Hi! Today’s “Let’s Talk” could easily fall under Renovation Diaries, but since I’m genuinely looking for your input on one particular subject, I thought it belonged here. I’m at the point where I need to make a decision on the kitchen flooring—and soon as our cabinets cannot be ordered until flooring has been established.
Many of you may remember my old floor: reclaimed limestone pavers from Paris Ceramics. I truly loved them. Some say stone floors can be tough on the feet, but I honestly never found that to be an issue. Still, I’m not getting any younger, and maybe it’s time to consider something slightly more forgiving.
That brings me to the big question. Do I go back to the pavers I’ve always adored, or make the switch to wood? To refresh your memory here is my kitchen board which has not really changed much. Showing 2 flooring options-
If I chose wood, I’m leaning toward either-
A wide plank or herringbone pattern, likely in a walnut tone for warmth and depth.
I’ve also admired the look of painted wood floors, but realistically, with another dog likely in our future, I know they can be more delicate.
So, it’s really coming down to the timeless rustic beauty of stone versus the warmth and comfort of wood. I love both, and I trust many of you—who have built, renovated, and designed kitchens yourselves, to help me weigh the pros and cons. If I did go with the stone I would opt for a more tonal look vs the mixed warm and cool I did for my previous kitchen. It was a different look.
Would love to know-
Would you choose stone pavers again or go with wood?
If wood, do you prefer wide plank or herringbone?
Your opinions always help me see things from a fresh perspective, and I’m excited to hear what you think!
Some paver pictures for reference-
Wood, I would not go too dark but like the walnut tones as well as the tones of a stained white oak-
And therein lies my dilemma, I keep going back and forth.I know both could be beautiful, this flooring will also extend into the hallway that leads to a pantry and laundry room. I am so torn and would really appreciate your input! OK so the question is stone vs wood-
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2nd day of our huge silver last call blowout sale!
Thanks as always for stopping in and helping me to make a decision. I truly am torn and keep going back and forth though I have to say part of me is ever so slightly leaning towards the soft toned pavers, just love the look! I will look forward to hearing what you have to say on the matter. Decisions have to be made very soon, so I am all ears. Until next time…..
I see why you are conflicted. I have wood floors in my kitchen, as I found that the stone was hard on my body. Also, i love the look. However, it is YOUR house, and you should go with what you want. the wide plank in the color you have chosen really invokes a french country look, as does the stone. Best of luck Tina!
Your kitchen is going to be so beautiful. Love that you are doing the classic delft tile. If I were to ever do another kitchen, I would use delft tile too. I say go with what you love. We have reclaimed pavers in our newish kitchen and I love them so much. Had wood in my old house and much prefer the pavers. I can say honestly I do not feel a difference on my 61 year old body, at least not yet!
Worst thing is putting in something as a second choice then you will always look at the floors as not what you really wanted. That said, both will be beautiful in that kitchen. Just my 2 cents:)
I have been warned too many times about wood floors near a water source. If your ice maker dies or sink leaks, you have ruined floors. For that reason, I’ve always chosen a tile option in the kitchen.
Good Morning! My husband and I have built five homes over many years. I definitely would suggest the wide-plank wood flooring over the tile floor. Tile flooring is obviously easier to maintain, but it is very hard on feet, and cold in the winter. Wood is much kinder to the feet, and much warmer to look at. I think the herringbone is beautiful, but might look too busy in a large kitchen. You do need to wipe up spills quickly! Whichever you choose will look beautiful!!!
All of your ideas are beautiful!
I highly recommend wood flooring. They are easy on the feet and exude warmth and elegance.
I had stone in my last house. I had to handle my dishes with great care lest I drop my favorite mug or plate on that unforgiving surface!
Honestly, I highly recommend you look into the fabulous luxury faux wood that is available today. There are beautiful products out there that are soooo easy to maintain. They look just like wood and you can order in any finish. They are virtually indestructible!!
