With QS I'd choose hardwood first then tile. It depends on where you live and what material works best for your lifestyle and style of your home.

Lashing with apologies for the last posting. It appears I am currently stuck in a kitchen meltdown.

I did the demo down to the walls last weekend. Been out of the loop here. I am DIYing what I can.

Everything was great until GC showed up and said the center beam in the basement was sagging so much that he could not install cabs until the problem was fixed. He showed me the chalk lines and in a 10 foot line it was more than an inch off. That said, he fixed the sagging issue (don't you just hate middle age? Everything sags - even your house!)and hung the cabs.

To add insult to injury, when he jacked up the beam the oak hardwoods met their demise and I had to rip out the flooring.

On the sunny side of the street (after freaking out, graciously of course) I am grateful that he brought this to my attention. He was honest, showed me what was what and just didn't slap the kitchen together without fixing the problem. Thankfully I can trust him not to do a hack job with my one and only kitchen reno.

I think it would look nice with a gray slate-look tile.

We are doing QS oak cabs, and Forbo's Marmoleum (real linoleum). Armstrong also has a line, but Forbo has a lot more colors. They make the click that you can do yourself.

Thanks remodel. I live in the North East. Cape Anne Colonial that abuts 6 acres of woods. No small children but a big dog. Who loves the kitchen, especially when there is food.

{{!gwi}}

Wow, cutey pie looks like an apricot version of my Great Pyrenees.

Sorry, OT.

I'd prefer wood or dark gray slate for your floor. We had our reclaimed wood floors installed with a suspension system, like an aerobics floor, for extra joint cushioning. It has worked well for us.

We have a relative of your dog at our house and an engineered wood floor. Never been a problem even when she comes in with a dripping mouth from her last drink or feet covered in everything from chasing the bunnies around the bushes. Her favorite kitchen spot is under the dining table. She does leave incredible amounts of golden fur rolling around, but no injury to the floor that can't be fixed with a vacuum or broom.

Thanks mcmjilly and kitchen detective - gray tones never entered my thought process, but I will go pick up some samples tomorrow. That's why I love this forum.

Suzannesl a little OT, but who knows what that boy gets into and brings back into the house from a good romp outside. But that's great to know you have not had problems with the engineered.

As a fellow sufferer of middle age (beats the alternative) the sagging isn't going to stop (as any number of pulled to tight, frozen faced celebrities can attest). I wouldn't do tile, it won't give with the next sag. Get something easy to stand on that will give a little f something else should settle or sag. It will be better for you in the long run. Cork and linoleum offer lots of versatility, great colour choices and may set off you beautiful cabinetry better than more wood.

Brazillian cherry?

Cary, you are so right with the sag alternative. I am starting to research the cork based on your recommendation. Thanks!

David - after Cary's comment and more potential sagging (although there are now joists and support walls in the basement)...I think I need something with some give. Just in case. I love the wood but am unsure about whether it's a good idea.

I second the Marmoleum suggestion. In my last kitchen I did quartersawn oak cabinets with a Marmoleum floor and I loved it. My dog and foster dogs were happy to sleep on it and it couldn't be easier to clean. One swipe of the cloth and you're done.

And you can't believe how great it feels on the tootsies.

Your QS oak cabinets are gorgeous. We have very lightly stained white oak floor with our QS cabinets. The floor has had more damage from the contractor moving the refrigerator than our pup. You will be fine with wood.

another vote for cork. i love love love it.
would change the whole house if i could but reality shaekes her head
i used Duro design glue down just as an idea

Thanks muspic! Great to hear from someone who has it and loves it. Do you have the cork in your kitchen? How does it stand up to spills? I don't have little ones anymore - but the older ones can sure wreak havoc. I found a couple of places that sell cork in my area so I'll check them out today.