Q: I can't decide which type of flooring for my house, stone or hardwood. I love the look of both. What are the pros and cons?

A: Until recently, stone wasn't used in North American homes except in the bathroom and kitchen. But times have changed. Stone is traditionally seen in hot-weather homes. It is cool to the touch and resistant to heat and moisture. However, the hard surface is tiring if you're standing or walking on it constantly and completely unforgiving to anything that drops on it.

The selection of marble, granite, limestone and slate is wide so you can go as light or dark as you please. You can also devise patterns and captivating designs depending on how you lay the stones, including creating a central pattern or trim with mosaic tiles.

Tile and stone can look modern or traditional. A clean, straight pattern with narrow grout evokes stylish modern, whereas a brick pattern with wider grout is more classic. The travertine floor at the London Hotel in New York City is timeless and elegant, and a stunning choice for a living room, dining room and main entrance hall. Stone is heavy and needs a subfloor that can accept the added weight.

For the central living areas, hardwood is always a favourite, whether you're going modern or traditional, and for good reason. It's warm and comfortable underfoot, and its many natural hues incorporate well into any design.

Ash and maple are light woods that work in contemporary settings; pine floors are synonymous with country or rustic style; and dark stained oak is classic for formal or traditional homes. Move into chocolate and black stains, and you're modern again.

The price spread is wide. My first choice is having the wood laid in your home, then sanded, stained and varnished. This is the traditional and the classic way to a true wood floor.

It's faster and not as messy to apply finished hardwood planks. They are costlier, but the stronger, long-lasting finishing coat is worth it.

Engineered wood or wood laminate flooring is easy to install and affordable. Choose the thickest wood laminate you can afford, as it will last longer.

It's imperative with laminate floors that there's no damp or wetness underneath or gaps will soon appear between planks. The laminates wear in a far less natural way than real wood.

Your choice is not an easy one. If you love the look of stone, you can always add area rugs to warm the space in the cooler months. Or consider a heated floor.

Maintenance is important, and this comes down to the type of traffic in your home. High-gloss stone or wood floors can be dangerous. Tumbled stone with a dull finish is more slip-resistant.

Your budget will guide you, too. Granite and mahogany floors are high end but timeless. Fortunately the variety of available materials and costs gives you plenty of options.

This column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.