skip to main content

Foyer, tile or hardwood

16 years ago

We are adding hardwood to our kitchen remodel and want to do the foyer of our center hall colonial as well. The dining and formal living rooms which are on either side of the foyer already have hardwood. The foyer now has vinyl tiles. My question is do I replace that with hardwood also so all hardwood flows together to all the spaces on the 1st floor or do I replace the vinyl tile with ceramic or marble tiles. Which is a more upscale look and how important is it to have a continuous flooring look?

Featured Answer

jerry_t

16 years ago

It's going to be difficult to match the hardwood already down on either side... not impossible to do, but it will drive up the cost factor if you want it laced (weaved) in. Is the existing wood site-finished or prefinished?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

pbrisjar
16 years ago
Well, my husband's sister (who is a real estate broker) says that the foyer should match the adjoining rooms. But then, I don't really trust her tastes. I'd say go with what you like. Natural stone floors are really popular (and for good reason) but you have to be careful with your stone selection (just as you have to with wood). One thing to keep in mind is that you have to have a very rigid floor in order to support tile. Take a look at this: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/deflecto.pl
and all the content around it.

I was planning on a natural stone floor for my kitchen and entry until I researched this and found out we'd have to essentially rebuild the entire sub floor in order to have it. We're going with hardwoods throughout instead and saving the stone for our great room add-on and new fireplace hearth.
Related Discussions
Slate floor in Foyer against hardwood??
Q
Comments (1)
Choose a slate that is not flaky, or that has been cut smooth and polished. You're much more likely to get damaged hardwood from small pebbles in shoes and women's high heels than from random flakes from slate.
...See More
Would you tile the entrance foyer or continue the hardwood to the door
Q
Comments (3)
While the wood would most likely get beat up pretty fast, the thing you would really want to a good floor mat at the door, now with the kids and the dog, along with the snow, and sand and dirt, you will want a big mat, so big it would probably cover up the floor at the entrance. If you're ok with that, and the fact that it still will get beat up quickly, then I say go for it. Tile will hold up better to the variables mentioned. Just remember nothing lasts forever, just a matter of how long or how short you're ok with the wood being pristine.
...See More
Foyer tile to transition to hardwood
Q
Comments (13)
Thank you Oak &Broad. I am torn right now because I worry that the floors are too rustic. I am going for a transitional look with a mix of contemporary and traditional elements and a lot of black iron and gold accents, wwhite kitchen, etc. I want the floor to be soft looking but not looking like barn board.
...See More
Foyer - Tile or Hardwood?
Q
Comments (4)
Climate and integrity of the materials would be the first things I would think of. But flooring can always be protected with entry carpets or runners. I personally live in Oregon, and hate our slate front entry floors because of the grout. Very challenging to keep clean with dogs and the environment, even when shoes come off. A non textured wood floor would also be challenging though. If your wood has scraping or wire brushed texture I bet you’d be ok as long as you use entry mats and/or runners.
...See More
green-zeus
16 years ago
You could do a nice medallion with tiles around it. I like that look.
Shannon01
16 years ago
I like to think of resale when doing projects. Always nice to do what you want but I like to consider others a little in my decision. I have an open floorplan but will be doing the entryway, down the hall and into the laundry and bath, all slate tile. The formal living/dining, kitchen/familyroom will all be laminate. The office which is off the tiled hallway will also be laminate. The areas that are going to be tile are all high traffic areas. Laminate or wood would get tore up with kids and dogs. The dirt that comes in from the garage would make a mess. I know this because the current vinyl and carpet in these areas are almost white and filthy and the laminate that is in the entryway is scratched up. Tiling the entryway makes it seem like a separate space when dealing with open floorplans, if done right. If you pick materials that blend well with each other your look will appeal to everyone. The medallion idea is awesome and I almost considered it myself. The outlet stores have them for 2-300 and can really make a statement. Rather than folks walking in and seeing the separate flooring, they will marvel at the lovely medallion and feel like they are walking into a lovely space, then they will flow towards the other rooms being equally impressed.
Good luck.
Sherrie Lagasse Frisone
16 years ago
Which outlet stores are you referring to that sell medallions for 2-300? I have been looking they are quite expensive.
ceramictec
16 years ago
depending on where you live with snow & sand.....I would lean towards the harder tile.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Transition Time: How to Connect Tile and Hardwood Floors

By By Any Design Ltd.

Plan ahead to prevent unsightly or unsafe transitions between floor surfaces. Here's what you need to know

MATERIALS What to Ask Before Choosing a Hardwood Floor

By Mitchell Parker

We give you the details on cost, installation, wood varieties and more to help you pick the right hardwood flooring

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

FLOORS How to Paint Your Hardwood Floors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Know how to apply nail polish? Then you can give your wooden floors a brand-new look

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Smooth Moves for Hardwood Floors

By Buckminster Green LLC

Dreaming of gorgeous, natural wood floors? Consider these professional pointers before you lay the first plank

FLOORS 6 Alternative Flooring Ideas to Kick Up Your Style

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Rubber, cork, concrete and other materials are worthy options in lieu of hardwood or tile

ENTRYWAYS Defining Spaces: 6 Ways to Work With an Open Foyer

No entry hall? Here's how to get the look of one anyway

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know Before Refinishing Your Floors

Learn costs and other important details about renewing a hardwood floor — and the one mistake you should avoid

BEFORE AND AFTERS Houzz TV: See Recycled Walls and Cool Cassette Art in a Woodsy DIY Home

By Annie Thornton

Walnut countertops join hardwood floors and pieces made from leftover framing in a bright Spanish colonial

TILE Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: A Five-Scenario Showdown

Explore where and why one of these popular tile choices makes more sense than the other

Sponsored

Castle Wood Carpentry, Inc

1 Review

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

site finished engineered-is this a good deal?

4

HELP! Marmoleum repair issues

25

Classic Grey turned out too red. Help

16

where to go to buy single full planks of a floor?

1

What type of oak is this?

2