Is Tile Dead In The Kitchen? (Snack Sized Episode)

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into the world of flooring—what works, what doesn’t, and why context matters more than any single rule. We’ve all dealt with the pressure of making long-term, expensive flooring decisions, so we unpack real-life experiences to offer guidance that’s both practical and design-savvy.

We kick off with Marilyn’s bold stance: no tile in the kitchen. She argues it’s uncomfortable, impractical, and stylistically outdated. While Taylor pushes back slightly with visions of a Mediterranean-style saltillo-tiled kitchen, we all agree that wood floors are often overlooked but perfectly viable for kitchens—and even bathrooms—if properly protected and maintained.

From there, we get into the nuts and bolts of flooring choices. Subfloors matter. Whether you’re working on a new build or a renovation, structural stiffness and existing conditions (like a concrete slab) play a huge role in what flooring will perform best. Large format tiles, for example, require structural reinforcement or a crack isolation membrane. Mosaic tiles can offer a workaround in older homes where subfloors are uneven.

Engineered hardwood becomes a focal point as we explore how it helps bridge gaps between aesthetic goals and structural limitations. It's more dimensionally stable, especially over slabs, and available in exotic species and wide plank formats. But we caution listeners—check the wear layer. A cheap engineered floor won’t last, and refinishing may be impossible.

Accessibility and aging-in-place design also surface as important factors. Taylor shares promising innovations like cork underlayments and materials from senior living environments that reduce fall injuries—perfect for clients with mobility challenges.

We touch briefly on carpet—yes, it's still in the mix for stairs, slippery spots, or kid-friendly basements—and then dive into the controversial topic of LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). Sheri talks about the “love-hate” relationship many of us have with it. It’s cost-effective, resilient, and water-resistant, but it’s plastic underfoot and not repairable like wood. Taylor shares her decade-plus of personal experience with LVP in a hard-use basement, while Marilyn champions polished concrete and linoleum as more sustainable alternatives. We all agree: it's situational, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Finally, we discuss aesthetics and trends. While flooring choices don’t swing wildly year to year, finish colors certainly do—dark, gray, and now natural. We also highlight oil finishes as a stunning, underutilized option, with Marilyn emphasizing the beauty and ease of use—even if it's not for every household.

We wrap up with a reminder: flooring is not just about looks. Durability, health, sustainability, and how you live all matter. The more you know your needs, the better your flooring decisions will be.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! [email protected]

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

00:00 - Intro: Why Flooring Matters
01:10 - Tile in Kitchens: Hot Takes & Pushback
02:30 - Wood in Wet Spaces? Yes.
03:45 - Subfloors and Renovation Challenges
05:00 - Large Format Tile and Structural Needs
06:50 - Engineered Hardwood: Why It Works
08:15 - Wear Layers & Maintenance Tips
10:00 - Flooring for Aging in Place
11:30 - Carpet: Still Useful?
12:00 - Vinyl: Love-Hate Real Talk
15:00 - Sustainability: Concrete, Linoleum, and Asbestos
17:30 - Why You Need Expert Advice
18:00 - Flooring Trends & Finishes
19:10 - Outro: Ask Us Anything!