My kitchen floor and I have a serious love-hate relationship. It’s 12 x 12 Saltillo tile and while I love the quaint, rustic vibe it adds to our New England kitchen,
it’s a total bear to design around. Although we have no plans for a major kitchen renovation, I have a hate-hate relationship with our countertops (they are so not my style) and I’m giving some thought to changing them out along with a few other kitchen updates now that we know we’re going to be in our house for several more years. But finding countertops I like that look good with my orangey Saltillo tile? Mission impossible.
And if you’ve ever had Saltillo tile, you know what a pain in the butt it is to clean. It’s porous and has all sorts of nooks and crannies that trap dirt so the only way to get it really clean is to get on your hands and knees and scrub each individual tile. Not fun.
Throw in the fact that we have several cracked tiles that need to be replaced (and we have no extra tiles to get an exact match) and it’s got me trying to make a decision about whether these Saltillo tile floors should stay or go.
What would I replace them with? There are several options that I think could look pretty killer in our kitchen. One is a patterned cement or ceramic tile like this fabulous tile in my friend Brooke’s home:
Aren’t her floors (and her entire kitchen actually) just gorgeous? Brooke has an amazing sense of style that you can see more of in her summer home tour {here}.
Another option I’ve considered is using either wood or tile in a herringbone pattern. I don’t know what it is about herringbone but floors like this one in Sarah Dorsey’s home just slay me:
Sarah and her husband are pretty amazing DIYers – they actually laid this entire floor by themselves which you can read more about {here}.
And then there’s the option for simple, classic hardwood floors. I especially love the wider planked wood floors like in this stunning kitchen by Studio McGee:
![Wide planked wood flooring - love this simple, classic kitchen flooring option! [Design by Studio McGee]](https://www.drivenbydecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Wide-planked-wood-flooring-love-this-simply-classic-kitchen-flooring-option-Design-by-Studio-McGee.jpg)
You can check out more pics of this beautiful space {here}.
So you guys are always good for an honest opinion – what do you think? Would you stick with the Saltillo tile (which probably means sticking with our current countertops too) or add new floors to the kitchen to-do list? I’d love to know your thoughts!
I hope you all have a fun and safe July 4th weekend!
before i even saw the choices i was going to suggest a wood look in a herringbone pattern as that seems so you! and also easy to work with no matter what.
You know me too well!!
I love the herringbone look or the wide plank look. Either one is fabulous and would be such a dream in your kitchen.
Thanks so much for your input Marty!
MY choice would be a wood floor. ALways in style, and as versatile as a white sofa is.
Thanks Mary – you’re so right that wood floors would never ever go out of style!
I’d replace with wood herringbone! Good luck!
Thanks so much for weighing in Crystal!
Love the tile that looks like wood, putting in my bathroom.
Look at south cypress.com for ideas.
Thanks for the link – I’ll check it out!
I would go with the tile that looks like wood – beauty + easy maintenance! Lots of color options, too!
Thanks Pat – good idea! We picked some faux wood tile out for my mom’s bathroom remodel that I love!
Here’s my experience: wood is pretty (what I have now) but there is so much activity in our kitchen that it now has dents (from things dropped), is always looking dirty (from dirt tracked in from back door) and no longer has the beautiful shine it once did, If you went with the pretty patterned small tile, which is popular right now, I think you would have the same cracking issues. Can you find a porcelain type tile that looks like wood or the gray herringbone you like? I had porcelain tile, 12×12 size, in a previous home and I loved it. No cracks, durable, and the color and sheen always looked good with a simple mop up. Also, remember that tiles with built in texture just become “nooks & crannies” for dirt and can be challenging to clean! You want simple and easy!
Thanks so much for your input Linda! My only hesitation with tile is that the floors get so cold in the winter here in CT. Definitely on the list of possibilities though!!
I like wide plank wood for your kitchen. Classic. Beautiful, just like your style. I think the herringbone is very busy, as well as the cement tiles.
