Shipping is expensive, but I received them very quickly. Backings are made from latex and nitrile rubber (Multi-grip), see the link for a description of two types. They stay very flat, no curling, and have a very low profile. I have them on all three of my exterior doors. The great thing about them are that they can easily be machine washed in a normal washer and drier. They are not bulky! I went through a couple of those expensive gel mats which both curled after a couple years which made them look bad.

Choosing the right flooring type isn't enough for your living condition. You will have to consider the types of cut: flat sawn, rift and quarter sawn, quarter sawn or live sawn. Quarter sawn and rift & quarter sawn will be best choices, because expansion and contraction is along the thickness of the wood. You will need climate control all year round. 70 degrees at 40 % relative humidity is where you want to be throughout the year. The use of a humidifier/dehumidifier will be needed year round. Although, engineered flooring is more stable than solid. Using the wrong wood specie in your living condition can run the risk of de-laminating with engineered wood. If, the top veneer is more or less stable than it's core and backing. You will experience de-laminating in extreme humidity swings. Take in account of what the engineered flooring is constructed of: mdf or plywood. The width of the flooring will account for how much expansion and contracting also. 2 1/4" strips are the most stable. As you go wider, expect to see more wider seasonal gaps. Proper acclimating is critical, should be performed with a moisture meter. For 2 1/4" strip flooring , sub-floor and flooring moisture should be within 4%. For all other widths 2% moisture differentiation is allowed or should not be exceeded. Don't forget proper expansion gaps, which is the thickness of your flooring, example: 3/4" thick = 3/4" gap. Sub-floor type and condition will affect the performance of wood floors. All this needs to be considered for the proper and successful performance of your wood floors.

Red oak is known for the heavy grain that you see in the pics. What the agent *might have meant (I'm guessing here...) is they are not WHITE oak. But that's just a guess.

Thanks! I confirmed with others in the building that this is Brazilian cherry. Am very relieved that we can follow the advice of others on Houzz when restraining this.