--- title: "DAB Interior Design, Inc. — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/dab-interior-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1737813740 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1737813740.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "DAB Interior Design, Inc." category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/49e39b7205c9ff7e_1026-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "New York, New York 10036, United States" latitude: 40.7597 longitude: -73.9918 phone: "(917) 744-5212" website: http://dabinteriordesign.com/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 8 followers: 73 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # DAB Interior Design, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [DAB Interior Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/dab-interior-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1737813740) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** New York, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Manhattan, Hamptons, Southampton, Mamaroneck, Pelham Manor, East Quogue, Westhampton, Crown Heights, Bridgewater, Amagansett, Sagaponack, 5th Ave 59th-95th Street, 5th Ave. to East River, Alpine NJ, Battery Park City, Bronxville NY, Central Park South, Central Park West, Demarest NJ, Easthampton, Englewood NJ, Englewood Cliffs NJ, Gramercy Park, Harrison NY, Larchmont NY, Manhasset. NY, Morningside to CPW, Port Washington NY, Purchase NY, Riverside Drive, Roslyn NY, Rye NY, Scardale NY, Soho, Sutton Place, Tarrytown NY, Tenafly NJ, Tribeca, UES, UWS, West End Avenue, West Village - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (8 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves Architectural Full-Service Interior Design/Build Firm for discerning clients, with the finest taste, servicing the Manhattan and Tri-State area. “Five-Time National Award-Winning Designer” and her team with 35 years experience, expertise, knowledge & personalized service! From concept to completion! DAB Interior Design, approach every project on an individual basis with thoughtful attention to the ideas, needs and lifestyle of our clients, while placing the utmost importance in excellence of service. We believe good design is not about trends or rules, but creating timeless, inviting, stylish and ultimately comfortable spaces that enhances ones everyday life! We specialize in full apartment and home interior renovations, combining apartments, luxury baths, upscale kitchens, libraries, etc. Plus we manage every aspect of your project alleviating the difficulties, that clients typically experience, when trying to co-ordinate all phases of design and the construction process, into an enjoyable experience without mistakes. We have an exceptional reputation for our commitment to personalized service, high quality products, creative designs and the finest craftsmanship. Our services include design, architectural plans, filings, sourcing/supply from the curated sources we have dealt with for 30 plus years, and of course bringing the whole project to fruition, just as we planned. Most importantly, DAB Interior Designs’ foundation for the last 35 years, has been founded on trust, knowledge, integrity, experience, loyalty and our long term relationships with our clients. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Building Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Porch Design & Construction - Sunroom Design & Construction - Handicap-Accessible Design - Home Theater Design - Rooftop Deck Installation - Custom Storage - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Combine Apartments - Decorating Complete Home - Design/Build Townhouse/Brownstones - Renovation Brownstones - Renovations Townhouses - Renovations/Build- Co-ops ### Areas Served - New York City - Manhattan - Hamptons - Southampton - Mamaroneck - Pelham Manor - East Quogue - Westhampton - Crown Heights - Bridgewater - Amagansett - Sagaponack - 5th Ave 59th-95th Street - 5th Ave. to East River - Alpine NJ - Battery Park City - Bronxville NY - Central Park South - Central Park West - Demarest NJ - Easthampton - Englewood NJ - Englewood Cliffs NJ - Gramercy Park - Harrison NY - Larchmont NY - Manhasset. NY - Morningside to CPW - Port Washington NY - Purchase NY - Riverside Drive - Roslyn NY - Rye NY - Scardale NY - Soho - Sutton Place - Tarrytown NY - Tenafly NJ - Tribeca - UES - UWS - West End Avenue - West Village ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 500,000 Typical Project Costs for Bathroom Design/Build: $150,000- $350,000 Typical Project Costs for Kitchen Design/Build: $200,000- $500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DAB Interior Design, Inc. | | Address | New York, New York 10036, United States | | Phone | (917) 744-5212 | | Website | http://dabinteriordesign.