iTexas Realty Co. Blog: What Goes with Caribbean Cherry?

One of my clients wrote me for a bit of flooring advice in her 3 bedroom/ 2 bath San Antonio area starter home.

After a water heater leak, she had installed a Carribean Cherry Laminate wood flooringin one of her guest bedrooms and was now ready to make some flooring decisions for the public spaces.  She was having a hard time deciding if she should put tile in the kitchen/living room/entrance way or go with more of the Caribbean Cherry (sounds so good that I had to say it again).  Re-sale is a concern since everyone usually moves sooner or later!

Although the cherry-flavored flooring sounds like a great choice for installing in the living room area, I would be hesitant to do it in a kitchen (or bath).  A subsequent Buyer might not be comfortable with the laminate in a wet area and some flooring manufacturers recommend against it.

I would opt to tile the kitchen in a 20" tile in a warm, neutral latte shade.  The "big box" stores like Lowes and Home Depot carry a nice selection of very economical, "promotional" tile and I would stick to that for a starter home. 

If tile worked with the entry layout, I would tile the entry in that same 20" tile and consider tiling the bathrooms as well.  Be aware that in those smaller spaces, a matching 12" tile (the store should carry a few), may be a better fit.  

All tile aside, I would definitely have the Caribbean Cherry laminate installed in the living room.  It is an upscale re-sale choice in a starter home and will really separate your home from the competition when you move.  Just don't over-spend on it!

It should look great!  I hope that she'll send photos when she's done.