I’m also a fan of the wide plank instead of stone. At 72 my body feels the difference of standing on wood vs stone. I respectfully disagree that faux wood looks like real wood, nor does it feel or sound like real wood. The reason I opted for wide plank white oak over herringbone in my own home (everywhere except bathrooms) is because herringbone can be very busy especially if it has a heavy grain and I wanted our art and antiques to be the focus rather than the floor. We have water sensors under our refrigerators, sinks and other appliances that are connected to water. The app is on our phones and we are notified immediately should they detect a leak. They also have an audible alert. There are numerous options available now that are very reliable. Your plans are beautiful and I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose. Thanks for including us in the planning process so we can enjoy the journey with you.
I can see why you’re conflicted – but looks are fabulous! It seems your heart loves the stone pavers yet something is present in your mind advising to look at wood. The wood large plank would look stunning. I love the herringbone pattern but think it could be too busy. Could there be a focal pointy somewhere that uses the herringbone pattern and large plank everywhere else. My thought is wood is timeless and will more easily “grow” with your family, eg easier on the body as you age, more forgiving with grandkids who are more susceptible to dropping things. We had a new puppy and our builder recommended 3 coats of polyurethane for our installed on site hardwood floors. We love it and my husband who is 12 years older than me, he’s 72 can feel the difference/benefit to his back and legs of the wood over the tile in our last house. Either choice will be beautiful – I think the question is which flooring is best for the life stages of your family. Good luck!
I really like wide plank wood for a kitchen. I have had wood in two kitchens already and love it. It’s more welcoming to my mind than the colder look of the tile. Especially since the flooring extends into the hall for the pantry and laundry.
Whatever you decide will be beautiful and I will just share my experience. I have had wood floors in most houses. We built a house with wide plank, walnut floors, which are absolutely gorgeous. But they did scratch easily from the dog and they show a lot of dust because they’re so dark. I just completed a barn on our current property and put in wide plank, medium tone oak and I love it. The main house has tile which is quite beautiful, and I don’t notice it being particularly hard because we use rugs. We did not build this house, but the person who did put in heated floors everywhere so in the winter, the tile is toasty everywhere, which is pretty fantastic.
Tina. I am a retired Arcitect Designer. with a background in Fine Arts. I always use dark woods on all my floors including Herringbone pattern. A favorite of mine. The dark wood and beams anchor the floor to the ceiling. Its about balance and depth. The lighter beams and flooring are not enough contrast with all your beautiful Ivory White cabinets . Also instead of that light blue enamel on the stove consider a deeper cobalt blue like on your tiles . Again its all light with no contrast you need to get some contrast in there especially in a large area like you have. At least consider darker flooring. I am 87 this month I’ve been at this a long time lol lol Plus i have been cooking most of my life starting very young as it was back then lol
Stone pavers are truly great for high traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, easy clean up etc. I love the warmth of hardwood floors in family rooms, bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and yes, walnut finish. As far as flooring in kitchen, stone pavers hard on legs and feet, don’t fall for that nonsense, You don’t spend your whole day in the kitchen, on your feet, 6am-6pm. At most in and out, maybe 1-2 hours etc. Your choices in the past have been beautiful, love the stone pavers in your other homes. Go with your gut, don’t second guess yourself. 🌸
Wood floors are so much warmer and more inviting, in my opinion and yes, easier on the legs. If you go with wood, definitely go with herringbone, which has a more European feel and is much less common than wide plank, which is more Colonial. Whatever you choose, it will be beautiful, I’m sure.
I voted for the pavers only because you said you would be getting a dog. I prefer the look of the wood floors but my dog has really scratched them up. If you don’t mind a more “worn” and scratched up look from a dog then I would definitely go with the wood herringbone pattern! That would be beautiful!
Stone pavers! Wood isn’t practical in a kitchen and doesn’t look like you actually cook in there. For times when you will be standing and cooking for longer periods of time, get some mats to stand on – there are many really beautiful ones – that you can roll up and put away when you’re finished.
I have stone floors and, on a daily basis, they aren’t bad, but for Holiday or entertaining cooking they are murder on my back and feet. I prefer the wood floors I had in my previous home.
Wood Plank will be the best solution for the long term. I believe the Herringbone pattern is too trendy and will date the property in the future. Wood plank floors are more timeless.
I love our wood floors in our entire downstairs. Working in the kitchen is much easier in my feet than stone. But it is your home so select what you love most.
Wood plank definitely.! (talking from experience and who is older than you).
