Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
> Goomba wrote:
> > I've mentioned here that we're updating/improving our kitchen. We've
> > ordered the cabinets and granite, and just purchased the new range
> > (the top rated gas model listed in Consumer's Reports recently) and
> > over the range microwave oven/hood. I'm looking for a bottom freezer
> > refrigerator but we can live with the old one until I find the
> > perfect appliance at the best price. Lighting changes and flooring
> > are still undecided.
> > I'd love to hear input from folks who have tile as to how they love or
> > hate it? I currently have vinyl, but have had heated tile in the
> > past. I was younger then so might have been less aware of problems,
> > but am concerned with the "hardness" of the floor for comfort? I am
> > getting older now (sob!) and don't want to find tile floors are
> > ergodynamically poor choices down the road after standing in the
> > kitchen for extended periods. I recall my mother explaining how good
> > dance floors are wood and impact absorbing properties over hard
> > cement floors that are more jarring to your body. Yet wood floors
> > aren't too practical in kitchens, are they?? I'm also interested in
> > linoleum as I keep reading that it might be fairly "green" as well as
> > good cost.
> > The floor choice would need to be practical for the kitchen, breakfast
> > room, mud room, laundry room and guest bathroom. The rest of the
> > downstairs is hardwood.
> >
> > Thanks for any input
> > Goomba
>
> I don't have any recommendations, just personal observations. We have tile
> in our kitchen and we bought a whole box of extras. The problem for us
> isn't matching broken tiles, but matching the grout. Grout colors are
> discontinuted after several years and even if you are able to get the
> correct grout, the batch color may be different than what you have
> installed. I don't find the tile any more hard to stand on than anything
> else and it is extremely easy to clean. It doesn't show wear.
>
> A friend had a hardwood floor installed in her kitchen (I can't remember for
> sure, maybe 7-8 years ago). I know that they had the hard duty finish
> applied to it. In the spots where she usually stands to prep food, there is
> an ugly grey worn spot. This isn't water spillage, it is simply worn
> through the finish. The spot began to be noticeable about 18 months ago and
> now it can't be missed.
> Janet

Wood floors can be readily refinished, and if you act a bit more
proactively, a very light sanding and a fresh coat of poly every few
years will keep it from ever getting to the bloody obvious wear stage.