I don't know if cost is an issue for you, but were were going to go with tile in the kitchen, until were were running overbudget and needed to save some $$. Turned out that hardwood was much less expensive (primarily because of installation costs and not the cost of the tile we had chosen). So far we've been happy with the wood, as as others have pointed out, it easier to stand on for long periods than my mother's tile floors.

I've never been a hardwood fan. We have beautiful 18x18 ceramic tile and I love it. I've worked in a kitchen with hardwood floors and if you use the kitchen a lot, they take a beating. Ceramic is much more durable. Plus, wooden floors always feel slick, which I don't like. I agree that ceramic is hard and difficult to stand a long time on, but we use small padded mats one in front of the stove and one in front of the sink, the main places that I stand a long time. As for the PP who said it defeats the purpose of a easy-to-clean surface, we haven't found that. The mats we have can be tossed in the washing machine and hung dry. They can be vacuumed easily along with the mats by the doors.

Have cork and love it for all reasons stated above.

do you have kids, dogs, etc? OUr wood kitchen floors are trashed--between a bunch of kids and DH who does not pay attention, there are water stains, gouges, uneven parts, dents, dings, etc. I would do cork or, if cost a real issue, a slate like ceramic tile. The latter looks nice, but can be hard and cold.

Tile, hardwood isn't as forgiving for spills and messes.