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Q. How can I make the wood floors in our new upper level match the wood floors in the existing rooms? --Betsy

A. Even if you install the same wood upstairs as you have downstairs and apply the same stain, the two floors will still look different because one has gradually changed appearance with everyday wear and tear. However, if you want an aged look on your new floors, you can have your flooring installer or finisher apply a finish that will create an aged look -- also called ambering.

Shawn Collins, owner of Dave Collins Flooring in Pismo Beach, California, says oil-based finishes give more ambering than water-base finishes. In fact, some finishes are described as nonambering, so these will remain clear and will not lend themselves to the aged look you want.

You can also have the new floors artificially distressed. Collins says this is done by pounding the floors with hammers, chains, and rocks. Or you can simply buy a new floor that is already distressed, such as those from Patina Old World Flooring in California (800-501-1113).

Guide to Flooring