Did you decide which timber to use. Carpet squares work well just make sure the over locked edge isn't too tight as it will cause the carpet to curl up, you can also use sisal the same way which you can take outside and hose down. With your table and chairs on timber it's all a bit timber and would be an idea to just keep the two carver chairs at the end of the table and introduce some other chairs to soften the setting, could also be better chairs for little ones to sit in.

Hi monicafowler96 There are pros and cons for either a solid hardwood timber flooring or a quality engineered flooring. Solid will give you a longer life span with more times it can be sanded and refinished but ususally more expensive to lay and finish in the desired finish. A roasted solid timber is a good option if you want a dark floor- also makes it harder and colour penetrates right through. Make sure the timber is acclimatised before laying to minimise movement (shrinkage and expansion) or cupping can occur. A quality engineered flooring with a thick wear layer is often chosen because it still gives you 2-3 sands. It comes prefinished so it's cost effective. Some are smoked so any scratches are minimal in appearance. Check out the Venture plank range from Havwoods for a product with a thick wear layer. https://www.havwoods.com.au/flooringsearch/engineered-timber-flooring/venture-plank Stay away from any of the thin or mdf backed products. Arena Venture plank pictured above Just a further thought- make sure you have alot of natural light if you want a very dark floor and they do require more cleaning as they show the dust. Best wishes

I’ve recently purchased my first home and am having the floors stained darker and resurfaced. Today I popped in to have a look, and the stain looks strange and uneven. There is a very pronounced rainbow sheen in places and some spots look much darker than others. I’m just wondering if this is normal for the first coat of stain or something? Will it get better if they put another coat on? I don’t want to be a pest and bring it up with the contractor if it isn’t a problem. Would really like some advice from any pros or people with experience.

Contents Best LooksCarpet Hardwood Best for Looks: Hardwood Water and heat resistanceCarpet Hardwood Ideal for water and heat resistance: tie Maintenance and cleaningCarpet Hardwood Ideal for maintenance and cleaning: hardwood Durability and maintenanceCarpet Hardwood Ideal for durability and maintenance: hardwood Carpet Carpet gives more type in color, texture, and touch, but hardwood and rug come in unlimited of styles to fit almost any interior design. The rug not only feels soft but also visually, as the rug surfaces generally have a soft, smooth room design. Hardwood The appearance of the parquet is recognizable by everyone and its main charm is the natural colors of the wood and the fascinating pattern of the wood grain, which varies according to the type of wood. Hardwood floors create a bold statement that is as solid on the eyes as it is on the feet. Best for Looks: Hardwood This is mostly a matter of choice, most people see hardwood floors as more attractive than rugs. Water and heat resistance Carpet The synthetic fibers used in most modern rugs make them highly resistant to water damage. However, it is important to prevent water from entering the wood backing or base, as mold under the rug can become infected. For this reason, rugs are never recommended for use in wet areas like bathrooms or areas where spills are likely to occur, like bathrooms. B. Kitchens. Carpet can also be easily damaged by heat, e.g. Eg B. burning cigarettes or hot pots. And some carpet materials can give off toxic fumes in a severe home fire. Hardwood floors aren't recommended in areas where water or moisture is constant, though they often work well in a kitchen where splashes can dry instantly. Most hardwood flooring is also not recommended for below-grade installation against a concrete slab, as moisture from the ground often seeps through the slab. However, hardwood floors may be strong enough to be used in these circumstances. Hardwood can be marked by excessive heat, although minor burn marks can sometimes be sanded and machined. Ideal for water and heat resistance: tie Carpeted and hardwood floors are not recommended for wet or constantly wet conditions, such as bathrooms or basement tiles. While the carpet fibers are immune to water damage, the backing fabric can encourage mold and mildew to grow. Hardwood can be easily damaged by water. Both materials can burn or be burned by cigarettes. Maintenance and cleaning Carpet Normal cleaning isn't particularly difficult with rugs, as they simply need to be vacuumed frequently. However, some people find it impossible to completely clean the carpet because the stains are absorbed and set permanently and because dust and micro bacteria are easily trapped in the fibers. Carpet is considered a poor flooring material for allergy sufferers. Hardwood Of the two materials, parquet is by far the easiest to clean. A simple sweep or vacuum will remove loose dirt, and regular cleaning with a wood cleaner will remove deeper dirt and most stains. Ideal for maintenance and cleaning: hardwood Hardwood is considered to be the easiest flooring material to maintain because it is less prone to staining and does not retain dust and allergens as carpet does. Durability and maintenance Carpet Routine maintenance should include frequent vacuuming and trying to remove stains as soon as you notice them. An occasional deep cleaning by a professional cleaning service can extend the life of your carpet, but it rarely lasts more than a decade. Hardwood floors in the best state can last for many years, and some of the high-quality materials can last for ages. In addition, solid wood can be sanded and completely finished in case of heavy wear. If done correctly, most floors can be sanded three or even four times in their lifetime. With this large surface sanding job, the surface color needs to be refreshed every few years. This usually involves lightly rubbing the surface with an abrasive screen, followed by the application of good-quality polyurethane paint. Ideal for durability and maintenance: hardwood Hardwood floors have a huge advantage over carpets in terms of durability and maintenance.