Is your granite blue pearl? I have white cabs, blue pearl granite, a tad lighter oak hardwood. I used bright white tile with blue pearl diamond accents for my backsplash and the walls (not much wall showing) are navy blue. I have since added an island with navy blue cabinets and white marble top. This picture (obviously) is before we installed the island.

barncats- Thanks for finding that picture. It does look pretty and I think I will be happy with the look. That is a great idea to lighten up the paint by 1/2 percent. I didn't think of that and it will make a difference for sure. I'll wait on the backsplash decision and hardware until the paint and countertops are in too - great advice. I have 9 Fireclay samples here in their various white options, and I think the current wall and countertop color are darkening and throwing off their true colors. Once I get the countertop in and walls painted, I'll be sure to come back for advice and opinions. Thanks for the edge profile opinions too. It really helped narrow things down.

So for me and how I run heat in my hot climate the difference isn't that much other than a 'feeling' --- you know what comfort is. The heat this thing pumps out compared to the higher cost resistance heat --- there is no comparison in that regard. Over the past couple of weeks I've begun running in air conditioning mode. Oh man I love it even more in air conditioning mode. This thing runs like a dream. I'm a guy who likes a 'cool' home. In my crazy climate (Katy, Texas) -- this system is awesome. Operationally speaking I paid over $200.00 in one month last year to run the old beater single speed air conditioner. While I have a 4 zoned system... I did that for a reason. To show that a single speed system doesn't save anything in terms of operational costs when paired with a zone system. Because? When a 4 ton AC (or whatever size it is -capacity wise- not physical size of the unit) runs it is doing the same amount of work. That doesn't cut operational costs. An inverter (fully variable runs based on load being put on it) which will drop operational costs because it is only doing the work you require it to do. So paired with a 'properly' zoned system --- the difference is? reduced humidity, better comfort... a feeling. Picture an autumn day, the air is crisp. Nearly everyone alive knows that feeling. Now imagine that inside your home. Yeah, game changer! How much will this save me? Stay tuned... by the end of the summer 2020 I should have a 'cool' story to tell.

We sell and install prefinished hardwood. The fact that we install holds us accountable to only sell products we know will perform well. Once you select a good product, it will come down to proper installation, customer education and maintenance. ANY wood you choose, even the hardest on the scale will dent, scratch and ding. So get that out of the way and know it wil happen. Mid tones and low sheen finishes along with textured finishes like wire brush or hand scrape will help drastically with hiding "life". You're on the right track with your notes above. In our experience, MIRAGE- top pick, the Kentwood Originals Collection, Hallmark Monterey Collection, some of the better quality Anderson Tuftex hardwoods, Homerwood, and the thicker wear layer United tile "Plank" brands do well! Remember, keeping your home at a consistent humidity, not using a wet mop on it, and keeping consistent temperature is key. If you have direct sunlight from windows, you will need window coverings to protect your flooring. Hardwood is an investment and you'll want to care for it correctly to get your full life out of it. We RARELY see cracking, peeling of the finishes, etc with any of the brands listed. Another normal thing with hardwood is that it expands and contracts through season changes. You WILL have gaps at different spots at different times. Sometimes this could be a quarter thickness, it's normal! These are all expectations we educate our customer on. Don't get too wrapped up in the online reviews of hardwood. The hardwood reviews I see online are all related to improper care (wet mops, steamers, etc. in particular), incorrect install, or expecting them to perform without scratching, denting, etc. The customer was simply not educated on what it should do and how to care for it. Sorry for the long post but there's our take on it! We have been doing hardwood flooring for over 50 years. Be sure to purchase through a reputable, experienced dealer and installer when making an investment like this. Good luck, it will turn out beautiful! Also, if you have a specific product you're leaning towards, i'd be happy to respond on it as well.