I am really falling in love with the idea of doing Douglas Fir in my house. I live in the PacNW, so it's kind of rustic local requirement here. Actually, my first inclination was to go with Red Oak, because I love the stuff, but it has gotten very expensive. In fact, I can't find #2 common around here anywhere for under $3sq-ft. I need 1,300sq-ft, so it just isn't in the budget, since we are also doing our kitchen at the same time.

To make a long story short, I am at the point where I really need to know something about the grain. I have read consistently that VG is the best way to go, since the cut allows it to stay more temp stable, less splintering, and a slightly tougher surface when the grain is vertical.

However, as I look at all the really expensive rustic homes in my area that use Fir flooring, almost all have gone with a very flame-like mixed grain in an effort to really spice up the pattern. And I have to say, with a good quality oil'urethane finish, it looks incredible.

So, let's say I decide to go with mixed grain in an effort to make my flooring the most eye-popping as possible. Is this really a bad decision when comparing it to the known preference of VG stability? I mean how much of a problem could it really be?

P.S. Shoes will be banned in m y home from that day forward. haha

There was a time when almost all fir flooring was planned to be covered with wall to wall. This was top of the line for floor coverings. The fir sub-floors did not need to be first quality because they were covered with carpet, so no need to worry about splintering. Even vertical grain becomes embossed over time as the soft grain gets compressed from foot traffic. The embossing stretches the finish and makes the wood susceptible to water penetration, which causes grain raise when cleaned with water. The results over time are splinters.
A sophisticated homeowner will appreciate vertical grain for what it is.
If you really love the plain sawn look, then be prepared for more significant
maintenance when it is needed.