[islandtiempo]

We went with hand scraped rustic bamboo floating floor. High quality vinly planks are a good alternative. I've installed both. The vinyl is easier to cut & lay.

If you like a rustic look than choose a distressed wood flooring. Scratches just add to it's character & can easily be touched up.

As a diyer I have had a lot of experience laying floor for family and friends. I would not choose : a. Pristine wood type floor, it will scratch, you won't be happy, b. Pergo type flat smooth flooring that to me looks like plastic, or c. Cheap looking vinyl plank flooring. If it doesn't fake you into believing it's wood, don't by it.

I would also recommend that you actually see the floor installed somewhere. you really can't tell what a floor is going to look like until it's actually installed in a room.