Kelly, looking at your plans, I personally think it would actually make more sense if you were to split the island with the higher stone benchtop up to the kitchen boundary, then a lower table height benchtop (stone or timber, up to you) for the seating area past that point. I think visually it will look much better, particularly given the two doors on either side, will have a less obtrusive sight line, plus it won't look like you ran out of space to fit an island in the kitchen

Looks great. However, 2 of our friends have just moved into houses with dark boards. They look awesome but one has a dog and says she could easily mop twice a day. Because you can see every single little dust speck and dog hair. The other family's boards are chocolate and also amazing but you can see the dust around where it gathers in the not so frequented areas and it's not a great look.

hi all, thanks for your comments and support. We have received the ATFA inspection report which clearly outlines numerous problems with the floor which are solely caused by the poor installation. The installation does not meet the manufacturers specifications or Australian Standards. The slab was too uneven, far more than the recommended allowance, and was not properly prepared prior to the laying of the boards. We have since been back in touch with the installer. He was not happy and initially tried to act as if he was shocked, even though we highlighted problems with him even before he finished laying the boards. He also tried to make us feel guilty about taking the action that we did. Now with the report, there is no way he can deny that he is at fault. So, we are now in the process of getting quotes to have the floor pulled up, slab rectified and new boards laid by a professional wooden floor installer. We may not have to remove the whole kitchen and it may be possible to all be done by removing the kickers and panels and cutting the boards out. Even though this is not ideal, we have our fingers crossed. However, the extent of the problem will not be known until the boards come up and see what damage/problems are underneath. it has been a very stressful, inconvenient and disappointing experience. I think we have reached a point now where we know we just have to get on with it and get it done. This is not something that we have ever had to go through before and we are really feeling out way in the dark. There is certainly no joy in having to confront someone about their poor workmanship. We believe that the installer has been in touch with his insurance company, but whether they cover him for this type of thing, I am not sure. I guess that is for him to sort out. The floorboards are engineered oak and directly stuck to the subfloor. The glue he used was called wakpol or similar, but we have since been advised that a foaming glue probably would have been more suitable for this job.

Hi Kel - all projects have different scope, extent of rectification of original home, extent of new works, level of finishes, access...list goes on. That said most of our inner-city projects (alterations and additions) cost from $600-800k upwards)