I would love wood, but I have an entrance to my kitchen to the back yard, and a dog. I am afraid of how it will hold up. I have seen a plank tile product that looks just like wood. Does anyone have any experience with it?

I currently work in the flooring industry. There are several faux wood tiles in the market place now. You would have the durability of tile and the look of wood. Had it installed for a customer who absolutely raves about it and that it looks so real, people often think its real wood. Keep the grout lines 3/16" or so, and pick a grout that matches the tile as much as possible so it appears seamless.

We have hardwoods and I love them. A warm oak in this house, and a pale maple in our old house. We have a 3 year old, 5 year old, 2 cats, and a 60-lb dog. I find them very easy to maintain. You will find imperfections if you look, but to me, it adds to the charm of the wood over time. A cracked tile just looks broken.

I also work in the flooring industry. I agree with bupshill there are so many options that LOOK like wood, but are much warmer, and scratch-resistant. I love the idea of tile...but the cold and the hard-ness of it just doesn't work for my lifestyle (in Wisconsin). There are many great wood options out there, that are not only beautiful but wear well--you just have to do your research.

Thanks to all that answered. This was very helpful. Ultimately, there is nothing like the "real" thing.

I hope to get more responses, but so far we have about 65% preferring hardwood. That seems to be what our clients have wanted. Thanks to all who participated!

We have renovated 3 houses and in all 3 put cork floors in the kitchen. They are a dream! Warm and soft...cork is the answer!

I was actually considering cork for my last kitchen -- my concern is its "softness" -- will spike heals make indentations? Thanks.

Spike heels will not make indentations - the floors are indestructible!

Has anyone had experience installing bamboo flooring?