The engineered flooring has a thin veneer on a particle or mdf substrate which is more stable than real timber as far as expansion etc due to temperature changes. Using engineered floor provides a great way to insulate the floor, although they cannot be sanded like traditional solid hardwood flooring as the top layer you see is only a veneer. In some cases it is a paper laminate image of timber and not real at all. The 6mm flooring feels different to the 4mm underfoot, it feels substantially better and doesn't have the same click clack sound that gives away the 4mm flooring as being artificial. 6mm flooring is well worth the additional cost. Good luck. ML Design

You need to check out the timber look tiles at Tile Boutique. I love the look of timber but not the maintenance. There is absolutely no way you can tell these tiles are not timber. I've used them, love them.

Kath, I too love the appearance of European oak and white oak flooring while share your apprehension about its resistance to indentation. I have both hardwood (mixed Eucalyptus species, Janka rating 9+) and hoop pine solid timber flooring. The hardwood is excellent but as expected hoop pine is pretty hopeless. I have Tasmania oak and American oak furniture which show signs of wear on their legs (high impact area). I would consider Blackbutt and Spotted gum for their hardiness. From what I've read about engineered flooring, it is supposed to offer greater stability against high fluctuations of humidity level. As they too come in a wide price/quality range, perhaps select one with a better core base? Don't neglect quality installation work, often defects are a result of poor preparation and workmanship.

Non personal experience but I've seen it houses in Home Beautiful. It looks fabulous.