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 73 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/dabinteriordesign - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/dab\_interiors - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/doris-amsterdam-bachmann-819a928 - Blog — https://www.instagram.com/dabinteriordesign/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DAB Interior Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/dab-interior-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1737813740) - **Website:** http://dabinteriordesign.com/ - **Phone:** (917) 744-5212 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Five Time Winner of the Prestigious National Kitchen & Bath Awards - Featured in:The New York Times Magazine Section - 10 Minute Segment on ABC Eyewitness News - Wall Street Journal - Newsweek - Baths & More by Professional Designer - New Jersey Monthly **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) - [Interior Design Society](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/interior-design-society-pfvwus-pf~1829752925) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★ — Judith Goldstein, June 2019** > Doris Bachmann was working behind the scenes with the architect I hired to renovate my NYC bathroom. When the project veered off course, Ms Bachmann stepped up, took charge, and saw the job through to completion. Her vast knowledge and expert advice was greatly appreciated > and the bathroom turned out beautifully! **★★★★★ — Julie Schuster Design Studio, Jan. 2019** > I have known Doris for several years as a colleague in both the National Kitchen and Bath Association (where she has won design awards) and the Interior Design Society, where she is an active member in both organizations. She is a seasoned professional and award winner in the area of bath design, in particular. She is 100% professional, capable and reliable. I can recommend her skills and design taste whoeheartedly. She will deliver the project of your dreams! **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Julie, > Thank you so much for writing such a lovely review of my achievements. It is always a pleasure to work with you on any project or share our industry wide experiences. It is always a delight to experience many new adventures into the world of design with someone who is always so upbeat and knowledgeable as you! **★★★★★ — Roy Marcus, Jan. 2019** > Doris is that rarest combination- an industry veteran who is still freshly fascinated by each project, and by the possibilities each project offers for giving her clientele a more beautiful result than they had dreamed possible. Doris’ infinite attention to detail, her innate taste and chic, her sage wisdom about the reality of the marketplace where resale value is concerned all make her a pleasure to work with for the homeowners who hire her and the trade professionals with whom she collaborates. **★★★★★ — NY Fine Interiors, June 2018** > Doris Amsterdam Bachmann was amazing to work with from start to finish. We worked with Doris on numerous projects in the past few years. The most recent project that we collaborated on was a 1 bedroom apartment on East End Avenue, in Manhattan, New York that she designed from top to bottom. It looked like it came straight out of a luxury home magazine, which in fact won “Her 5th National Award for Best Small Bathroom Design. Doris was very dedicated and involved in all our site meetings, kept on top of the project, coming to the site numerous time every week working closely with our subs like plumber, tile man, electrician and our millwork shop. > Her architectural drawings were extremely detailed and made it very easy for our men to follow. Doris has the ability to listen well and then apply that to the design recommendations. What makes her unique is her ability to see the whole picture and tend to the details in that context. She is extremely professional yet very personable and friendly. Great team to work with! If you’re looking for the "One of The Very Best Interior Designers", look no further. **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Damian thanks so much for writing this review about my expertise. Working with you and your amazing team of dedicated craftsman is always a pleasure. I found working with you on all our projects is a sheer delight. The projects truly unfold as smooth as butter. Being on the same wave length with a General Contractor like you with years of experience and an extremely qualified team of professionals like your men and subs makes life incredible when doing a challenging renovation/design project. > > I have worked with many GC's over my career and without question, you are the best of the breed! **★★★★★ — Hardware Designs Inc, Sept. 2016** > I have known Mrs. Bachman for too many years to count! She is one of those design professionals that you can both count of for design capability and competence. She always has a flair for the new and unusual, with using only the best fixtures and cabinetry available. Design awards have always followed her, as her work has always been inspiring. I have always been glad to be associated with her and her work, and as one of her suppliers over the