I selected the Somerset hardwood flooring, Color Collection (50 yr finish warranty). However I found out that the red oak/gunstock that I want is only available in their Value Collection (25 yr warranty) or High Gloss collection (50 yr warranty). I think I prefer the quality of the High Gloss collection...wood is 12-18 inches, but I've read that high gloss floors are high maintenace and show flaws sooner. I am concerned with going with the Value Collection because there will be some shorter boards (10-12 inches)...I am told by manufacturer that the wood is the same as their others except for the lenghts. I do not want to floor to look too choppy.

Two questions:
1) will the shorter boards matter and is it likey the Value collection wood is less quality?
2) how bad is the high gloss hardwood regarding maintenance and ability to see dents, etc.. Only 2 adults in the home but I don't want buyers remorse.

Thanks

Are you talking about minimum lengths? If so, it wont matter too much about the shorter pieces. A good installer will use them for starters and cutters, and otherwise conceal them strategically within the floor. You wouldn't want a cluster of them in the floor, but I am sure they wont interfere with the overall look, if as I said, they are properly utilized.

Several companies have been taking the high gloss approach with apparent "better technology" in their finishes. Anderson is now marketing something called Luster Lock Ultra. Only time will tell if it works, but I'm sure much depends on how it's sold. When aluminum oxide finishes came on stream many oversold the durability factor, probably still do. I'm sure other companies are following Anderson including Somerset. Anybody our there done any sampling on how resistant the Anderson product is?

I've always thought high gloss is a maintenance issue, but much depends on the type of household, how they treat the floors, and your tolerance for wear and scratching. With two adults you may not have issues, but you'll still get dents and scratches.