Hi there

Personally I like the first option as I like the width and matt finish on the boards. A solid flooring however is typically better in terms of durability as you can sand it back multiple times incase it gets scratched. Most pre-engineered boards account for one sanding.

We have just recently posted an article on the Hamptons style (for kitchens), you may find it useful to get a few ideas of how you can tie everything in together.

https://www.bluetea.com.au/hamptonskitchen/

Timber. Timber. Timber.

The solid timber on the curving staircase with the wrought iron is really s@xy.

So your changing something?

The timber in herringbone pattern in the last picture is beautiful. I'd go for that.

I've also been researching oak floors. I've found engineered boards that have a 6mm top layer which allows for at least a few resands but I understand the issue with any oak is that they generally have a different finish to Australian hardwood - they are hand scraped and finished so sanding them is a bit more challenging anyway.

I'm also hearing with the engineered is that you get less issue with cupping and lifting of boards because the multiple layers allow for more expansion and contraction.

With the latest solid timber floors they now also use the clic-lock system (that clicks them together (same as engineered) which means you only get a certain amount of resands until you hit the groove of the locking system. Different to the solid timbers in the past that had to be top nailed.

Sorry my explanation is very un-technical. Hope you can understand what I mean.

Check out Royal Oak Floors in Victoria or Aspire Floors. Their websites are great.

For a Hampton's looks the darker timber seems to be the way to go. It does show dust and dirt a lot more than the lighter colours. Parquetry would also work which is beautiful.

Good luck! I'm off to choose my flooring this weekend.

I really like Option One - Pre-engineered Oak Timber Floors from Topwood. I think the width, colour and matt finish would suit your Hamptons style home perfectly.

Solid timber but obviously has to be properly dried on site etc do don't cup / lasts so well and some Luke tassie oak stain dark easily

I have put solid timber floors in a few houses, and was adamant that we would do the same in our beach house. After much research we ended up going for a high quality engineered floor. Photo below. Our architect advised to go this way as well.

An engendered floor with a thick top layer gives you almost as much scope to resend as traditional T&G. You can only resand down to this later anyway.

The finish, speed of installation, less mess and a harder finish is why we went this way. Also more options on type of timber and finish.

I vote option 2.

While wider boards are more on trend, to achieve this width and avoid cupping they have to be in engineered timber. The only real disadvantage of engineered timber is from wear and tear as they won't sand as many times as solid timber. You may need to consider removing your shoes when home to lessen the wear. My only other comment would be on the groove between boards. This groove can also easily accumulate dirt, etc. However if you love the look of the engineered board and its quality is reflected in the thickness of the top layer of timber, I would go with them. The dark finish (looks like walnut in the photos) will complement your Hamptons style and give warmth to the white kitchen.

Having recently faced the same predicament we went with Option 1 after testing (especially scratches) and much deliberation. The reasons being as others have said hardness & durability, choices of timber & colour & width of boards. We chose Preference Floors, Prestige Oak Flooring. Hope this helps.

I'm always surprised whenever I read discussion threads on the pros/cons of timber vs engineered or timber-look products is that I seem to be the only one who cares about the sound, not just the aesthetics. I grew up in very old houses and for me, that sound as you walk along a real timber floor is majestic and cannot be replicated by other products that to, seem to all sound like fingernails on a black board in comparison (okay not really, but it evokes the same reaction in me as does walking on lino).

So, for that awesome sound of "real" timber and for longevity's sake, authenticity's sake, and all the reasons above I say option 2. Of course, budget is also important and I totally understand the width argument too.

Manufactured floors are timber, and should not be confused with flimsy cheap click together flooring. A quality manufactured product is T&G thick ply, with approx 5mm of timber on the top. All up thicker than solid timber.

When glued down, not laid loose, you cannot feel or sense any difference. I have real timber floors in my house and manufactured in our beach house. Cannot say I can feel or hear a difference.

Good to know, darylwright, thanks.

Hi

I have just laid a engineered oak floor - it looks absolutely fabulous and very "Hamptons" -- that being said - I used the oak to replace a spotted gum hardwood floor which was finished in matt and although the Oak looks great I don't like living on it. I clean it with and Enjo mop and I can never get it clean because of the surface and the divits in between the planks. When it is clean and I walk on it with white sox they are grey within minutes. The flush smooth spotted gum was a breeze to clean and felt wonderful afterwards. Good luck.

Adele

Is bamboo flooring an option?

Love the curved staircase! Hot!!! We are also tossing up the herringbone look, and engineered vs hardwood...it's so hard. Please let us know how you go as it would be good to get more feedback! Good luck!

so we're all waiting with baited breath....DRUMROLL..... what did u choose in the end?? Please share and show a pic if u have one :-)

Option2

Bravo... Where did you purchase the chosen flooring from? We're also in decision making time