years, I have come to know what she expects, which is the best product at the best price point. She can be an enormous asset to anyone who considers using her! > Larry Goren > co owner Hardware Designs of Fairfield NJ **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Larry Goren, > Thank you for such a lovely review. It has always been a pleasure to work with you! > Your expertise, guidance and exceptional showroom is always a delight to work with. > I look forward to many more prosperous years of our relationship! > Doris Amsterdam Bachmann **★★★★★ — MCKB, March 2016** > Excellent interior designer with a flair for luxury. The kitchen renovation project was spectacular. She worked well with our designers and staff. We highly recommend DAB interior design. **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Dear Sol & Allan, Thank you so much for the lovely review ! It is always a pleasure and exceptional experience, working with MCKB , your very outstanding staff and construction department! I always am thrilled that I met you and started a professional relationship with MCKB! **★★★★★ — nconstain, Jan. 2016** > We had DAB Interior Design, do a complete re- design, renovation of our master bath and are extremely pleased with the result. Our designer, Doris was fantastic - exceptional ideas, she’s an artist and has great talent, not only for design but also for the practical space. She suggested in order to increase our privacy, as the master bath was by the front door, very dreary and cramped for our needs. Doris recommended that we utilize part of the very large master bedroom, closets, expand the whole bathroom and rework the walk in closets to accommodate the master bath, we desired. Doris created a space that, exceeding anything we envisioned was possible! She and her skilled design team, eliminated the 8’ ceiling, raising the ceilings to the roof rafters, put in two new clerestory window up high, far above the front door and added two skylights. We finally had loads of beautiful natural light and much longed for privacy. The deal clincher was the detailed design plans, Doris’ years of experience, excellent taste, attention to details, exceptional knowledge of the luxury bath market, and how to create intricate shower and bath systems. A truly luxurious bathroom! Her incredible ability to envision the space beforehand, translating what the space would look like, from the plans, to my husband and myself. Exactly how the functionality would fit our needs. She and her staff, were there every step of the way, including during the construction phase, providing the project management. However DAB’s blueprints were so detailed and provided such clear directions for the contractor and sub-contractors, that there were no mis-communications or mistakes at all. The project ran smoothly the whole time and if something didn’t we were not aware of it. > > Our new master bath, was totally planned out in advance by DAB’s Design Studio. > We purchased every item so they were in our possession or in the vendors warehouse, to prevent unnecessary delays. The subcontractors were a pleasure to work with and completed their part of the project on time, so that the next subcontractor could continue the seamless completion of the project. > > We were thrilled with the results! We now have a spacious beautifully laid > out space with, new walk in closets, fully outfitted, loads of storage including a large linen closet, two sinks with ample room for both of us, a dressing table, a soaking tub and even a private area for our toilet and bidet. But best of all is our fabulous steam shower with the latest shower equipment, rain shower from the ceiling, body sprays, thermostatic mixing valve and even a hand shower right next to the big bench, where we can relax while steaming. The coolest part is, we can turn the water temperature down to cold before steaming, turn the water on by the bench, just when we get overheated, and spray our head to cool off! Not only that but if we shower during the day the sunlight comes streaming onto the shower bench! Truly heavenly! > > > DAB quickly resolved the few issues we had along the way, and the quality of the materials they provided and their workmanship was top notch. I think it is unusual to complete such an extensive, complicated job with no complaints, but we have none. Actually, we’re thrilled and would give our highest recommendation, without hesitation to Doris and DAB Interior Design with total confidence in their abilities and integrity. Five star job! **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Dear Bill & Nicole, > Thank you so much for such a lovely review. > Working with you both was a wonderful experience! > I'm glad I was able to create a space and environment > that you both enjoy so much. I look forward to working > with you again, on your next project! > > Doris **★★★★★ — helencrose, Oct. 2015** > DAB INterior design renovated a small bathroom for me. I did not think that room could be anything more than functional. Mrs. Bachman