This is a question i get asked all the time. We sell miles of Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles for anything from a small cloakroom floor to huge living spaces. Like someone said Porcelain is Cold to touch where as the real thing, not as much. Most of the Builds we supply it to are installing Water underfloor heating throughout the areas its being fixed to so you avoid this problem. With the phenomenal technology being used to create these tiles they are now available in Lengths of up to 1700, they are looking more and more authentic. With hundreds of factories around the globe all giving it their best shot there really are some true stunners that not only fool the eye but the touch too. The positives of Porcelain really outweigh the negatives, no warping, no swelling, no staining or scratching. We once had a customer that replaced her traditional wood with porcelain because it was so much easy to look after and she didn't need to worry about her cleaner using the wrong product and staining it. Be careful with Amtico as they are not all UV protected and can fade. Take a look at our http://www.houzz.co.uk/projects/2107824/wood-effect-tiles-dolphin-wood for just a small insight into how Porcelain effect tiles can really transform any area of the home. Hope this helps.

For a hallway + kitchen leading outside, porcelain tile (wood effect) is the more practical option. It handles dirt, water, and heavy traffic really well, and you won’t be worrying every time someone walks in with wet shoes. You’re right though, it can feel colder and harder underfoot. If you’ve got underfloor heating, that pretty much solves the “cold” issue, but it will still feel firmer than wood. Engineered wood will feel warmer and softer, and looks beautiful, but in that kind of space it does need a bit more care. Over time you can get wear near doors, and you’ll need to be mindful of moisture. If it were me, for a busy indoor-outdoor space in London, I’d probably go porcelain for durability, especially if you’ve got UFH. If comfort matters more and you don’t mind a bit of upkeep, then engineered wood is still a lovely choice. - Georgia from Flooring365.co.uk

I tested white porcelain with bright pink hair dye when I bought them for my kitchen and the dye just wiped off. In 7 years the white tiles have never stained. I've dropped a Le Crueset cast iron pan lid and the lid got damaged but not a mark on the tile. I've had some small chips at the edges when furniture has been moved over them but it is minimal damage and the furniture should have been lifted rather than scrapped across the floor. You can buy full bodied porcelain which where the colour of the tile is right throughout the whole tile and if you get chips, you should not see a variation in colour. I love porcelain and would not use ceramic after having it. The best place to go for it, is your local independent tile retailer, rather than the big stores like Topps and Tile Giant. Not all tilers are keen on fixing them it because they are harder to cut and drill than ceramics and they need diamond blades and bits which cost more. They are well worth the investment though.

You can’t beat Oak. Timber prices have more or less doubled over the past few months. Oak has beautiful grain but if it’s down to budget then either of the others you suggest would do the job.