently opening its Minto warehouse to the public, the popularity of character flooring has been startling. Homeowners, designers and builders alike can drop in and see the different timbers and grades for themselves and even take samples away with them.

Northern Rivers Timber is not only a supplier of hardwood flooring, but also a manufacturer, ensuring the origin and quality of its flooring. Brochures on the timbers and DVDs on the manufacturing process are available at the warehouse or on request and the sales team there can help with choosing the right timber for each application.

With an endless range of tiles, carpets, laminates, vinyls, floating floors and engineered timbers on the market today, it's refreshing to see that good ol' solid wood floors are still the most popular choice.

It goes to show that sometimes nature just does it best.