We just purchased a home and will be replacing the existing hardwood floors which are in bad condition and have years of soaked in pet urine.

We are trying to decide if it would be better to buy hardwood floors or engineered hardwood floors. We have small children and no pets. We don't wear shoes inside the home, so we are not as concerned about having to refinish them due to wear and tear.

We are concerned about the stories about gaps, peeling and look of the engineered versus the hardwood.

Does anyone have suggestions about what type of floors would work best in the dry northern Bay Area of California weather? Are my concerns about engineered unfounded?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Feeling lost among so much wood!

Sure, if you are in a dry area stay away from bamboo, and all exotics they do not do well in dry areas almost all mfg's state this in their installation instructions. North American woods, Oak, Maple and Hickory do the best in North America. Engineered woods are more stable BUT pay close attention to keeping Humidity levels between 30% and 50% as stated in all mfg's instructions. Today's finishes with aluminum oxide are extremely durable and most warranties for finish are 25 years and up. Less than that would be entry level with few coats. Get a hygrometer and make sure RH readings do not get to less than 25% and you will be fine. Make sure your installer possesses moisture meters for concrete and wood and note the readings at the time of install. Every box has instructions read them and question anything you feel is not being followed by those instructions.