I grew up in older historic homes with wood....so I never thought twice about this topic until recently. We purchased a 90's era home that still had it's original wood floors, multiple owners, hard used, still in fine shape...but we replaced bc we wanted to do same throughout entire house and couldn't match up the style. When the flooring guy came out with samples we discussed the alternatives. He made one good comment that made me feel solid about sticking with wood when I mentioned dishwashers malfunctioning etc, " If your washing machine in the attached laundry room malfunctions and overflows, do you think the water will stay put on those tile floors? If the bathroom around the corner floods when you are on vacation, do you think the water will stay confined to that area? No. It will flow into your living room or kitchen, or hallway and ruin those floors too. So if you want wood in the kitchen, that's what insurance is for. When an issue like these occur and floors are ruined, it doesn't confine to just that bathroom or dishwasher space, and that's where insurance comes into play to replace". While it may be part of a sales gimmick, it certainly is true.

In shopping for my wood floors I read up on them via manufacturers websites etc, and many have finishes that will prevent fading from sun exposure. We have only had ours a year, but we spent six months without blinds due to my indecision, in the hot Texas sun with tons of windows and no fading was noted. I would not let it deter you. Do your homework. I fell in love with the floors we chose and have to be honest, I do not remember if they have it, but I remember him telling me certain varieties fade worse than others. Brazilians I think fade easier...even with UV protection. So just do some home work, and follow your gut! It's your house :) I chose Hill Country Innovations, Madagascar collection...beautiful and no regrets...even though I have to follow my husband around to make sure water drips don't sit on the floors ;)

Good luck!