Is the hardwood from HD or Lowe's any good? is there any brand that you would recommend? I'm looking for Oak solid hardwood.

Home Depot stopped carrying unfinished solid wood flooring and I think Lowe's did too. They still carry prefinished hardwood in about three different colors. I have helped homeowners install it and it actually is pretty good flooring. It has an aluminum oxide finish. The in stock flooring has micro beveled edges so if you don't like grooves in your floor you might want to consider getting flooring somewhere else.

If you buy wood from the box stores always buy more than you need because you can always return unopened boxes. If you run short you take a chance that the dye lot won't match perfectly.

I'd definetely stay away from their branded stuff. They do sell Bruce and some other well know brand names which is better. Try and stick with the US manufacturers.

Also there are new zero voc finishes on the market if your wanting something that can facilitate easy scratch repair like hard wax oils, unfinished or prefinished with products like Rubio Monocoat; http://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com/

One I like the most is W-D Flooring products. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wdflooring ... 215608564/

Thank you guys for your response