laying solid wooden floor

[Helly]

Hi there... I moved into a 1930's flat last year & I'm only just now getting around to doing some necessary work so that I can actually use the lounge. I want to have a solid wood floor laid (around 80 sq m) onto a wooden sub floor (existing original floorboards). What would be the best method?

I've read that soft wood is better for creating your own finish... I want to use something like oak oil or oriental cherry oil...

I want it to look old & grainy & knotty...

I want the lenghts of wood to differ in size/length...

I want to lay soundproof/decibel matting in between the sub floor & the top floor as I'm on the 1st floor... what would be the best products to look at...?

How do I check the moisture content of the timber as I'm buying it?

How do I keep costs to a minimum (I have a very limited budget as a nurse trying to manage the cost of living in London!) & still have a fabulous wooden floor?

Any advice greatly appreciated!