Thanks Maureen – I think you’re right that keeping it simple is probably best in this space!
We put wood in our kitchen last year after having ceramic tile. I love the way wood feels and looks but I already notice scratches. We went with the finished on site type so the prefinished might be better these days…who knows. My neighbor just put the wood-look tiles in her bathroom and they look amazing. I might consider that if I had to do it over again. I am also obsessed with the patterned tile like in your first example…so I am basically no help! lol…. You have great taste and I am sure you will make the right choice! Very exciting!
Shelley
Thanks so much for your input Shelley – it’s always so helpful to hear from friends who have been there-done that!
I love the wide plank wood floors. I have them in my kitchen and have no regrets.
That’s great to know – thanks Mary!
Has any one used the new Luxury Vinyl Flooring? I am have been told it can go over tile. The wood planks in the picture actually look like some I have seen. I think any pattern would not compliment you beautiful brick. I would go with a simple plank of some kind, unless you dare paint the brick.?
Cookie
Yes I have used it with great success. Laid it myself (I’m 73) and it looks gorgeous – has been down for a year and unless you are moving/dragging some huge, heavy, bulky refrigerator over it, it doesn’t show scratches or much wear at all. I did in in the medium dark wood planks and don’t regret anything about it. Sticks where you put it, easy to lay!
Thanks. It is the rage in South Fl. I think we will try it in our condo. I don’t like hard tile now that I am a grandmother. Hard to walk on and clean.
I love the real wood in our Atlanta home, but it does scratch.
We installed it in our main bathroom this year. We have had problems with water getting under the tile in the past so we pulled it all out down to the subfloor and then installed the LVT. So far so good! I do not expect to have it forever but it is a great alternative especially since it it waterproof. Go for it!
This is what we used:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Allure-6-in-x-36-in-Teak-Resilient-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-24-sq-ft-case-53712/100609202
YES Laura L! We redid 4 rooms with the Trafficmaster Allure in Silver Oak, 7 inch wide planks, with the look of wood but without the hassle. Had two different friends with a leak in the kitchen on hardwood and took months to get it redone…swelling wood, damp, etc. The “luxury vinyl tile” LVT, or “luxury vinyl plank” LVP is waterproof, NOT water resistent, so you can put in kitchen, utilities, bathrooms etc., unlike laminents . It was a DIY project for hubby and a friend a year ago and we LOVE it!
I meant to say LVP is not JUST water resistent, but waterproof, which is alot better!
Thanks for the info Laura – what you put in is some good looking stuff!!
That’s great to know Linda! And props for laying it yourself – that’s awesome!
I think you’re right about working with that brick – it’s not going to look right if surrounded with a busy pattern!
I was just curious about your experience with putting it OVER existing tile? Any problems? We are considering it and vinyl is so much more comfortable to step on. Do you have any thoughts on if your flooring has radiant heat (where the heat in your home comes through the pipes under your floors)? Although vinyl isn’t too thick so I doubt it will hold up the heat coming to the surface too much…any thoughts? Thanks in advance!!
Hardwood definitely! It’s classic and will NEVER go out of style.
Thanks so much for weighing in Vicki!
Definitely traditional hardwood. Timeless and classic. So many options available. You might consider the hardscraped for a little more rustic look.
While the others are pretty I do think in time they will go out of style.
Thanks so much Lauren – I LOVE the handscraped look!!
Everything in me says GO FOR THE WIDE PLANKED FLOORS!! Timeless, classic and classy just like the rest of your home!! The Saltillo tile must go! (I have it, I hate it, and boy is it a job to get rid of it!)
Thank you Linda! I’ve found that the people who love the Saltillo tile are ones that have never lived with it like you and I have!
It seems like it is definitely time to get rid of your tile. I love the herringbone wood look. It could be tile or wood. My second choice would be wide hardwood. I am not a fan of the patterned tile, it could fun, but personally think I would get tired of it quickly.