made it beautiful. I did not think that she could provide that much storage in so small a space. She is competent,professional and a good communicator. I am very happy with the results **Comment from DAB Interior Design, Inc.:** > Thank you for acknowledging the Bathroom Renovation, we did for you. > It was a pleasure to work with you and I look forward > to helping you with other spaces in your home! ## Selected projects - [Award Winning Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-bathrooms-pj-vj~1253073) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 16 - Description: This Tribeca Upscale Bath, was a renovation in a large 3 bedroom apartment. The clients wanted to rework the original bath, which although larger than the average city bath, still required us to make changes to the master bedroom, some closets and we also utilized one of the other bedrooms. We were able to accommodate a free standing soaking tub, a digitally operated steam shower with multiple head sprays, hand shower, a rain shower, thermostatic pressure balanced mixer, with independent wall va… - [Contemporary Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-kitchens-pj-vj~1295152) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Award Winning Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-kitchens-pj-vj~1250141) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Transitional Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-kitchens-pj-vj~1295147) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [East End Avenue, Award Winning Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-end-avenue-award-winning-renovation-pj-vj~2779082) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 50 - Description: The client who was a busy Physcian, had bought this co-op a number of years before but had never done any work to Renovate or Upgrade the space. She finally decided to Gut the whole apartment, down to the bones, so ended up with a totally Brand New Apartment with an outstanding view of the East River. You could practically dive off her balcony into the river. After spending a substantial time discussing, drawing all the detailed plans , shopping for all the products that would make up her new ho… - [Traditional Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-kitchens-pj-vj~1295160) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [East End Avenue, Award Winning Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-end-avenue-award-winning-bathroom-pj-vj~3492636) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: The client, a busy physician, requested we remove tub & replace with stall shower, which is no easy feat when dealing with engineers, co-op rules, regulations & co-op Board. We had to remove a 70 year old cast iron tub & deal with replacing a shower drain which was larger to accommodate the shower, without having to destroy the ceiling of neighbors bath below! My plumber did it! Original bath was 6’ x 4’8” with a 7' ceiling. The smallest, most difficult, full bath I ever worked in & I have done… - [Custom Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-projects-pj-vj~5548358) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Other Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/other-rooms-pj-vj~3940514) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/dab-interior-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1737813740) ## Community Q&A **Q: Didn't realize counter and floor marbles were different. Rip out?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I thought I was working with cararra on both the counter and the floor. Took samples to the stoneyard, looked fine with the countertop. I even laid out the floor tiles on my bedroom floor and they still looked good. Once they were grouted in, blue cast. The thin set is white so it's not that. Then the countertop came and it's statutory which I just didn't realize. Beautiful but doesn't really go with the floor. The tiles will be white subway and go 43 inches all round the bathroom. Between the two it would be easier to replace the countertop (and probably the sink which would break in the process). I'm trying to decide whether painting the walls or painting the vanity a blue gray would help bridge this. In the photos the floor looks whiter than it really is. It's definitely on the bluer side. or painting the vanity would help bridge the two...or if it just won't work. A: It looks fine. because they are not that different, especially with the octogonal floor, you really can't see the veining like on the slab countertop. Don't change it. However, don't use subway tiles you just have to many shapes and it looks way to busy with all the shapes and sizes. Using a brick pattern on the wall honestly looks terrible. If you insist in using them just stack them and blend them in with the same color grout. I prefer the bead board. It looks much cleaner and simple. Less is more! I have won "5 National Awards for my Baths". Take a look at my Houzz Page or website?dabinteriordesign.com. **Q: Bathroom Remodel** *(in Design Dilemma)* I’m looking to update my bathroom. I love grays and whites. Looking for some suggestions. A: I have been a " Five Time Nationally Award Winning Architectural Interior Designer" for 35 years and I am an expert in Luxury Baths. You first have to give more information as to what level of change you are looking to do? I would find it impossible to make this a grey and white bathroom with any fixtures you currently have. Whirlpools and glass block have been out for at least 25-30 years. Today people are using beautiful free standing tubs. So trying to change the tile or vanity would just be needlessly spending on something that will never give you the look you desire. I would gut the whole bathroom, perhaps have a professional relay it out, in a more up to date design, perhaps moving fixtures around but without a floor plan, window placement, drains etc., it would be impossible to say for sure, how to proceed. The toilets ,shower equipment today conserve water and use less than 2 gallons to flush. Your current toilet probably uses double plus so you're wasting water and my guess is the flushing of the toilet is much worse and gets clogged up, way more often than one that is up to date, by today's standards. Some models today actually clean themselves. Shower are much more open and have more equipment available that has many more features. That needs to be reworked. Of course get rid of glass block, I haven't seen used for years. The vanity also has to go as it is a style that really isn't used any longer . Lighting is also critical to get the ambience and effects you desire. Not to mention that today, we use LED lighting, which is much more efficient, each bulb should last 25,000 hours, not to mention your electric bill will go down. If you would like some help, we redesign spaces, long distance, select materials and help you select by interviewing, checking local references, the best local contractors to do your job for you plus provide you with very detailed Architectural Drawings for your contractor to complete the project without any problems. If you have any interest contact me at doris@dabinteriordesign.com. If you go to my Houzz site and look at the type of plans I am referring to, for the above bath, as well as before and after shots, but even those aren't the complete set that created the above bath, which "Won an National Award this Year in the Small Bath Category." Please look through my Houzz Site and you can see my other work? **Q: Granite Advice Needed -- Parent's Condo -- Oak Cabinets** *(in Polls)* Hi -- I'm helping my parents with some minor updates to their condo. Their kitchen has oak cabinets that need new counters. I MUST stress that new cabinets are NOT an option, since they like the oak. They also have black appliances. They have it narrowed down to two entry level granites -- uba tuba and giallo ornamental light. Both will offer completely different looks. I don't want to steer them wrong, so I'm looking for some helpful advice. If they went with the uba tuba, then I'm thinking they could have a slate backsplash. For the giallo ornamental, it would be cream-colored subway tiles. The kitchen is part of an open floor plan, which has hardwood floors, oak trim and light beige walls. Thanks in advance. \* I've posted photos with their cabinet door color with the two granites. The door is from a recent removal of their bath vanity. Their kitchen cabinets are in immaculate condition. A: Hi, I like the lighter Giallo, definitely. I hate the Uba Tuba! I think the Uba Tuba with the Black Appliances, just makes the room look to somber, dark and a bit depressing to me. Especially, that your parents are in their 70's brighter is always better when you consider Universal Design and Aging in Place. There is also some specs of black in the Giallo and I like that better than the dark Uba Tubs Black emphasizing the appliances. Let them blend in. As far as the backsplash, you can use a lighter tile that works with the stone, perhaps, laid in an interesting way, staggered or stacked. You also could use the Giallo on the backsplash as the light color is more reflective or a tiny scale tile, like in below picture which blends. Not everything has to make a statement. " Less is More" You might also check out real Quartzite, which is also beautiful and every bit as durable as granite, but is a newer look. Granite has been kind of overdone and really isn't as popular as it was years ago. Check out pictures of Quartzite below, with a small mosaic of small square to blend with the top. Although, these are different cabinets and color wood than your parents, you can get the idea. Don't confuse Quartzite, which is the real stone with Quartz which is manmade. Making sure they have plenty of light and if they don't have under cabinet lights they definitely should, as the older we get the more light we need, especially to do things like cutting and preparing. We call it Task lighting rather than general room lighting. **Q: Backsplash or no backsplash???