Every job is different. You need to scrutinize where the flooring might cause height issues and evaluate whether it's acceptable to you. This is typically at doorways and cabinetry.

Both methods have ways of dealing with moisture so that would seem to be a distraction from the height issue.

Have you had a local contractor come out and let you know what is typically used with success?

Yeah we have met with 2 different ones. The one I think we are going with really prefers the screeds and add the traditional wood floors ( the look we like) saying it will last forever. The other was more on the engineered side. While I would prefer the look of the traditional white oak, I don't want to lose height and have to adjust our doors. I just hear stories in Houston about even with a good moisture barrier, people still have issues with glue down.

Llister319, I am in the same position - looking at white oak with screeds - here in Houston. My home, a 60s ranch, has screeds now (but no tar!), the red oak floors have problems and we need to replace.

Did you go with tar and screed with white oak - were you satisfied?

Thanks