Wood has long been used as a flooring material. The character of wood sets it apart from other flooring materials such as carpet, tile, and vinyl because only nature can manufacture the patterns and colors of wood. Quality wood floors can be a work of art. No two trees are identical; therefore, no two finished floors are exactly alike. In addition to its unique patterns and colors, wood has other advantages as a flooring material. One is its design flexibility; wood floors can be formal, traditional, contemporary, or rustic. Other advantages are its strength, durability, and the easy with which wood floors may be maintained. Wood floors can last for more than a century and not go out of style.