Bruce flooring

[clams casino]

We are considering replacing a carpeted family room with hardwood. Bruce has four lines that have appeal, but I can't seem to get any help explaining the differences.

1) Is there a good reason to choose a 3/8 inch engineered wood vs. a finished 3/4 in style where a 3/4 will fit without problems? I can see where a 3/8 might be preferable over a vinyl floor where height may be a factor, but we will be removing a full thickness carpet.

2) Any idea why the Bruce Springdale plank line is $1/ft2 more than their Turlington plank line (both 3/8) when they appear to be similar on store samples (same colors, widths, thickness, finish, etc)?

3) Any idea why their Dover View Plank is 50 cents/ft more than their Valley View line (both 3/4) - again with what appears to be similar properties, except the Dover may have a bit more edge bevel.

4) I've read that unfinished (carpeted) stairs can be refinished with prefinished wood. Any idea on cost / experience.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Then go elsewhere. There are many types of hardwood flooring by many other companies. More important, there are plenty of good reliable flooring dealers that are happy to answer your questions, even come to your house if need be.

Yes, stairs can be done. Most have a bullnose for the stair tread edge that fits and you use the planks behind it. Easies on stairs with both sides enclosed.

[Art]

Check out consumer Reports at the library for comparisons of different wood products.

I would never buy engineered wood. It has disadvantages of solid wood and disadvantages of engineered products with no advantages of either.

Go for solid wood or if you will be upset by fading and easy dents, go for laminate but the latter cannot be refinished.

[charlie]

except it can be installed below grade or damp places that solid wood can't go.