Hi, I had a Spotted Gum Timber Floor ( 10mm Real Solid Timber Single Planks ) in a penthouse apartment for 8 years . It was pre-coated in high gloss clear from the factory . When it was laid it was necessary to have a noise reduction 3mm foam under layer ( apartments underneath building noise requirement) . This method of installation actually made the floor very quiet and it also made it a little softer to walk over . When it got any scuff marks, they just easily wiped off with a damp cloth. When I sold the penthouse, the floor was in exactly the same condition as the day it was first laid - first class. It was only ever cleaned with a steam cleaner , no chemicals whatsoever . I would certainly recommend the pre-coated polyurethane gloss finish on the real timber planks to anyone, it was great ! You can just see a glimpse of the kitchen floor in the attached two images. Good luck with your specifying . High quality surface finishes normally stand the test of time . I have added a couple of extra images of the penthouse for interest. We did the interior design fit out after buying the shell from the developer. It was a stunning sky home . Cheers LAADP

I used to have tiled floors at the old place ..the whole downstairs was tiled ( lounge, study, living room , kitchen, laundry) terracotta ones..not cold at all contrary to what people think .. the kids loved riding their trikes around the house as it was massive open living space 36 squares in all. we had a wool rug where the living area was so kids can lounge around.. I find tiles are easier to maintain than floor boards.A quick vacuum and mop is all it needed and it hid the dirt well..whereas floor boards collects dust and hair etc.. Timber floorboards are nice to look at..the floating /laminate looks cheap and nasty I'd rather tiles instead.

Hi, Pin down a builder? I would suggest you take the plans you have to a builder and get some feedback before you go much further. Builders are often your best ally when it comes to practical ways to achieve the design intent.... many is the time we have been asked to price a set of plans where the client has invested an inordinate amount of time and money on detail only to receive a rude shock when the reality hits the budget for all the detail desired.... cheers

many years ago my dad had some similar doors and hinged two or three together to make a bi-trifold across a wide opening with another door hinged to the opposite wall for everyday use..some of the panels were replaced with glass and the doors were painted on all edged with outdoor enamel..not as easy to use as modern bifolds but lasted for many years under a wide eave but, first consider advertising the doors for sale as there may be a desperate homeowner searching for a matching door for their restoration and it would be a shame to waste them