Wood or Tile

[optv13sp]

We have our design appointment in two weeks and of course, I'm thinking about all of the possibilities. I'm trying to decide whether I would rather have wood or tile in the kitchen/nook/entry of a Begonia. I prefer the look of wood and I'm wondering what advice anyone can give on the pros/cons of each. Also does anyone have a "ballpark" idea of the relative cost of each? I realize there are variables involved and I will get exact answers at the design meeting, but in the meantime, please give me your ideas about each. Thanks.

[bdabob]

We closed in September and we were told they wont install wood in "wet" areas such as kitchen or entry.
We did install wood in our living/dining/nook areas and it looks great, but needs lots of attention to keep it presentable; I would do tile if given the opportunity again.

[BogeyBoy]

We installed wood in our second place here. Looked great, was everywhere except the kitchen, hall, and baths. Our biggest issue, our dog couldn't get any traction and his nails on the floor were noisy. (This was a floating wood floor.)

In our current place we have 90% tile - but the tile in most areas has a wood look.

This image isn't the greatest, it was taken during installation.

Added a couple more photos to give you a better idea of the wood look. (Color looks lighter and brighter which is closer to reality.)

[Uptown Girl]

I absolutely LOVE the newest porcelain tiles that look like wood planking. Yours are outstanding, BogeyBoy! Great investment for long term!

Having had two homes with real wood in the 'wet areas'- kitchen, laundry, bath, I would say it IS do-able, with the understanding that water damage may certainly occur at some point or another. It is a gamble as to whether you will have a leak, appliance flood or spill strong enough to do damage.
Damage fix is no easy task, is expensive and requires a pro. The floor has to be ripped up. There is no other way.

As beautiful as wood is, please do consider some sort of tile in the 'wet areas'. The italian porcelain planks are expensive but pretty much indestructible and quite beautiful in person. The only thing that gives them away is the grout line- but that can be made very small.
I believe Evans Prarie Country Club has this tile on their floors. Have you seen them?

[janmcn]

Wood would be like a smorgasbord for termites.

[capecodkev]

I agree with uptown girl, the new tile that looks like wood is very nice and it is difficult to tell that its not wood.

[gomoho]

Love the look of wood, but the maintenance of tile. If I had to do it again it would be tile, especially with dogs.

[Golfingnut]

We have our design appointment in two weeks and of course, I'm thinking about all of the possibilities. I'm trying to decide whether I would rather have wood or tile in the kitchen/nook/entry of a Begonia. I prefer the look of wood and I'm wondering what advice anyone can give on the pros/cons of each. Also does anyone have a "ballpark" idea of the relative cost of each? I realize there are variables involved and I will get exact answers at the design meeting, but in the meantime, please give me your ideas about each. Thanks.

tile. this is florida

[batman911]

If you like worrying about scratches and dents from grandkids, pets, accidents, high heels, water damage, termite damage, get wood. Not sure why everyone is so high on wood now. I doubt most have ever had wood floors before. It can be a real pain in the plank. Not much you can do to hurt tile and it looks great.

[jimbo2012]

Wood would be like a smorgasbord for termites.

Not true, if it were your whole house would be.

If they can't get past the perimeter with normal protect how can it happen, if it did every house here would be talking about it.

Even a block home has wood all over the place including the roof.

Back to the question, if you like echo's and always wear shoes and never drop a breakable item get tile.

On the other hand wood is the choice.

It is warmer I have an infrared gun I'm going to try and see what the difference is. But i know before hand in bare feet it is no where as warm.

It absorbs sound.

If polyurethane or other high end finish is used it is dog proof as well.

My opinion is take the carpet, get tile in the baths or kitchen.

Move in roll up the carpet get after market wood 7-10 dollars sq '

.

[optv13sp]

Wow...that's really beautiful. I will certainly take a look at this option.

[optv13sp]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts on this. You have all given us something to think about. I have been to Evans Prairie several times but I didn't take note of the flooring. Now I will. We have had wood floors in our kitchen/dining/family room for the last 10 years and we love it. We don't have pets so we don't have that issue. I didn't realize TV wouldn't put it in kitchens. We are having tile in bathrooms, laundry room etc. I just like the warmth and the look of wood...but as someone said...it is Florida...so we'll continue to process the possibilities. Thanks again everyone. I can't imagine moving to TV without all of the many helpful people on Talk of the Villages. It makes everything so much easier.

[AngieT2]

We installed wood in our second place here. Looked great, was everywhere except the kitchen, hall, and baths. Our biggest issue, our dog couldn't get any traction and his nails on the floor were noisy. (This was a floating wood floor.)

In our current place we have 90% tile - but the tile in most areas has a wood look.

This image isn't the greatest, it was taken during installation.

Added a couple more photos to give you a better idea of the wood look. (Color looks lighter and brighter which is closer to reality.)

Bogey~~

Did you do that wood look tile through the Design Center or on your own? I found some this weekend at Home Depot and was thinking about doing it in my new home.

Thx!
Angie

[llaran]

Tile is very hard on your knees and feet, also COLD

[johnboy]

The down side of wood is that if you change your mind in the future, it would cost a fortune to take it out and then put in the tile.

[jimbo2012]

so if you change your mind and want to take tile out and change for wood it costs less then?

But would you really want to rip this out?

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10709d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0629.jpg

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10710d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0630.jpg

[Trish Crocker]

so if you change your mind and want to take tile out and change for wood it costs less then?

But would you really want to rip this out?

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10709d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0629.jpg

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10710d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0630.jpg

Your floor looks absolutely beautiful!! I've never had ceramic in the 'non-wet' areas and have to admit it's taking some getting used to. I think the thing that I dislike the most is how unforgiving it is on the feet...makes walking into my carpeted bedroom wonderful. Ceramic does seem somewhat easier to take care of than wood..if nothing else it hides dust better (and cat fur) but the wood just seems warmer and more homey.
The reality is, I'd settle for linoleum just to be down here!

[BogeyBoy]

Bogey~~

Did you do that wood look tile through the Design Center or on your own? I found some this weekend at Home Depot and was thinking about doing it in my new home.

Thx!
Angie

Floormasters did the job for us. (They have done multiple jobs for us over the years.)

[MSG@TV]

so if you change your mind and want to take tile out and change for wood it costs less then?

But would you really want to rip this out?

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10709d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0629.jpg

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/10710d1362316414t-buying-installing-real-hardwood-flooring-sam_0630.jpg

Jimbo, it looks amazing!!! So, are you thinking of going into the business of laying floors? If so, call us. Just kidding. Although I have a spouse who is also handy, I've put my foot down on the number of projects he can do at TV. If he did everything he said he could, plus play golf, plus join about a dozen different clubs, plus dance with me at the squares, plus continue working part-time, he would have no time to sleep!!!