The newer engineered wood flooring are worth a hood look. Easier on the joints and very durable and stable with heat and humidity. I have had all types here in Gulf Coast Texas (hot and humid in summer). My favorite is good quality engineered wood. Because of its multi layer cross layered construction and waterproof qualities along with factory aluminum oxide top finishes, very desirable. Go to a good flooring shop and check out good products.

There are good videos describing this flooring on YouTube. Search “engineered wood flooring 101”.

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

We built in SW FL in 2021 and did engineered wood floors throughout most of the house. I did use tile in the long back hallway that goes from kitchen to garage, because that is where we contain the dogs when we are out for a few hours and I didn't want to worry about accidents or dog vomit sitting on the wood for a few hours. Dog vomit that is fresh cleans up very easily on the wood floors.

Very happy with the engineered wood floors and no issues in the 13 months we have been in the house.

I usually use solar shades for windows to keep the heat and the UV rays from fading everything and I have LVP not one issue in 15 yrs and we have 3 huge dogs that run in and out from a dog run all day.

As far as sun, most floors, other than porcelain tile, will be affected by light/sun and you will get fading. You can see the effect after a few months if you have area rugs down.

You can try to minimize some of the fading with shades/blinds that you can close during peak sun/heat times.

I have automatic motorized shades throughout my house and the ones in my west facing dining room close at 2 pm every day. I also want to protect my art, drapes and furniture, so just common sense to block some of the light/sun.