Look for a reasonable wear layer.

What does this mean??? I need manufacturer names

We are just finishing installing Reward Mannu from their Costa collection. It is 7.5 inches wide with 5/8 height plank with a 4 mm wear layer. It is rustic grade meaning it has knots and marks, Whether it turns out to have been a good choice or not - only time will tell.

When we felt like we had no idea how to make a decision, or even what the decision points were, a friend arranged for us to visit a local hardwood distributor and have the show room manager give us an educational tour.

This was very helpful because unlike the local flooring companies, this distributor didn't sell to end customers or quote prices to them - only through their contractors - so we got a lot of unvarnished (so to speak) information. And we learned about wear layers, wood grades etc.

Anyway after that visit, we felt like we knew how to make a decision and what was important to us and we had written down about 4 different floorings we liked and we were able to discuss them with our contractor.

Hope that helps. As I said, we are just finishing installation. Whether it was a good choice or not - only a few years will tell.

Look at European Oak from Monarch Plank. Domaine II Collection - monarchplank