It probably depends a bit on the layout of the house. If the areas you want to replace with floorboards are closed off to the more open plan/walkway areas that are tiled then I think that would be ok. Is your carpet very similar in tone to the tiles or is it quite distinct already where the flooring type changes? Another option might be a very easy to maintain, durable carpet in the living areas and a same-toned plusher version for the bedrooms. Kids and their toys tend to scratch and dint floorboards (I personally just accept this as giving it 'character' ) and they do love a comfy carpet or rug to play on. Ultimately do what works and is practical for you and your household.

Spotted Gum is a great hard wearing timber with a Janka rating of 11. This means it is high density timber and won't dent as easily as softer timbers like American Oak. A polyurethane finish is the hardest and most durable timber floor coating and it comes in gloss satin and mat. The lower sheen's are more forgiving if you you have pets and young children. Bamboo is another hard product but only comes in short lengths so you would need to take that look into consideration when selecting. Some clients don't like the look of the short boards and consider it a cheap look. Others prefer the longer floor boards of timber. If you do choose bamboo make sure that you find out the coating used and whether it can be sanded and re coated down the track, as all timber and bamboo floors will need a touch up especially if you have pets. Some bamboo floors can not be sanded due the coating used. Hope this helps. Our website may offer some inspiration. Good Luck http://budgetfloorsanding.com.au/

If it's your forever home go for what best suits you eg cork is best for feet knees and anti microbial and there are beautiful cork planks wch look like timber (see ready cork). It's also warmer than timber. But apart from cork timber look planks I'd only go real timber floorboards not anything else. Wormy chestnut is harder than tassie oak but much same price Carpet for stairs reduces noise of footsteps. I got Godfrey hirst one made from sugar cane beautiful and great for pets Hope this helps

Hi Camille, maybe looking at blackbutt or spotted gum engineered timber. These classic options maybe well suited to the surroundings.