Had cork in our kitchen for a few years, and honestly, the warmth difference was noticeable enough during winter mornings to justify it. But durability-wise... foam held up better over time, especially with kids and pets running around. Depends what matters more to you, comfort or longevity.
Interesting points about cork and foam, but honestly, I'd challenge the idea that comfort and longevity have to be mutually exclusive. If I were starting over, I'd seriously consider engineered hardwood with radiant heating underneath. Did this for a client recently—warm floors in winter, super durable surface, and it handled their two labs and toddlers like a champ. Bit pricier upfront, sure, but long-term it balances out nicely...
"If I were starting over, I'd seriously consider engineered hardwood with radiant heating underneath."
Totally agree on the engineered hardwood with radiant heat. Did something similar a couple years back for a family renovating an older home—originally they were leaning towards tile because of durability, but the cold factor was a big concern. We ended up going with engineered oak planks over hydronic radiant heating, and honestly, it turned out fantastic. The warmth underfoot was subtle but noticeable, and the wood held up surprisingly well even in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entryway.
One thing I'd add though—make sure you get the humidity levels dialed in properly. Wood flooring (even engineered) can be sensitive to moisture fluctuations, especially if you're in a climate with big seasonal swings. We installed a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier system to keep things stable year-round, and it made a huge difference in preventing gaps or warping down the line. Bit more upfront planning and cost, but definitely worth it for peace of mind...
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about engineered hardwood at first, but after living with it for a few years (with radiant heat underneath), I’m sold. The floors feel great in winter, and they’re way less fussy than I expected. Only thing I’d nitpick—if you’ve got pets, be ready for the occasional scratch or two. Ours has held up well, but the dog definitely leaves his mark now and then. Still, way better than freezing my toes off on tile every morning...
Building Base Structures—What If You Had To Start Over?
Yeah, I hear you on the engineered hardwood. I’ve put it in a bunch of homes now, and honestly, it’s come a long way. Scratches from pets are pretty much par for the course with any wood floor, but at least with engineered, you don’t get the same warping headaches if there’s a bit of moisture. Radiant heat underneath is a game changer—tile just doesn’t have that same cozy feel, even if it’s technically more durable. If I had to start over, I’d still go with wood over tile for living spaces, no question.