Thanks so much for weighing in Diane!
I wouldn’t change that floor . You can successfully paint it. Many have done so, including Jenny from Little Green Notebook. I have also painted, I live in Arizona and that tile is everywhere. Also timeless. Get some beautiful rugs and keep living with your tile. Save $6000.00 for something else.The paint job for us has held up twenty years so far. I wanted the tile to be a little lighter , not so red , like you. Easy fix! Use the concrete tile (fad , but beautiful) on the backspash.
Thanks for you input Karen! I’ve considered painting or staining it but we have a lot of cracked tiles and an area where there is a big height discrepancy in the tiles so painting wouldn’t solve all of my issues BUT you’re so right that it would be wonderful to save that money for something else. Definitely something I’m going to think about!
Definitely change out the tile! I vote for a low maintenanace ceramic wood look tile for durabilty but still very pretty. GL!
Thanks so much for your input Julie!
Add me to the wide plank wood floor group! Ours has taken a little beating, too, but I added a throw rug in front of the sink and fridge where water is sometimes an issue (children!) Maybe it’s weird, but a wood floor that’s a little worn doesn’t bother me one bit!
I’m thinking the exact same thing – I love things that are a little off and well-loved so I don’t think that a little bit of wear and tear would bother me. Thanks for your input!
Did you see where sherry hart recently stained the tiles! So cool!
I was thinking about Sherry Hart’s dark stained saltillo floor project too! It is gorgeous, totally worth checking out.
ME back again….That was going to be my 2nd option to consider, since I saw Sherry Hart’s recent project on staining tile (looked like yours) and it turned out awesome! She is @ Designindulgence.blogspot.com if you want to check that out.
I did and totally agree – a great transformation!!
Kris,
I would DEFINITELY swap out the Mexican tile. It’s outdated and such a pain to clean! Personally, I would go with a wider plank wood floor for your home. Classic, warm and easy on your feet. It appears to fit well with your lovely kitchen. LOVE the fireplace/seating area! Decisions decisions! Good luck!
Thank you Roseann!! This sounds like advice from someone who has lived with this same tile before (it’s such a pain, right!). I appreciate your input!
I have also seen your tile painted but if it’s cracked, it might be time to replace it. I do love that patterned tile but I would go with a wood floor for a more timeless look. It is more comfortable to stand on, will never go out of style and will appeal to more buyers when you eventually decide to move.
Thanks Lisa and bringing up resale is a great point because it’s very unlikely that this is our forever home!
Wide plank hardwood????
Thanks for weighing in Melissa!
Simple, classic hardwood- timeless!
Thanks so much for your opinion Karen!
It sounds like you really want to replace the tiles. I’d go with the plank wood floors. Classic, easy to clean, and comfortable on your feet.
Thanks Lisa – you’re right that the wood is so much more forgiving than tile when standing on it for long periods of time. I appreciate you weighing in!
Hi Kris-
I would get rid of the tile. If your kitchen is separated from the rest of the house you can be playful and use whatever you like for the floor. But if your kitchen flows with the rest of the house, I would choose flooring that transitions. For instance, if the adjoining floor is wood, I would try to match the color of that wood but get creative with the pattern of the wood.
I’m facing the same situation in my newly purchased, old home. I have pillow-topped travertine floors – beautiful, but challenging to clean. I’m considering replacing it with a herringbone wood floor in a color that matches the adjoining floor.
Hi Mary – thanks so much for your thoughtful input! And good luck with your flooring choices in your own home too!
Am I the only one that likes your Saltillo tile?? I think it is very inviting and cozy. The other flooring options are beautiful and if you are ready for a change I vote hardwood. The concrete and herringbone could become dated.
Ha! No, you aren’t alone Keitha! I actually like the look of it too, but my love for it has definitely faded the longer I have to live with it and deal with cleaning it! Thanks so much for your input!
