Why are you comparing apples and oranges? What is your subfloor? If it's slab, then you need to only be looking at engineered. And yes, dark floors show dust horribly. Go rent a black car for a day and see if you can live with all of the spots showing up. You won't be happy unless you like to swiffer daily. If easy care is important to you, then choose a floor in a medium tone close to the color of whatever dirt is in your locale. You can always bring in dark elements in counters, pulls, lighting or other decorative elements that are smaller doses and easier to live with.

My subfloor is not slab so I can do either. I had originally thought of doing solid, so I could refinish them, but I have a budget of $5/SF and this Bruce solid is the only one in my budget that is 5 inches wide. Alas, reviews of their solid floors seem quite poor, although I have not read any reviews specifically of their Kennedale line, which the store salesman tells me is very high quality.

I have read that the engineered is better for wider planks. So that is one consideration. I also read that the Shaw finish is very durable and scratch resistant. I am hoping to buy a Roomba and have that sweep up every day, keeping dust to a minimum. The darker wood really sets off my white cabinetry well, somI prefer to go as dark as I can allow. Doesmany one own a Roomba and can speak to how well those work?

Can I ask if you ever went with the acadian heights? I'm considering them, but can't seem to find any reviews.