Never use installers from big box stores. My story. To save some money, i had Lowes install a $ 2 SF vinyl floor. The 5th party installers laid the planks over a needed drain. Due to the location, I never looked at the area. After 4 months, water started coming through the planks. It turned out, with the drain blocked, the water went behind the baseboards, then under the vinyl planks. It took 4 months to start coming through the plank seams., I called Lowes, and my insurance company. The insurance company immediately sent over a restoration company. All the walls in the laundry room had hidden black mold, inside the walls. Walls and floor had to be ripped out. Surprise 1. This is considered concealed damage. Concealed damage, whether known or unknown is no longer covered by insurance companies. In other words, you have to spot it within a few weeks. Surprise 2. Lowes subcontracted to their national subcontractor. They then subcontracted to a local flooring company. This company then subcontracted it further. Lowes wanted no part of the issue, and told me to deal with the subcontractors. At one point, I was told the installers insurance expired and I was out of luck. It took a small claims court notice to get their attention and finally paid. I just signed a contract with a family owned very reputable local company, whose installers are employees of the company. That’s becoming very rare. I’m getting Karastan Luxury Vinyl Planks. Both the planks and installation are significantly more than big box stores. My few cents,

We put a similar floor (light gray oak) in my daughter's condo almost 3 years ago and I love it. Keeps the whole house very light and airy, easy to clean with a damp miracle cloth (including graining you referred to). I say go for it!

When I went to change out my upstairs hallway/bedrooms I originally wanted engineered wood floors, but I have a senior dog who pees where she wants and 2 very messy teenagers. So I did a lot of research and looking at different floors in different price ranges, and ultimately went with Parkay XPS waterproof luxury planks. I love the floor! She’s had many accidents, we’ve moved furniture, I’ve worn heels, etc., and no scratches or damage, water wipes right up. My budget was healthy, $5-7 a square foot, and I ended up paying about $4 a square foot with the upgraded padding/underpayment. Seriously I get so many compliments! https://www.parkayfloors.com/product/oyster-gray/

Late to answer - but here is the lifeproof cherry dusk for others who may be looking. The color is ever so slightly lighter and less grey than it appears in the picture.