We have decided we want to install 3/4" Tigerwood on about 1000 sq ft in a new home we are building. We have two big dogs that will cause havoc to the floors... We do plan on living on the home for many years.

I have a few questions:

1. We are unsure if we should get prefinished or unfinished hardwood? I have heard that prefinished will hold up better?

2. We have found some websites that will sell for around $4-5 a sq ft. Does this cost seem reasonable, or should we be weary of this cost?

3. Does anybody know of any good installers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC area?

Thanks for any advice!

Check woodfloors.org. It is the site for the national wood flooring association. you can find reputable installers on there. Most people prefer the site finished.