Flooring choices in higher end home.

[JasoninDenver]

We are about to embark on a major remodel of our 1960s ranch home in the Denver area. We will be installing radiant in-floor heat as we will be removing a bunch of interior walls which currently allow placement of hot water baseboards. Consequently, we are forced to consider only the options that are stable over radiant heat and this rules out my normally preferred solid wood flooring.

Our choices are engineered hardwood or porcelain tiles with a wood look. Regardless of which we would choose, we will only be installing a high end product. We need durability with kids and a big dog.

The porcelain tiles win hands down on durability and maintenance.

Engineered wood wins on traditional looks. Good engineered products retain nearly all the appearance of solid hardwood. However, some of the high end porcelain actually requires you to get down, look and feel to be sure its not real wood. Plus, I would still have problems with wear on engineered wood and the need to refinish every 10 or so years.

Neighbors have been remodeling with all different materials from solid wood, engineered wood and tile. I have not seen wood look porcelain yet, though.

Would anyone consider it a detriment to the home value on a $1.5 m home if the flooring was a porcelain wood look tile as opposed to engineered wood?


Thanks All.