No to the Herringbone – too busy for a kitchen that already has so much going on. As a retired designer I agree with Nancy Whitehead you should reconsider either the range colour or the tiles.
The stone is gorgeous, no question. But falling on a stone floor would not be cool. Slipping on a stone floor is maybe a little easier if liquids are spelled etc.? Everything breaks easier on the stone— anything dropped and anything fallen… I think the wood is very beautiful herringbone or wide plank.
Why not consider a combination floor of stone pavers and wood. It does not have to be either or. Technically more challenging, but stunning. I have limestone floors in the kitchen because we did want to be concerned about the wear and traffic. We have a farm with 4 dogs. The floors have worn wonderfully.
We have wood floors in the rest of the house without polyurethane – that is what shows all the scratches. Our wood floors were done in Texas and brought in, hand scrapped and finished on site. I was able to determine the color by having the stain mixed on-site. Our wood floors have a completely different finish what is normally done. They have become more beautiful as they age. Everyone who comes in remarks on how beautiful the floors are.
No scratches, no waxing, no refinishing in 19 years.
I have always had wood floors in my kitchen and have never had a problem maintaining them and they are very comfortable to work on. I have also had dogs and no issues. We have lived in our current home for 26 years and have had the floors refinished once, when we redid our kitchen. I think you would be very happy with wood and be happier as you get older!
I previously sent a note about your concern. It is so worth repeating. Please consider going with wood floors. The pavers are not comfortable as you age on knees ,and hips. It looks like you most likely will not be in for another year. That will put you over 60!! Wait until you see how quickly this decade will fly by. Plus with little Philip and more babies to come, wood is a better choice!
If you have large dogs and grands, stone is better.
My daughter has children, large dogs and beautiful wood floors….. but there is always something on the floor.
I have brick pavers in the kitchen, entry, butlers pantry/bar) and they are harmless!!! + walnut varigated sizes wood plank custom floors in the Living room, library and dining areas) Also, several rugs.
Nothing is worst than worriing about the floors.
My opinion!
D
Should you decide to go with stone, the only way I would do it is if I installed radiant heat beneath the floors. In fact, I would do radiant heat flooring no matter what you choose, and for sure in bathrooms. With wood, it takes a bit more work to install, but well worth it. I love the look of wide plank flooring, but with dogs – maybe not.
I like both but I’ve only had wood floors that are original thru out my old house. I’ve seen wood and stone together in beautiful installed patterns. I would do this if ever had to redo my floors. It’s a unique look that you don’t see often because of finding an expert installer.
I love seeing your old kitchen, one of my all time favorites. And this kitchen will give it a run for it’s money, lvoe what you are are doing.
I have had both. We had wood when we moved into this 1920’s Georgian home and then did a huge remodel 3 years ago and I put in stone in the kitchen and hallway. I love it and my vote goes for stone. I really don’t agree about the wear and tear on your legs unless you are standing there for hours and hours (and there are cushioned mats for that if you are). Also if you are going to have a dog- stone is way to go. Wood will show the wear and tear.
Truth is either will look beautiful but stone gets my vote.
Wood floors without a doubt! We had stone which hurt my ankles, knees, and hips as I cooked…and I’m only 66 years old. I had to wear supportive tennis shoes to relieve the pain. When we remodeled, we put in wood floors and I cannot believe the difference, so much more comfortable.
Hot water radiant floor with stone or porcelain (from Italy)…they are gorgeous, durable, super easy maintenance and as for forgiving..wear better cushioned footwear for comfort & stability. I’d put money on you regretting the choice of picking real wood. IF you are looking for wood for appearance purposes…there are many uber luxurious porcelain tiles from Italy that look like real wood…I’m certain you have seen them and they’ve most certainly become even better since I last went looking. Good Luck!
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Hi! Today’s “Let’s Talk” could easily fall under Renovation Diaries, but since I’m genuinely looking for your input on one particular subject, I thought it belonged here. I’m at the point where I need to make a decision on the kitchen flooring—and soon as our cabinets cannot be ordered until flooring has been established.
