How can I combine hardwood floors with engineered hardwood flooring?
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On our main floor, we have an open concept living room, dining nook and kitchen, that connects to a hallway, foyer and 1/2 bath. The living room, hall, foyer and bath are all hardwood. The kitchen, the largest of the spaces, is currently laminate tile from the previous owner. I was thinking about upgrading the kitchen to ceramic tile, but have been seeing the trend of wood or wood-look floors in the kitchen. I am not sure that I want to go with a natural wood in the kitchen just because of wear and tear and moisture issues. I hate it in the 1/2 bath and would like to replace that as well with something more durable. Many of the engineered hardwood flooring options look very close to natural hardwood. Has anyone tried mixing the two, using the same/similar finishes? What would be recommendations in this situation?
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Consider using wood-look porcelain tile in a complimentary tone. Run it in the same direction to continue the look of expansiveness, but with an obvious threshold. I would be tempted to do a dramatic herringbone pattern.
I just went through this same dilemma ! I wish the makers of hardwood floors would make matching waterproof engineered flooring. I couldn't find a good match. 😕
Either use wood look porcelain or ceramic tiles or get the new luxury vinyl flooring which is waterproof.
How about using vinyl planks. Looks like wood, ceramic tile, and porcelain tile. Perfect for kitchens and baths.
Some of the new luxury vinyl looks so good and is very easy to care for, I might at least look into it to see if you can find a good match. It's available at the big box home improvement stores.
New house I used a commercial vinyl 24" x 12" in a matching colors but with overall pattern. This goes up to my oak stairway and baseboards. This is not a peel and stick tile. Husband is in an electric wheelchair and I needed something which would stand up to abuse and if necessary; a piece could be changed out by a professional. Why not continue your real wood floors, they can be sanded and refinished many more times than manufactured floors. My other house I had wood floors through out the house including my kitchen but used an oil base finish, water base does not last as long. Water base dries faster and there is no smell but a little smell and a slightly longer drying time makes a huge difference on wood. If you do go for tile or manufactured wood, purchase extra; might go out of stock and you are left with a problem if you need to repair.
I have seen the wood-look porcelain tiles--they are very attractive, if you can find something that complements your wood floors. I think everyone who is installing wood floors in the kitchen is going to regret it eventually; there is just too much messy stuff happening in a busy kitchen (maybe that's why some people are happy with wood--they don't use their kitchen much!)
I heartily agree with Mary Vance that you should buy extra of whatever you choose.