High-rise (23rd floor) condo
Concrete floors - need floating - therefore engineered
Replacing both carpet and cheap laminate. Approx 2000 sq ft
I have a large slobbery rescue dog. Consider water bowl and nail marks.
I have medium weight furniture.
I am hoping to sell in one year.
I am using a professional to install, but they are used to 3/4 hardwood
I do not want oak

Question-
Should I go with exotics and the related high hardness scale?
I want pre-finished, but is there something I should look for in
trying to prevent scratches?
Underlayment for noise- Cork or other?
Is there a discernible difference between 3/8 and 5/16 flooring?
I am reading that an unnamed discount flooring company is using
un-familiar brands and that I should go with a name brand. On
blogs I am seeing negative comments on both. Who do I believe?
Do you think that consumer reports evaluations are worthwhile?
I appreciate any unbiased info.

thank you thank you

I cannot see floating anything less than a 1/2" engineered, unless it's a laminate. And speaking of laminates, since you will only be there a short time, that would be a consideration for your large, slobbery pooch. One always risks when one cuts corners, like buying an unknown brand that may not handle a claim well. My preference is ALWAYS to buy from a distributor that will assist me in any claim I may have against a product. As the knight in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" said: " Choose wisely."




If you don't and you "choose........poorly" , this is how you'll feel after.

big dogs will kill most any wood floor. Lamiantes are by far more resistant to there kind of abuse. A good looking lamiante will run as much as a middle of the road eng. product but they look way better and will perform better than the .99 cent salvage yard crap that most people associate with laminate floors. I have seen several that I had to take a second look at to tell if real wood or not. a real rustic handscraped floor might be a good choice as well theay are good about hiding wear and tear.