It's a great product. We do a lot of it, but the engineered version, as it's the only thing you can put over slab foundations.

Thank you! It's so good to hear a real world review. I couldn't find much on it via google.

I had been favoring true hardwood on this remodel after my engineered wood in my last house. It did hold up well, I'll give it that (just looked plastic-y), and probably much better in the kitchen which is where I'll have this hardwood (extending into main living area as well). I have plywood subfloor, so that won't factor in.

My main concerns are water damage. My previous home had a tiled mudroom we used for the main entry, and this home doesn't. I planned on a big entryway rug. But the kitchen has me concerned as well. I DID have real red oak hardwood in my first kitchen and had zero issue with water, I didn't even use kitchen rugs really. However, I now have 3 messy children and house guests more often so I'm a little leary...The thing is, both my husband and I have just fallen in love. And that's impressive to find something that neither of us has to compromise on. :)

It looks lovely on the website. In general, hickory is a very hard wood (on the janka scale). It's harder than maple or oak so that's a plus. I fell in love with hickory too while looking but had to go with a cheaper option.

jfcwood - when you say "top veneer layer" are you referring to solid hardwood? It looks like hickory solid stuff from Bella has " 8-Coats Valspar Ultra-Transparent Aluminum Oxide" Is the aluminum oxide the same as the top veneer layer your referring to? I'm just curious if the top layers of aluminum oxide come from China... Thank you.

Oops. You're 100% right. I was referring to the engineered products. I've never done any of their solid stuff but I'd expect to be finished as nicely as the products I've sold.
I'm not sure of the material supply line regarding where their finishes are made.

Thanks guys. That is good to know MrsShayne, I'm expecting my floor to take a lot of abuse (kids, dogs, visitors). Yes the product I have is solid (thick!) wood. I had my heart set on hardwood (I've had real and engineered before). But now I'm feeling a little chicken because I will be so sad if we get these floors and any kind of water does a number on them, the engineered really held up well in the kitchen. I think we did look at the BellaCera engineered as well and just didn't find a color/texture we liked as much as the Diamante.

I have hickory floors, but I went with an engineered wood by Hallmark floors. We got a handscraped, distressed look. I have three active boys and my floors are also in my kitchen. We've had it a year and the floors look great. I really like the character in the hickory and it seems to take abuse. We live in a harsh climate and I haven't seen any damage at the entries or after one of the boys drops something heavy (and that happens, a lot).

We talked to a lot of flooring professionals...I think we went to every floor dealer in a 30 mile radius....when debating whether to go with engineered or solid. One of the more reputable dealers said they no longer did solid hickory in wider planks because of a lack of stability. She said hickory was especially prone to this. I am not sure what she meant by lack of stability (cupping, maybe?), but it might be something to ask about.

Thanks so much handmethsthammer. I will look into that. If I could find this tone in the engineered, I think I would prefer that route, less to worry about.

Does anyone else know about lack of stability?

I have this one and I love it
http://www.bellacerafloors.com/hardwood-flooring/AmalfiCoast/Walnut/SanPietro-flooring.aspx

I used engineered because it's gluedown over slab. My installer had used Bella Cera before and said it was good quality and was pleased with the quality in this style, it went in really nicely.

I would have preferred to get something made in the good ole' USA but I just couldn't make it work financially and even though this is manufactured in China, they seemed reputable and good quality.

We've made a few dents by dropping things in the last two years but no one but us would every know they are there.

We have BellaCera prefinished solid american cherry in our home now. No problems, except for the cherry being naturally a little softer than some other woods. But the dents and dings don't show so much since it's not stained.

Lucas_tx_gw, I am in love! I wish I had another chance to redo my floors as I just love what you have.