OK...let's start with some basics. The 'gold standard' for wood flooring (engineered or solid) is 3/4" thick. The gold standard for engineered hardwood 'wear layer' is 6mm (1/4") thick.

Now let's look at what you are looking at. The 3/8" thick engineered hardwood is pretty thin. Regardless of the make, the thickness is a concern for me. Thickness (or lack thereof in this case) indicates the manufacturer's willingness to SPEND money on MATERIALS. The thinner the plank the less money invested in 'wood'.

The wear layer can't be very thick because the plank isn't very thick. To achieve a full sand and refinish (just once) you need 3mm (1/8") of wear layer. A plank that is 3/8" means you probably can't get 3mm of wear layer on a plank that thin. It would make up 1/3 of the plank...

What's the price range you are looking at?

thanks SJ. I am looking for 2000 sft plus area. In my budget 3/8 looked something workable. 1/2 inch is way too costly if I am looking at engineered wood. I am preferring this over LVP or other tile options which may cost slightly less.

OK Sam, now we look at LIFE TIME COST of a floor like the one you are looking at. I would give this floor 15 years at most (which is HIGHLY dependent on the finish and on the construction and on your HOUSE HOLD indoor living conditions).

To get to 15 years (without issues) YOU and YOUR HOUSE must provide PERFECT living conditions. Yep. To keep the cheap floors from deteriorating inside of 10 years, you are personally responsible for the indoor climate stability.

If you cannot afford the better hardwoods then you probably need to look at HIGH END laminates. A high-end European Laminate will offer 25+ years of service without a hiccough! For the same price you will get a BETTER floor.

If you want to play in the 'basement' with wood flooring be prepared to loose the investment much sooner than you would with a HIGH END product in a different category.

It's your money. It is your call. We in the flooring industry know how bad these 'bad' products can be. We can type the warnings until we blister our fingers...but, as Smokey the Bear says, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires" (aka. junk wood from being burnt for warmth).

It's your call. You have been warned.

@SJ McCarthy would appreciate your insights on which engineered wood floors to proceed with in the state of TX. Builder offering is limited - most are 1.2mm - 2mm thick. We don't have children or pets.