Many of you may remember my old floor: reclaimed limestone pavers from Paris Ceramics. I truly loved them. Some say stone floors can be tough on the feet, but I honestly never found that to be an issue. Still, I’m not getting any younger, and maybe it’s time to consider something slightly more forgiving.
That brings me to the big question. Do I go back to the pavers I’ve always adored, or make the switch to wood? To refresh your memory here is my kitchen board which has not really changed much. Showing 2 flooring options-
If I chose wood, I’m leaning toward either-
So, it’s really coming down to the timeless rustic beauty of stone versus the warmth and comfort of wood. I love both, and I trust many of you—who have built, renovated, and designed kitchens yourselves, to help me weigh the pros and cons. If I did go with the stone I would opt for a more tonal look vs the mixed warm and cool I did for my previous kitchen. It was a different look.
Would love to know-
Your opinions always help me see things from a fresh perspective, and I’m excited to hear what you think!
Some paver pictures for reference-
Wood, I would not go too dark but like the walnut tones as well as the tones of a stained white oak-
And therein lies my dilemma, I keep going back and forth.I know both could be beautiful, this flooring will also extend into the hallway that leads to a pantry and laundry room. I am so torn and would really appreciate your input! OK so the question is stone vs wood-
_____________________________________________
2nd day of our huge silver last call blowout sale!
Click here
Thanks as always for stopping in and helping me to make a decision. I truly am torn and keep going back and forth though I have to say part of me is ever so slightly leaning towards the soft toned pavers, just love the look! I will look forward to hearing what you have to say on the matter. Decisions have to be made very soon, so I am all ears. Until next time…..
I see why you are conflicted. I have wood floors in my kitchen, as I found that the stone was hard on my body. Also, i love the look. However, it is YOUR house, and you should go with what you want. the wide plank in the color you have chosen really invokes a french country look, as does the stone. Best of luck Tina!
81 going on… Wood floors…it DOES make a difference, kiddo!! franki
Your kitchen is going to be so beautiful. Love that you are doing the classic delft tile. If I were to ever do another kitchen, I would use delft tile too. I say go with what you love. We have reclaimed pavers in our newish kitchen and I love them so much. Had wood in my old house and much prefer the pavers. I can say honestly I do not feel a difference on my 61 year old body, at least not yet!
Worst thing is putting in something as a second choice then you will always look at the floors as not what you really wanted. That said, both will be beautiful in that kitchen. Just my 2 cents:)
I have been warned too many times about wood floors near a water source. If your ice maker dies or sink leaks, you have ruined floors. For that reason, I’ve always chosen a tile option in the kitchen.
Good Morning! My husband and I have built five homes over many years. I definitely would suggest the wide-plank wood flooring over the tile floor. Tile flooring is obviously easier to maintain, but it is very hard on feet, and cold in the winter. Wood is much kinder to the feet, and much warmer to look at. I think the herringbone is beautiful, but might look too busy in a large kitchen. You do need to wipe up spills quickly! Whichever you choose will look beautiful!!!
Wood without question! I have stone, it is definitely harder on the body as you age.
All of your ideas are beautiful!
I highly recommend wood flooring. They are easy on the feet and exude warmth and elegance.
I had stone in my last house. I had to handle my dishes with great care lest I drop my favorite mug or plate on that unforgiving surface!
I have had wood and now have stone—I greatly prefer stone. The wood is too hard to keep up and shows wear. The stone is easy to clean.
Honestly, I highly recommend you look into the fabulous luxury faux wood that is available today. There are beautiful products out there that are soooo easy to maintain. They look just like wood and you can order in any finish. They are virtually indestructible!!
I’m also a fan of the wide plank instead of stone. At 72 my body feels the difference of standing on wood vs stone. I respectfully disagree that faux wood looks like real wood, nor does it feel or sound like real wood. The reason I opted for wide plank white oak over herringbone in my own home (everywhere except bathrooms) is because herringbone can be very busy especially if it has a heavy grain and I wanted our art and antiques to be the focus rather than the floor. We have water sensors under our refrigerators, sinks and other appliances that are connected to water. The app is on our phones and we are notified immediately should they detect a leak. They also have an audible alert. There are numerous options available now that are very reliable. Your plans are beautiful and I’m sure you’ll be happy with whatever you choose. Thanks for including us in the planning process so we can enjoy the journey with you.
