You should have a professional installer in your area take a look at your home so you can discuss what end result you are wanting. You may need to use an engineered wood. This is still an all wood product and is much more dimensionally stable than solid wood. This is a huge advantage if you are in an older home or in the midwest where humidity levels can drastically change from season to season. A solid wood will cup or curl if humidity and moisture levels are not managed. Your installer should do a moisture test before installation to make sure the installation does not fail. All warranties will be voided if this step is not taken. Also, your transitions will need to be considered. Is the new wood floor going to butt up to tile, carpet, or vinyl? The height difference in the two products will need to be taken into consideration. You will have a greater selection of thicknesses in the engineered woods. Engineered wood should be several plys, all wood. If you choose a solid wood, the hand scraped versions are fantastic for a high traffic area with children. Hickory, Red Oak, most Brazilian Species, and even Bamboo are hard enough to take everyday traffic and still look terrific. Good luck!

Hi catbox/emerald18 - your kitchen is absolutely stunning - I love it - mostly because your style is the same as mine - only the tiles I've chosen are Henley Cool from Topps Tiles (sage green/blue). I've also had a few moments of indecision but I've had a picture and sample of the tiles pinned up for months and I still love them. I'd chosen matt slab style kitchen door fronts but I might be convinced by your photo to change to Shaker. I am also going for the wood worktop but can't decide whether to have a Belfast sink or not. What sink did you choose? I also can't decide on a splashback, but like white painted brick + something more cleanable by the sink and hob. Once again, I love love love your kitchen - I'm pinning the photo of it up with my tiles picture in case I get future wobbles about my dream kitchen

The builder ought to be ashamed for not cleaning up each night...that is part of what my contractors do...every night. As far as flooring...since the cabinets are on the darker side...use a contrasting flooring in travertine stone. use the largest pieces you can get...usually 18" are good but if you can get 24" that's even better! Put them on the diamond. as far as backsplash use travertine again and bring in the same color as the flooring. Use a touch of contrast in the pattern like a darker liner or a motif of somekind.

Newly built kitchen with natural light and velux window at dinning area . Kitchen area has a peninsula and no natural light