fossilized bamboo flooring from a vendor like Cali Bamboo will resolve the "should it be bambboo issue" It gives a very unique look as well as affordable price. remember this is going to be a major element you will see and use a great deal.

The finish coat on bamboo is the same as you would have on a solid or engineered prefinished hardwood. Bamboo is harder ( Impact) then oak or maple., especially strand bamboo.

These guides to wood floors and engineered wood floors have some helpful comparisons:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/when-to-use-engineered-wood-floors-stsetivw-vs~574877

This one includes bamboo, too: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/your-floor-an-introduction-to-solid-plank-wood-floors-stsetivw-vs~560662

Bamboo's durable and has a unique look - you could also do a solid hardwood in any color - handscraped dark, or bleached/very light are some nice contemporary looks. Solid vs. engineered is really more a matter of where you are installing it. See the guide that Sheila references on Houzz.

Hopefully you are looking at strand woven bamboo - it is about twice as hard as oak or maple and less "tropical" looking than traditional bamboo. Regarding installation - if you are looking at a solid product the installation would be the same as hardwood. Pricing for installation typically varies by the type of installation, not by the type of material being installed.

I would go with hardwoods, either solid or engineered.

Old post 2012

JUST DON'T GO WITH NATURALLY AGED FLOORING.

THE WORST

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3901809/problems-with-engineered-flooring-splintering-and-more#n=29

Really depends on your budget and taste. I heard of issues with bamboo and liked the red oak engineered hardwoods. I went with Lauzon and so far looks amazing! If you have a raised foundation then the obvious choice is full on hardwood. I have concrete slab so limited to engineered hardwood.