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Flooring advice

Hello,
We are redoing our kitchen and taking out a wall to make our house open concept. We want one type of flooring throughout the kitchen, living room, dining room and front entrance. Laminate, hardwood, engineered hardwood, cork. There are so many options each with pros and cons. We have a baby on the way and might be getting a dog. Any advice would be appreciated.

Comments (5)

  • PRO
    Red Ridge Millwork
    11 years ago
    A good quality hardwood will last for years and can be refinished later when necessary. Cork is better for smaller sections/rooms and is nicer to stand on but less durable. Engineered hardwood is fantastic albeit a bit more expensive and can be refinished less times as the thickness of the real wood is obviously less than a true solid wood plank. Consideration should be given to potential wet areas like a front entry but that would be easily worked around by a natural stone like slate or a good quality tile landing area at the front door that complimented your wood floor choice.
    There just is nothing with more warmth and appeal than a natural wood floors and they suit all decorating styles pretty much as well.
    Wider plank style is not a fad but a return to older style wood floors and is always a good choice. Pick your manufacturer carefully. There may be local smaller manufacturers as well who would service you better than a big box store...just sayin...
    All the best with your project.

    Red Ridge Millwork & Design Ltd.
    greg@redridgewinecellars.com
    http://www.redridgemillwork.com
    http://www.allreclaimedwoodfurniture.com
  • Allison Eidse_Martens
    Original Author
    11 years ago
    Thanks Greg. Our first thought was hardwood but we don't want to be constantly concerned with scratching it. Which types of wood would be the most durable?
  • PRO
    Red Ridge Millwork
    11 years ago
    Small dog, small claws = less serious scratching...big dog is another story so ...dog size does matter! I know this sounds goofy but even the difference between a rambunctous dog and one thats more sedate and calm will make the difference ib scratches as a dog that is constantly running to the door or tearing around will wear any floor.
    Mild scratching for the most part doesnt really take away from the look of wood floors as its a natural look. If you are wanting a floor surface that is more bullet proof you could consider a wood look tile? They come in a few configurations and are often available in 6" wide by 3-4' long in many colors and tones - some of which emulate wood. Colder ?...yes. Less inclined to scratching?...yes. As nice as wood?..I dont think so but maybe check them out and see what you think. Cost will be a bit more than wood as well.
    We have used them in high traffic areas and butted them up to natural wood and its an awesome look albeit a bit more modern styling but very cool nevertheless.

    Hope that helps a bit?
    Cheers,
    Greg

    Red Ridge Millwork & Design Ltd.
    greg@redridgewinecellars.com
    http://www.redridgemillwork.com
    http://www.allreclaimedwoodfurniture.com
  • PRO
    Red Ridge Millwork
    11 years ago
    Sorry, ya...types of wood. Most domestic hardwood are are pretty durable. Some South American hardwoods are not crazy expensive and may even be on par with domestics. Jatoba is always nice and not overly pricey...Beautiful warm dark orangey red...

    Red Ridge Millwork & Design Ltd.
    greg@redridgewinecellars.com
    http://www.redridgemillwork.com
    http://www.allreclaimedwoodfurniture.com
  • PRO
    Signature Kitchen & Bath Design
    11 years ago
    Hello Allison. I would suggest wood with a baby on the way. You can put down rugs to cut down on damage by animals. It's a lot warmer product, don't know if you live somewhere cold. Consider that wood can be damaged in a kitchen with water leaks and heavy items being dropped on floor can dent or scratch the wood. If there is a natural stopping point I would recommend tile in the kitchen and wood everywhere else. The hardest woods are Brazilian Walnut, Curupa, Brazilian Tiger Mahogany, and Brazilian Ebony. In the middle is Hickory, Pecan, Red Mahogany, Cherry, and Black Walnut. Oaks and Maples are on the lower end and Pine is very soft. I would consider a hand scraped Walnut plank 5" width. This floor has a rustic look so scratching isn't as noticeable but be aware this style of floor is typically not able to be refinished down the road. Hope this helped!