The install for tile would require an assessment of the substrate. If this is on plywood/wood joist system, then the "deflection rating" for the joists/subfloor comes into play. That would have to be assessed anyway. Adding a piano on top won't do anything - assuming the deflection rating is good enough for tiles. If this is on cement slab, then there is very little concern about tiles cracking due to weight. Cracking due to improper substrate prep or install is of greater concern. The echo/noise the tiles will create will be ASTONISHING. Playing a piano in an area with tile will be like playing the piano in a bathroom...lots of echo and reverb. I prefer the slightly better acoustics a wood floor can offer. It isn't a huge difference but it can be enough to take the experience out of the "horrible" range and into "not nice but acceptable" category. The area rug will help, but it isn't enough to counter act all of the echo a tiled floor will create. Just for fun, have the carpet removed and then leave the space uncovered for a few days. Go ahead and play the piano in the uncovered space. That's about as good as you will get to understanding the difference the carpet made in that room. Tile will make the acoustics worse. Wood will make them slightly better. Just a thought.

Sheet vinyl....it is the only thing that will prevent cat urine from getting between the planks. Sigh. I know that isn't what you were hoping for, but it is the solution that works for leaky pets/humans. Anything that comes in a "plank" runs the risk of urine seeping between two planks and staining the SIDES of the planks. Sides of planks are things that cannot be 'cleaned'. Thereby allowing the urine - and the odour - to remain for the life of the floor. If there is a particular PLACE where the cat(s) will have a litter box (which is where they 'miss') then I would ensure a continuous surface product would be used in that space (sheet vinyl; epoxy that runs up the wall to create a continuous surface up the wall by a few inches). If you mean the cats urinate in random places throughout the home, you are going to be in a bit of a pickle. Pretty much any place you lay 'planked' floors will run the risk of a permanent stain/odour that originates from between the planks.

Let's do a cost analysis: Cost of sanding/refinishing floors: $5/sf for NWFA Certified Sand/Refinisher (a little less for someone without all the letters after their name). Total costs associated: $5/sf (includes stain samples and all chemicals required) Cost of Installing Factory Finished Hardwood: Cost of Removing Hardwood: $1-$2/sf (includes labour and disposal fees) Cost of Preparing subfloor: $1-$3/sf (the $3/sf is unusual but not unheard of) Cost of Materials: $7-$15/sf (depends on your choices...DuChateau isn't cheap) Cost of Labour: $2-$4/sf depending on form of install Total Cost Associated: $11 - $24/sf It's your decision. It's your house. So long as your hardwoods have enough life to give, I would have a look at sanding/refinish. it is good for the environment.

Kim,,,it's very solid. just make sure the glue is spread to completely cover the plank. I have a few spots (like under the kitchen sink) where they missed the corner and it squeaks. They've held up great. I don't have dogs, but I have cats and have heard their nails burning rubber across the floor they go off on their tangents. I've spilled water, cleaned up their barf, spilled food, whatever, it all cleans up very well. as for dents, only if you drop something very heavy. but any wood floor will dent. I vacuum w/a Dyson, and then I use Bona wood floor cleaner on a mop. in the kitchen, i'll often take the scrubby brush and watered down Dawn to clean up spills or oil stains. no problem. no, I don't baby them. I don't wear shoes in my house though. I love my floors. just make sure on install they clean up all the glue residue. my guys were messy and lazy. had to call them back w/special glue remover and rag and go over the entire floor.