Flooring....

We met with Chris from City View Hardwoods @ T&G Hardwood to pick out our floor. Decided on the following (for entire first floor except bathrooms):

Ashawa Bay Engineered Wood
4" White Oak unfinished (custom site stain)

The stain will be like a black-espresso color to contrast with the white walls.

For the steps going to the basement, we want to do something a little different (although we've seen it in a few mod homes in our area) by using rubber coin stair treads in either black or graphite, instead of a stained hardwood tread. Aaron had a fantastic idea to use metal - either stainless like we are using for backsplash/toekicks in the kitchen or perhaps a galvanized sheet - for the risers. Should be fairly economical but look phenomenal!