Can anyone help with wooden floor decision?

[deedeelondon]

In the process of choosing new wooden flooring for long sitting room/ diner
to replace inherited laminate.
I would like solid wood, and have been looking at light oiled oak. After weeks of pondering, the samples I sent for are starting to look a little too much like the floor it is going to replace, and I'm wondering if I should be more bold.
Also I have several pieces of vintage Ercol furniture (sideboards, plank dining table and Quaker chairs) in light wood, and can't decide if I should try to match them with the flooring, or whether it would be better to contrast. My style is mid Century modern. Ideal would be sanded floorboards, but the originals are in bad shape and I would have probs with insulation.
Have also been looking at bamboo, but have read mixed reviews about its durability.
Has anyone got any tips, ideas or experiences to share?

[Leedsfan247]

Bamboo is so tough it's unbelievable, it's also naturally resistant to liquids much more than other woods. Finally it's very sustainable if that is of interest to you. Lighter coloured woods are more likely to show stains whereas darker woods show more scratches. Never go for solid wood unless it's from Junkers because the rest will warp, go with engineered board with the thickest wear layer you can afford. Finally use a really good fitter, preferably a carpenter and not a carpet fitter. Good luck

[deedeelondon]

Thanks Leeds - can't afford Junkers at the mo, so will look again at engineered. Do you have bamboo?
'

[deedeelondon]

Planning to have it fitted by a joiner...

[Leedsfan247]

I have had it before and it's bullet proof! Joiner is the best way to go.

[poocatcherchampion]

how does bamboo compare price wise?

[burnishedsilver]

I wouldn't recommend cherry. I'm disappointed with how badly it has scratched compared to the oak in the previous house.