Well, you have lovely rooms! What is it about floorboards that appeals to you? Thinking about that might give you some direction. Does your budget allow you to have floorboards in both tiled and carpeted areas? Certainly, they will look great in both areas. Tiles look very clinical and shiny, which can be very appealing in kitchen area, but maybe you are wanting to warm up the space?

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.

I’ve had hardwood floors in three houses and never had ghosting. So not that common. One room did have some oil spots come out after a while. But because of the way things worked out I also never had people walk on the raw boards (apart from the polisher)before they were finished and not for at least five days afterwards. My current boards are due to a refinish after 12+ years so I’ll be very careful of the ghosting possibility. I’d be very disappointed if that happened. I am planning for a Tung oil finish this time which is a DIY repair friendly product. I’d be seeking another opinion from an independent source.

siriuskey thanks for your input. I think I will keep as you suggest. However in the hallway I will do a transition so the boards run the length of the hallway, I don't think I can live with them on the diagonal there as it will make the hallway seem smaller. Also the door to the hallway is closed majority of the time. Thanks Kate for the photos, I can better visualize the boards now as per the drawings. Appreciate everyone's advice, I think sometimes (perhaps all the time) I just overthink things. This renovation is not a small undertaking in cost and I want it right. This is our forever home and I have been dreaming of this kitchen for years. Due to COVID lockdowns and long lead times on things at the moment I have had to rely a lot on buying online. This has been the hardest part as I am a touch and feel type of person. Thankfully I have had these floors before in our previous house so that was one less stress.