Planning a renovation/ addition, and one of the greatest wants is to have a seamless indoor/ outdoor feel. Based on what I've learned to date, the two flooring options that work inside and outside well are stone tile and concrete. Concrete is out, as it would involve reinforcing the subfloor and possibly foundation. This would extend throughout the great room (kitchen, and living/ dining room), guest bah, entryway, back deck and small front porch.

I'm wary of tile for several reasons: loud, cold, shatters glass, and most crucially will hurt whenever my toddler takes a tumble. Rugs can mitigate some of that, but then where is the indoor/ outdoor cohesiveness? Radiant heating has been mentioned, but given that it never gets that cold it's doubtful we would incur the expense. Then there's the question of how slippery it gets when wet. Does every spill become a hazard?

On the other hand, it will look great. Easy to maintain and clean. Durable. Bedrooms & toddler's play area are hardwood and will remain. A new master will probably use engineered hardwood or possibly laminate (for budget reasons).

Which factors should weigh? And question for all out there with natural stone tile floors: how do you like them, and do you see any particular issue with children in the mix.