** *(in Design Dilemma)* Just painted my kitchen cabinets white, added hardware, under cabinet lighting a nd am deciding on quartz countertops. Can't decide if we should do backsplash or not. Seems trendy right now, and I've never had it. Not sure if it'll make it look too busy. I bought some backsplash that I like, then I got the cabinets done, and now I'm not sure! When I order the countertops I have to decide on the 4" kick or not. W/backsplash no kick-w/out backsplash I'll get kick. I plan to get a lighter countertop- not white. HELP!!! BACKSPLASH YES OR NO????????? Before w/brown cabinets Now, painted white w/hardware and lighting backsplash I had picked out A: Hi, I definitely agree that you should get rid of the 4" piece, I think you called it the kick, as others suggested, as it is sooooo dated and does absolutely does nothing to protect the back of the sink. Before I do anything, I select and bring all the necessary materials together. into kitchen and put them next to each other and that way, I can make an intelligent, visual appealing aesthetic selections. I'll never understand why homeowners select things as they go, because they never end up with the look they ultimately want. Please don't depend on the contractor either as they build and they are definitely not designers. They just want to get through the project. Select, all the elements you need to complete the kitchen, then get your opinions, because everything must co-ordinate with each other. I might decide once I see everything to do the backspash tiles vertically to make things look taller or even go all the way to ceiling if there is a fan hood, on either side. There are so many things to consider to make it a cohesive look? Attaching several different kitchens, back splashes ,floors with quartz tops. **Q: white quartz countertop** *(in Polls)* We recently installed a new kitchen and asked for 3” quartz countertop for island and 1 1/2” for counters. The island looks like a 3” slab but when you look underneath it isn’t. Is this normal? A: Hi! The 2cm stone is approximately ¾ inch thick, ranging from 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch in thickness. The 3cm stone is approximately 1-3/16 inch thick, ranging from 1-1/16 inch to 1-5/16 inch in thickness. What your fabricator did is a common technique also used with real stones like granite, marble and also quartz. They build up the edge or fuse the material together to give the exterior look of 3" ( stabilize the under edge with wood) which would be outrageously heavy with full slabs of the material also fused, prohibitably expensive, wouldn't look any different and unnecessary since you get the same look by just building up the edge. You'll appreciate the look of quartz, you’ll find it remarkably easy to maintain—unlike marble and natural stone, which require a special sealant and can be finicky to care for. Quartz contains 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent polymer resins and pigments, combined to produce a granite-hard slab that can duplicate the look of mesmerizing marble swirls or earthy natural stone, without the maintenance. Quartz also resists scratching and cracking to a greater degree than many natural countertops, ranking a “7” in hardness on the Moh’s scale (developed in 1822 by Friedrich Moh to rate mineral hardness). Marble, in comparison, ranks only a “3.” I wouldn't get upset by the underneath part of the edge, it's a design trick which we have been using for years. Enjoy your new kitchen it's lovely! **Q: Laminate or Engineered Hardwood? - Resale, Look/Feel, ROI** *(in Remodeling)* I am looking to put new flooring in the main level of my house which is just under $700 sq. ft. The home is in the $190k - $200k range and I'm wondering if it's worth the investment to put the money into engineered wood floors. Laminate has always felt fake to me when walking on it, but I understand that it's more budget friendly and with a dog it would be more durable. So is it worth it to compromise the quality and go with laminate for the sake of cost? Or is it worth it to spend the extra $ for engineered even in a less expensive "starter home"? A: Hi! Have you looked at the recent innovation in wood looking porcelain tiles, that are available in all different type of wood finishes. Honestly you can barely tell the difference unless you feel it. With dogs or kids that give it a beating, I feel it is the best choice since an engineered floor will take a beating and needs maintenance when abused. The wood looking porcelain tiles look like boards but you can wipe them off and they won't scratch or chip, You can do al different designs straight, herringbone,etc Today the porcelain advancements have been amazing. The color goes all the way through the tiles and they have a process that photographs real wood floors, marble, almost any type of finish desired and it's extremely hard to tell the difference. Check it out? I think it will be the answer for you. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*