I can see why you’re conflicted – but looks are fabulous! It seems your heart loves the stone pavers yet something is present in your mind advising to look at wood. The wood large plank would look stunning. I love the herringbone pattern but think it could be too busy. Could there be a focal pointy somewhere that uses the herringbone pattern and large plank everywhere else. My thought is wood is timeless and will more easily “grow” with your family, eg easier on the body as you age, more forgiving with grandkids who are more susceptible to dropping things. We had a new puppy and our builder recommended 3 coats of polyurethane for our installed on site hardwood floors. We love it and my husband who is 12 years older than me, he’s 72 can feel the difference/benefit to his back and legs of the wood over the tile in our last house. Either choice will be beautiful – I think the question is which flooring is best for the life stages of your family. Good luck!
Have had stone floors for years and if I had it to do over again I’d go with wood. They were and are a killer on my legs. Love the herringbone look.
I really like wide plank wood for a kitchen. I have had wood in two kitchens already and love it. It’s more welcoming to my mind than the colder look of the tile. Especially since the flooring extends into the hall for the pantry and laundry.
Whatever you decide will be beautiful and I will just share my experience. I have had wood floors in most houses. We built a house with wide plank, walnut floors, which are absolutely gorgeous. But they did scratch easily from the dog and they show a lot of dust because they’re so dark. I just completed a barn on our current property and put in wide plank, medium tone oak and I love it. The main house has tile which is quite beautiful, and I don’t notice it being particularly hard because we use rugs. We did not build this house, but the person who did put in heated floors everywhere so in the winter, the tile is toasty everywhere, which is pretty fantastic.
Tina. I am a retired Arcitect Designer. with a background in Fine Arts. I always use dark woods on all my floors including Herringbone pattern. A favorite of mine. The dark wood and beams anchor the floor to the ceiling. Its about balance and depth. The lighter beams and flooring are not enough contrast with all your beautiful Ivory White cabinets . Also instead of that light blue enamel on the stove consider a deeper cobalt blue like on your tiles . Again its all light with no contrast you need to get some contrast in there especially in a large area like you have. At least consider darker flooring. I am 87 this month I’ve been at this a long time lol lol Plus i have been cooking most of my life starting very young as it was back then lol
Stone pavers are truly great for high traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, easy clean up etc. I love the warmth of hardwood floors in family rooms, bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and yes, walnut finish. As far as flooring in kitchen, stone pavers hard on legs and feet, don’t fall for that nonsense, You don’t spend your whole day in the kitchen, on your feet, 6am-6pm. At most in and out, maybe 1-2 hours etc. Your choices in the past have been beautiful, love the stone pavers in your other homes. Go with your gut, don’t second guess yourself. 🌸
Wood floors are so much warmer and more inviting, in my opinion and yes, easier on the legs. If you go with wood, definitely go with herringbone, which has a more European feel and is much less common than wide plank, which is more Colonial. Whatever you choose, it will be beautiful, I’m sure.
I have had wood and now have stone—I greatly prefer stone. The wood is too hard to keep up and shows wear. The stone is easy to clean.
I voted for the pavers only because you said you would be getting a dog. I prefer the look of the wood floors but my dog has really scratched them up. If you don’t mind a more “worn” and scratched up look from a dog then I would definitely go with the wood herringbone pattern! That would be beautiful!
Stone pavers! Wood isn’t practical in a kitchen and doesn’t look like you actually cook in there. For times when you will be standing and cooking for longer periods of time, get some mats to stand on – there are many really beautiful ones – that you can roll up and put away when you’re finished.
We have used both over the course of the last 50 years and greatly prefer stone for the kitchen.
I have stone floors and, on a daily basis, they aren’t bad, but for Holiday or entertaining cooking they are murder on my back and feet. I prefer the wood floors I had in my previous home.
Wood Plank will be the best solution for the long term. I believe the Herringbone pattern is too trendy and will date the property in the future. Wood plank floors are more timeless.
I love stone floors for a European look. I’ve enjoyed mine for years.
I have Indian slate but why couldn’t you use both a stone paver and the wood? Mine has four pavers surrounded by wood in large squares.
