Q: I really like the look of hardwood flooring, but I've been warned against using it in the kitchen. 
I don't want to settle for laminate. Are there any other options?
— R.S., Brantford, ON

A: Many people love the warmth and elegance of wood floors in a kitchen, but durability is a concern. Water can damage any type of flooring, so humidity levels must be controlled in kitchen and bath environments.

Your best bet is engineered wood flooring: a thin veneer of real wood adhered to a composite wood plank. This option offers the thickness of a solid wood plank at a considerably lower price tag. The planks are sold sanded, stained and protected—often with up to 15 coats of UV-protectant varnish, making them scratch- and fade-resistant. As easy to install as laminate planks, they're a good option to use all over the house, even in the kitchen. Expect to pay $8 to $20 per square foot for the product, and an 
additional $4 to $8 per square foot for professional installation.

For more solutions to your design dilemmas, read what Karl Lohnes has to say about picking a couch.