housetraining and hardwood floors

Question
We have decided to buy our six girls a Golden Retriever for Christmas.  I have read a few of the questions that have already been asked and assume that you believe that crate training is the best for the dog?  Could you help me understand how long they stay in the crate. We start our day round 6am and I am home most of the days.  Do I live him in for a few hrs. let him out and then back in? Could you help me with this schedule?

Also, we have hardwood floors will He tear these up?

Lastly, I hear that I should not let him have access to the entire house but just one area until he is trained and older. Is this correct?

Thanks so much for your help!
Ashley

Answer
Even fairly young puppies should be able to go 4-5 hours in a crate.  They do need not only a relief break mid day, but time with people and until at least 3 months old, a meal.  When you are around, I would only crate him when other tasks keep you from giving him the attention a puppy must have.  

Hardwood floors may or may not stand up.  Ours does fine, but I put an industrial grade moisture cure urethane on it.  You may need to promptly find and clean up accidents.  As the puppy gets bigger, you may need careful attention to the toe nails.  

It is best to keep the puppy in only a few rooms.  They not only wet, but they chew.  
Accidents and damaged possessions are the fault of whoever was watching the puppy.  When you are watching it, immediately correct it as soon as it goes for anything except its own toys.  In a quiet, but firm voice ''Bad dog, its name drop!''.  Gently remove what ever and replace it with one of her toys, or if older, hold eye contact until the puppy drops it.