Great idea! thanks :))

I would recommend a "slate looking" porcelain tile. More durable, less maintenance and less tripping hazards.

I have slate look tile very similar to the one pictured in my lake home. I love the texture and natural look and the floors vacuum beautifully. However, be aware that the slightly rough texture of the tile makes damp mopping impractical so thorough cleaning is more labor intensive.

You can get slate in perfectly flat tiles without a lot of texture, too. These Daltile slate tiles are only $2.90 a sf. http://www.build.com/daltile-cs53-12121p-continental-slate-floor-tile-asian-black-12-x-12/p1910468?source=gg-gba-pla_1910468____21407917279&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!42057231079!g!!21407917279&gclid=CKHQtpWLjrQCFUQw4AodLy4AlQ

Florida tile has a couple of nice slate look tiles in their line that are porcelain.

While not slate looking, they make some really nice tile that looks like hardwood.