I love our wood floors in our entire downstairs. Working in the kitchen is much easier in my feet than stone. But it is your home so select what you love most.
Wood plank definitely.! (talking from experience and who is older than you).
No to the Herringbone – too busy for a kitchen that already has so much going on. As a retired designer I agree with Nancy Whitehead you should reconsider either the range colour or the tiles.
The stone is gorgeous, no question. But falling on a stone floor would not be cool. Slipping on a stone floor is maybe a little easier if liquids are spelled etc.? Everything breaks easier on the stone— anything dropped and anything fallen… I think the wood is very beautiful herringbone or wide plank.
Why not consider a combination floor of stone pavers and wood. It does not have to be either or. Technically more challenging, but stunning. I have limestone floors in the kitchen because we did want to be concerned about the wear and traffic. We have a farm with 4 dogs. The floors have worn wonderfully.
We have wood floors in the rest of the house without polyurethane – that is what shows all the scratches. Our wood floors were done in Texas and brought in, hand scrapped and finished on site. I was able to determine the color by having the stain mixed on-site. Our wood floors have a completely different finish what is normally done. They have become more beautiful as they age. Everyone who comes in remarks on how beautiful the floors are.
No scratches, no waxing, no refinishing in 19 years.
I have always had wood floors in my kitchen and have never had a problem maintaining them and they are very comfortable to work on. I have also had dogs and no issues. We have lived in our current home for 26 years and have had the floors refinished once, when we redid our kitchen. I think you would be very happy with wood and be happier as you get older!
Stone or pavers work well in the south. Plus dogs love lying on the cool tiles.
I previously sent a note about your concern. It is so worth repeating. Please consider going with wood floors. The pavers are not comfortable as you age on knees ,and hips. It looks like you most likely will not be in for another year. That will put you over 60!! Wait until you see how quickly this decade will fly by. Plus with little Philip and more babies to come, wood is a better choice!
If you have large dogs and grands, stone is better.
My daughter has children, large dogs and beautiful wood floors….. but there is always something on the floor.
I have brick pavers in the kitchen, entry, butlers pantry/bar) and they are harmless!!! + walnut varigated sizes wood plank custom floors in the Living room, library and dining areas) Also, several rugs.
Nothing is worst than worriing about the floors.
My opinion!
D
Should you decide to go with stone, the only way I would do it is if I installed radiant heat beneath the floors. In fact, I would do radiant heat flooring no matter what you choose, and for sure in bathrooms. With wood, it takes a bit more work to install, but well worth it. I love the look of wide plank flooring, but with dogs – maybe not.
I like both but I’ve only had wood floors that are original thru out my old house. I’ve seen wood and stone together in beautiful installed patterns. I would do this if ever had to redo my floors. It’s a unique look that you don’t see often because of finding an expert installer.
I love seeing your old kitchen, one of my all time favorites. And this kitchen will give it a run for it’s money, lvoe what you are are doing.
I have had both. We had wood when we moved into this 1920’s Georgian home and then did a huge remodel 3 years ago and I put in stone in the kitchen and hallway. I love it and my vote goes for stone. I really don’t agree about the wear and tear on your legs unless you are standing there for hours and hours (and there are cushioned mats for that if you are). Also if you are going to have a dog- stone is way to go. Wood will show the wear and tear.
Truth is either will look beautiful but stone gets my vote.
Your previous home was French in style while this house is Colonial, therefore, the wood is a better “fit”.
Wood floors without a doubt! We had stone which hurt my ankles, knees, and hips as I cooked…and I’m only 66 years old. I had to wear supportive tennis shoes to relieve the pain. When we remodeled, we put in wood floors and I cannot believe the difference, so much more comfortable.
Have you thought about both. Outline herringbone wood floor with the stone.
Hot water radiant floor with stone or porcelain (from Italy)…they are gorgeous, durable, super easy maintenance and as for forgiving..wear better cushioned footwear for comfort & stability. I’d put money on you regretting the choice of picking real wood. IF you are looking for wood for appearance purposes…there are many uber luxurious porcelain tiles from Italy that look like real wood…I’m certain you have seen them and they’ve most certainly become even better since I last went looking. Good Luck!