"Dave Rathnow" wrote in message
news:3Obee.34342$vN2.20658@clgrps13...
I would like to put in a new floor into my house that is a combination
of hardwood and with tile inserts. Each tile is framed by 3-4 inch strips
of flooring. I saw this in a couple of show homes and really liked.

Unfortunately, I can't find any information on doing this. I've laid
hardwood
and tile separately but never done anything like this.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to start? I'm not sure if I need
to use regular flooring (i.e. tounge and groove) or go with straight
planks?
When should the finish to the wood be applied?

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

i've done it with t&g. you'd have to take off the tongue if they abut the
tile. prefinish the wood. if you're using saltillo tile, prefinish the tile
before laying it. if possible use an epoxy or silicone grout line abutting
the wood, as the wood will pull the water out of the grout and it will be
very weak there, or use a wood transition strip.

it's a pain keeping the wetmop from slopping on the wood when cleaning the
tile.

regards,
charlie
cave creek, az