Know what type of wood you want to use on your new floor? Then it's time to decide about the type of finish your new floor will have. Many woods contain oils and chemicals that can adversely react with certain types of finishes, especially some of the imported wood. Typically these reactions can be mild (slowing the finish drying process) to more severe (dramatically changing the color of the wood). The wood finish selection may sound simple, and it can be, but it also is one where advantages and disadvantages should be weighed carefully.