We are looking for something in a midtone brown with a little red and probably smaller grain. We are hoping this will be our home for decades to come and are planningn to raise a family here as well so durability is important. We live in the midwest and the flooring will be above grade. We are trying to stay below $7 a sq/ft. Any suggestions or "success stories" are greatly appreciated.

Engineered is usually an engineered wood fiberboard with a thin veneer of wood on top. The finish is typically more durable than the solid wood option as it is prefinished & factory applied, however it is still a very thin veneer. Usually you can resand & restain 1-2 times.

I don't know enough about bamboo to give any input other than it is the "in" "green" thing right now.

Remember as well that in the sales world there are usually incentives offered to the sales people to sell different lines/types of flooring and that may be what you're encountering, too. I like solid hardwood finished on site because it gives you flexibility & options for a lifetime. Typically you can get 2 1/4" to 4 1/2" wide oak hardwood installed & finished for $7.00sqft or less.

Hope this helps!

Just use solid wood and pick your finish carefully.