“Durability” means different things depending upon who lives in your house. Wood can scratch, and the finish can wear down, but hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry are hard to dent. Tile— even in natural stone options—won’t scratch like wood, but a single dropped skillet can chip or crack a tile entirely. And if a tile does break, it can be tough to replace in a seamless way—you’ll need to have extras on hand to ensure a perfect fit, and you’ll need to match the grout color when you install the new tile. “I’d say the split is about fifty-fifty between clients who favor wood or tile,” says H-Millard. She also notes that while tile can be beautiful, solid hardwood or high-quality engineered hardwood can both be sanded down and restained for a fresh look. “You really want the floor to be something that you can love at 50, 70, or beyond,” she says.