Yesterday’s builders had available whatever options they could create with an axe, a bow saw, and some sandpaper. As hardware stores became more frequent, the selection expanded to include dimensional lumber, what we think of as traditional square-edged boards, and carpentry became divorced from logging.

Since then, wood materials providers have stepped up to the challenge of supplying the home builder with a product which more closely matches the needs of each project. If you are replacing one of these early floors, you are quite well aware why: floors crafted from traditional planks have decidedly uneven results. There may be spots where neighboring planks have a slightly different idea of how high the floor should be, gaps around the edges, or, worst of all, moisture buckling from years of exposure to the elements.

The modern builder has a vast array of alternatives to help ensure that future generations will not judge his work so harshly. After all, a properly deployed wooden floor should outlast the installer by several generations. When investing the time and money in a wooden floor, getting the job done right the first time is essential.

Of course, many perfectly lovely floors have been installed with square-edged planks. For the most part, though, these have been professional effort. The do-it-yourself builder would be wise to investigate custom board-matching styles for the classic look of a traditional wooden floor without the inevitable mismatching.

One popular choice is beveled, or micro-beveled edging. This is an easy, one-size-fits-most solution to the frustrating differential in plank height that often appears in the late stages of an installation…or, heaven forbid, after the job is supposedly complete.

Micro-beveled wood panels have a slight indentation where the planks meet. This radically extends the life and beauty of each plank. The beveled edge creates a natural gap for dirt and debris to catch in, which will reduce scratching underfoot. Micro-beveling naturally highlights the individuality of the grains in each plank, as well as accentuating each board.

While the expense of beveled lumber may be slightly higher at the outset, when compared with the cost of redoing the job just as you thought you’d be relaxing with a well-deserved celebratory beverage, fitted lumber is the answer to building a floor that will earn compliments for decades to come.