Flooring suggestions, what would you do?

[Sleepybunny]

Hi we're moving to a new place it needs new flooring through out.

What do you think is best for durable flooring for the kitchen and hallway?

Where is the best place to go? I've just stayed in flats before where I never planned to be there long term, so I just layer some cheap neutral stuff from carpet right. Now I'd like something durable, classy but doesn't cost the earth!

Suggestions gratefully received

bamboo

mine is 6 years old
well used
well worn
still wonderful

wood.

If it dents or scratches it adds character. If you have a big dent it can be resanded (bamboo is a grass and can't be resanded).

littlered
bamboo is NOT a grass and can most definitely be resanded : look at my profile pic of my kitchen : the worktops are made of the same stuff as the floor
the floor sheets are 11mm thick so will take 2 x 2mm sandings before becoming fragile

the worktops are 38mm thick and we picked "which side was up" as each arrived

Quickstep - laminate but v good quality. I have kitchen one that looks like slate tiles and wood effect (matt) in the lounge. V hard wearing after 3 years and doesn't show the dirt!

Thanks! Will take all that into consideration. Any suggestions as to where to go to source flooring?

Also it's a Victorian place. So I was thinking for the stairs to paint the wood white and lay down a sea grass runner. Are stairs expensive to do?

my stairs are the old fashioned
white gloss / red carpet / stair rods
because I hate loud stairs

keep watch at the carpet shops for offcuts

my bamboo was sourced online (it came direct from china)

Not wanting an argument but bamboo is definitely a grass and sand it at your peril. Sanding bamboo breaks down the fibres and can affect the durability and longevity of your surface.

littered
I've had it for 6 years and have sanded it to cover the bigger dents several times
its fine
I grow bamboo too and have seen plantations of the species we have on the floor and worktops

at some stage I'll have the whole lot graded back to cover the scorch marks

the car showroom I got the idea from have sanded theirs three times

Also sorry to mention it (again really not wanting an argument!) but bamboo has to go through a bonding process and is generally bonded using formaldehyde. The dust is toxic if you sand it (although it should be fine if you don't sand it)

Crossed posts.

Anyway, up to you OP but do your research.

Look up Karndean Flooring.
All sorts of different styles & colours.
I have it in my kitchen, quite a few of my ex-family had it their homes too!!
Also, my sister works for Goldsmiths Jewelers & a lot of their shops have it down on the floors as it is highly hard wearing while still looking good over a long period of time!!
It is expensive though, do your research & get quotes on every suggestion you get from every where!

We got our Quickstep from a small DIY shop who were able to give a good deal. 3 miles away exactly the same stuff was on sale for more than £10 per square meter more.

Choose your flooring brand and shop around.

Thanks for the excellent suggestions! I'll definitely shop about and see what I can get. I need to measure up first so I can get accurate quotes.

Fingers crossed the January sales yield something :-D