I would go with the tile that looks like hardwood. They have so many options out there now and it’s really hard to tell they aren’t wood. Atlas Concord has one the looks just like reclaimed wood! I’ve used it in my hotel projects a bunch.
Thanks for your valuable input Celeste – I will be checking out that brand!
Your home is very well designed. You have made it look beautiful. And no offence, every time you post a pic. I internally say, oh she still has to work around the sad orange spanish tile. Sorry not a fan. And my vote is wood floor. Love love the patterned tile. But I’m thinking give it 5/8 years or so it might be like when you walk into and old 70’s tile home of brown orange and run away from the tile pattern! Too much pattern in a space that size. But whatever you decide I’m sure it will be beautiful, cue fireplace, and make us all drool????
Ha! No offense taken at all! It makes me feel better that I’m not crazy if I decide to rip up all of this flooring!! Thanks so much for your input!
I think your kitchen looks charming the way it is and I’d keep the Saltillo. Every social media kitchen looks the same these days: very pretty, but cookie-cutter and in many cases, lacking charm. I do love that black and white tile in your friend’s kitchen, but I’d be sick of it in about 5 years. It’s bold, but not a good idea for resale, if that’s a concern.
As to wood floors in the kitchen, I have them and love them. Classic. I can’t tell from your photo what flooring you have in adjacent rooms, but if it’s hardwood, I’d match it in the kitchen.
Thanks for your thoughtful input Mary! The tile is no doubt charming and I loved it when we first looked at our house but wow, it’s been such a bear to maintain and has so much cracking that I think I’m done with it. I really appreciate you sharing your opinion!!
Hi! My vote is classic hardwood in a lighter color. Dark floors are popular but show dirt and dust more than light floors and make the space look smaller. I love my light, hand scraped wide plank floors, no glossy finish. Thank you!
Thanks Sally! I’ve never had dark hardwoods so that’s good to know – I made the mistake of getting a dark rug once and never will again. It showed every little speck of dirt!
I love all three but I do think the Herringbone is more you. Whatever you decide it will you beautiful.
Thanks so much for weighing in Ralinn!
I love the look of wood. But if it has a sheen to it, you are right that it will look bad soon! If you go with wood, I might consider a finish that is more matte than shiny. My daughter did that and it looks great after several months of wear. I also like the idea of wood-look tile as long as it does not butt right up to real wood floors. I would not like the patterned tile because I think that will boss you around forever! And I would not do a gray floor because when the gray trend is over, you will be stuck with a floor that forever screams outdated trend! I think your current floor looks great with your white kitchen. But totally understand the issues you described! Good luck!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Norma – I so appreciate it!!
Design indulgence has a great post about dying Saltillo tile if you decide to keep it. My sister in law in Houston installed wood like tile 3 yrs ago kitchen and all of downstairs (they did hardwood upstairs). She loves it and is easy to maintain with her steamer and dyson. I like my tile in the kitchen it’s hard on my back some days but easy to maintain. I bought these great looking outdoor rugs from target and love them in the kitchen. Easy to maintain, great pattern and ordered online on sale so I didn’t have to drag the rugs home. Our hardwoods are scratched from husbands roller suitcase the shine in places is gone I think wood is harder to maintain so it scares me in the kitchen. Whatever you decide it will be beautiful.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experience – I’ll have to check out Target’s outdoor rugs!!
Hi! You’re kitchen is lovely, especially the fireplace nook but I would change out the tile. All good options, I have wood floors and LOVE them. Good luck, can’t wait to see.
My apologies for typo. Hate when I do that.
Thanks so much for weighing in Nicole!
Here is the Sherry Hart link for staining the tiles in case that option appeals to you
http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/2016/06/before-and-after-staining-saltino-tile.html
Thanks so much for the link Cheryle – I love everything that Sherry does!!
