thanks Floorguy & Ray for the input...
I decided to go away from the bamboo and to an engineered hardwood b/c I only needed to gain a 1/4" from the 3/4" subfloor + 5/8" solid hardwood and I could get that with an EH. The thickness of the subfloor could not change as most flooring manufacturers won't honor warranties if the subfloor is less than 3/4" thick.
I also really wanted to stay away from the glue down method as much as possible b/c I believe putting down a proper subfloor will give a much nicer end product; afterall, your floor is only as good as the subfloor, right? And, after reading through some other threads on here, I learned that much of the bamboo on the market, especially the types available through big box stores, are not as eco-conscious as I previously thought. Though, I still really like the look of the bamboo grain.
Anyhow, now all I need to figure out is how to properly remove my baseboards without destroying my walls or the baseboards, as I'm hoping to reuse the current baseboards instead of having to buy new. I've been told there is a special tool to use for removing them???
Thankfully my dad, a veteran DIYer and someone who has restored historic homes ever since I can remember, will be coming into town to help me out
But, I won't be surprised if I have a few more questions for you before this is all done.
Thanks again,
Sara a.k.a. Amateur DIYer