their is engineered and solid. Engineered comes in various forms such as longstrip, plank and strip. Some are rotary peeled veneers and other are sliced. Solid is normally 3/4" and is good for nail or glue down. There isn't a pat answer to your quesiton cause it depends on your subfloor if its wood or concrete, above or below grade. You need a little more research I'm afraid.

Yes, engineered is usually made of several layers or 'plys' of wood (think plywood) and then cut up and milled with a simple tongue in groove or a locking tongue in groove edge profile. Solid is just that...a hunk of wood.

'Mylar' stairs? Maybe you mean 'Mylen'?

Ok- thanks. It will be above grade. There is a section of tile that I can't get out- the prior owner used something like what you put in malls- reddish 6" tile with a dark grout- not sanded, something that we can't get up. The rest will be over wood subfloor, as I will be taking the tile I put down out. 'I have to look at the brochure for the stairs, they are a modular stair- a 'T' type metal frame. I love them (I hate regular stairs!)- not certain of the name. If anyone knows of modular type stairs I would love to look at any! Can't wait till Spring to start the project. Just got the Hearthstone woodstove in place today- love it-it puts out alot of heat (yes, I did my 3 low fires to dry out already-Outside!

Description above are extremely accurate. I prefer engineered. The reason is more structurally stable to climate change. Also, let me say..when there is an issue with an engineered floor, the manufacturer steps up immediately we have found. There is less complaints on engineered products than from solids. I have only engineered products in my home. Installers and builders prefer solids as they are from the old school. We sell the products and know what the customers have the least problems with. And that is definitively engineered. And remember, engineered is still real hardwood. Once it is down, you will not know the difference. It can normally be refinished 3 times depending on brand. Good Luck

I went to a flooring store yesterday.
To me, engineered is a 'heftier' version of laminated- looks the same, but with a little more substantial wood- both underneath and on top.
I like the 'real' wood better- found maple tigereye that I think would go well. I don't remember any tigereye engineered....??
Oh- so much to learn!
New roof almost done- 2 new Velux skylights to go and a Velux Solartube tomorrow!!