Need advice about replacing kitchen hardwood with tile, open plan

8 years ago

Hi, We have prefinished dark/cherry hardwood throughout our house. In the kitchen, which is an open floor plan with the family room, eating area, and sunroom, the prefinished hardwood is hard to maintain. I use only the recommended Bona products, but still there are smudgy, hazy areas. I am considering replacing the kitchen hardwood with porcelain tile. I have found a few tile selections that seem to work color-wise (not matching the color of the hardwood, but complimentary). Still, something is telling me not to do this. I fear it will never look as good as the uniform all-hardwood in the open plan and that I will end up regretting the change. Functionally, I like tile in the kitchen, but I'm worried about esthetics. Anyone with experience who can offer advice? I'd be most appreciative!!

Featured Answer

porkchop_z5b_MI

8 years ago

I think you have to decide what's more important to you - functionality or esthetics. Although, there are so many beautiful tile and stone choices on the market, I'm sure you could find something that will look terrific with the wood.

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Comments (8)

mjconti
8 years ago
I've read that porcelain is a very hard surface and hard to stand on for lengthy periods of time, if you cook a lot, or spend a lot of time in the kitchen. You might want to research if it's a good option in that regard before you decide. Finding the best flooring for a kitchen isn't easy!
lindac28 thanked mjconti
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Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
mjconti-- For some people, it is tough having a hard surface. The best way to know is if you have a tough time at the supermarket or in the mall, you might have a tough time with it in your kitchen. The majority of people won't have an issue with it, though.
lindac28 thanked Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent
boernegal
8 years ago
I have wood in my living room and porcelain tile in my kitchen. To me, they're both hard on my feet. I love the ease of care of the tile in the kitchen, and we have a Gelpro mat at the sink which really helps when standing washing dishes. Most of the time my feet are ok with the hardness, but I have a pair of Crocks sandals dedicated to indoor-only wear if I need cushioning.
lindac28 thanked boernegal
lindac28
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all for the advice and viewpoints, pro/con. I'm still debating whether tile to hardwood transition in an open floor plan can look amazing (vs "ok").
renee milliken
8 years ago
it can look amazing...I have done the wood to tile transition several times. contrast helps so keep that in mind, and make sure your transition does not have any changes in elevation to make a tripping hazard!
lindac28 thanked renee milliken
MotherOfGiants
8 years ago
You might also consider climate - if you're further north, tile can be very cold to walk on in the winter. I have wood throughout my first floor (including kitchen), but the finish is slightly matte, so haziness isn't really an issue. Maybe refinishing the floors would be an option?
lindac28 thanked MotherOfGiants
mjconti
8 years ago
A friend of mine had ceramic tile installed in her kitchen and has regretted it ever since. She's in her early 40's, physically fit, does a lot of walking, works full time, etc. She said it is very hard on the legs, knees, feet. Walking on hard surfaces is one thing, but standing is another. It is very different. Try standing in place on a cement surface for an hour and you will have a good idea. Ask anyone in an occupation that requires a lot of standing. It depends on how much time you spend in the kitchen, cooking, cleaning up, on whether a hard surface is a good idea.