Omg…..wide planks of hardwood hands down look the most amazing ( in my honest opinion!)
I had 8 inch wide,reclaimed French oak in our last home and it was gorgeous so I’m biased !!!
It’s a classic…
Thank you so much for your opinion Brenda!!
Honestly, nothing beats wide plank hand scraped light oak in the French Chateau look. We did the high quality engineered in a matte finish, and honestly, they have yet to scratch, they don’t show dirt or crumbs, and have been so durable….also, they are easy on the feet and ankles….Real wood is my vote.
Susie, thanks so much for sharing your experience and opinion – I appreciate it!
I say out with the current tiles. I’m not sure the herringbone is the option- too trendy. I would go wood or porcelain tile that resembles wood. We are getting ready to update our travertine floors with a large porcelain plank tile (48×6″) in a grey wood look.
Thanks so much for weighing in Kelly!
Love your white kitchen and I would go with the wide plank hardwood. We have had hardwood in our kitchen for years, loved it then and love it now. Good luck with your decision and waiting anxiously to see what you decide!
Thanks for your input Paula – glad to hear you love have hardwoods in the kitchen!!
Check out my girlfriends amazing tile options @mirthstudio http://www.mirthstudio.com
Wow – she’s super talented!!
Love the wide plank wood best. Plus, I think the patterned and herringbone are too busy with the brick of the oven.
Thanks and I totally agree – that brick fireplace is a little tricky to work around!
Wood floor in last picture, hands down!
Thanks so much for your input Marilyn!
I just read a blog about the same issue and they have decided to stain their tile a dark stain. Looks pretty great! Check out pinterest…www.pinterest.com/pin/48976714676213786/. Good luck!
Thanks so much for the link Laurie – I appreciate it!!
Is there a name for the tall shelving unit on wheels? I’d love to locate something similar but not sure what to call it.
Thank you!
PS. Love your blog.
Hi Lacy – it’s a rolling baker’s rack that I got at Restoration Hardware!
Wood floors are a classic and so New Englandish!! I love the new cement tiles but I feel that they are too trendy and too much pattern for a kitchen. Bathroom ok cause easy to change a look if you get tired and not as costly as the kitchen to redo. WIde planed or herringbone doesn’t matter – both are classics and it is a personal preference. We have five kids and animals and we put in wood floors over 15 years ago in our kitchen and we only refinished them 1X and I would put them in again in a heartbeat. So what if they get a few dents you actually pay extra for that look in new solid distressed oak/maple floors versus the non distressed wood floors!! We are taking out the carpet in our upstairs and replacing it and I was so surprised to find that it will cost us more for the distressed look that I am thinking of just having my kids “naturally” distress the floors themselves. Ha!
It always helps so much to hear from someone who has been there-done that. So glad that the hardwoods have worked well for you – I love the distressed look too!
Go with wood floors. They are classic, always in style and are easy on your legs and back. I have white oak floors in my kitchen as well as the whole house and love love love them. I have white kitchen cabinets and light creamy granite countertops.
Thanks so much for weighing in Christy! Your kitchen sounds beautiful!
Hi Kris, Wide plank hardwood all the way! Classic, and easier to design around. Pretty simple maintenance too. I”m sure whatever you pick will wow us 🙂
Why does it not surprise me that your choice is the exact direction I’m leaning?!
My pick would be the wide plank wood floor. Classic. Connecticut. Not too busy.
Thanks so much for your input Denise – I appreciate it!!
Classic – Warm -you can’t go wrong with wood!
Thanks for weighing in Mary!
I love the tile that looks like wood. I also like the tile in the herringbone pattern. You have such an amazing sense of style. I am sure that no matter what you choose, it will look great!
You’re so sweet – thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Lynne!
I love your tile and would NOT replace it, it is timeless. I put it in a kitchen 35 yrs ago and still miss the warmth. My 45yr old daughter was just telling me how much she loves it when she is lucky enough to find it in a house. We almost bought a new house last year that I was crazy about with that tile in the kitchen and wood throughout the rest of the house. I know it is hard to clean, get a floor scrubber vac. I know the color can be hard to work with, I used French blues. Today I would use coral. But my vote is to keep it.
Thanks so much for your honest input Pamela – I appreciate it! And if I end up keeping my tile I am definitely looking into a floor scrubber vac – thanks for the tip!
I’m currently remodeling my kitchen after living with this hideous blue tile for years. I went with oak hardwood flooring to match the three other rooms that flow off the kitchen (I have a 1950’s Cape with lots of separate rooms instead of more open floor plan and adding hardwood opened up my kitchen. It feels more comfortable on bare feet too.
But if you stick with tile, I would go neutral and with a smoother finish so its easier to clean. I was sick of scrubbing grout on my hands and knees because it always trapped the dirt.
Yes! I don’t want to go from one hard to clean type of flooring to another! Thanks for your input!
I’d most definitely replace the tile and absolutely love herringbone pattern so that would be my choice!
Good luck with your decision!
John
Thanks so much for weighing in John!
I vote the wide wood floors. They are beautiful and classic. I so wanted to use that for our recent remodel but it would’ve meant ripping out other rooms hardwoods and that wasn’t in our budget. Good luck, looking forward to seeing what you do.
Thanks Stacey – yep, I’m worried about what the cost of replacing this tile will be – definitely won’t be a cheap undertaking so who knows if I’ll end up doing anything in the end!
Kris,
Is the voting booth closed? 🙂 Sorry to be late to the party. We had Saltillo tile in our first house and I liked it, but it’s really hard on legs and back if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. We have hardwood floors now and I love them. I do love the wood looking tile. One of our kids have it in their bathroom and it’s hard to tell that it isn’t real wood.
xo,
Karen
The voting booth is definitely still open!! My contractor is actually coming out this week to give me some estimates. Thanks so much for your input Karen!
I love the wood floors. However if the butt up against any other wood floors that don’t match then I don’t think that looks good. So I vote the herringbone also bc they still look like classy wood floors and don’t look like you are trying to match with anything. Great idea!
I agree that it becomes really tricky when different flooring types butt up against each other. Thanks so much for your input!
I love the beautiful tiles but I think a wood floor is timeless and will never go out of style!
Thank you Lisa!!
Classic wooden. The others are gorgeous (gray tile is just so pretty) but they will eventually go out of style and you’ll be back where you started.
Thanks for your input Anne! Something timeless is definitely key since this is unlikely to be our forever home and resale is important!
I say rip the floors up!!! I feel like you wont be 100% satisfied unless you get the whole look you want! I love the herringbone floors! They are classic,timeless, and versatile!
You’re sooo right Chelsea – once I get my mind on doing a project, I can’t let go of it! Thanks for your input!!
Did you know you can paint floor tile eithera solid color or a pattern? I stumbled across this the other day – http://remingtonavenue.com/?s=Paint+tile
Good luck with your decision!
Thanks so much for the link Emily!! Painting or staining my current tile is definitely a possibility to consider!
I also have the satillo tile. My counter top is Quartz with a tan mixture of colors. I love it. Clean your floors with vinegar and water. Just be sure not to put the vinegar on the satillo directly. Could also replace the tiles that are broken then use a dark grout over the old. It would change the look. If you are really sick of the satillo tile I’d go with wood.
Thanks so much for the cleaning tip – I’ll try that out! I’m still figuring out what direction I want to take with this!
Just stumbled onto your blog and I’m curious if you made a decision about your floors? We’re getting engineered hardwood 5″ planks installed soon. It was a hard decision!
Hi Becky,
I did finally decide and I’m going to go with new flooring – I would love to make myself love my current flooring but I just don’t. I’m actually actively looking right now and am leaning towards tile but haven’t made any final decisions yet. Good luck with yours!!