I agree with Sophie. The electric mats are limiting. The ADVERTISING says "anything" can go over top....but that is useless information. The floor MANUFACTURER "allows" or "disallows" electric heat. And most floors on the market do not like electric. Ceramic, porcelain, stone or concrete are the one's that work best with electric. If you want wood floors, then hydronic heat is best. If you want comfortable and warm, cork is always an option...no need for "extra" heating underneath because cork is warm all by itself. Just a thought.

Best is a relative term. I’ve been researching flooring for a few months as we are rebuilding. We have to have engineered for a variety of reasons. I like to establish the quality infrastructure reference first, then tailor my aesthetics after that. For engineered floors, I first look for 3/4’’ that includes 1/4” veneer. I’ve found a Vendor via this forum that I’m willing to chance five figures on. I hope you find similar success.

@missi smith @jazz lover I was going to go with the Laguna by Hallmark (Alta Vista line), but according to Hallmark's maintenance manual the floor is supposed to be oiled 4X a year. I unfortunately don't have time for that kind of maintenance. Oil finishes are far less durable than polyurethane finishes. I've read that the Alta Vista marks easily if something is dropped on it an not wiped up quickly. Have you read anything about this? I'm wondering if I'm being overly cautious?

@live_wire_oak I'm removing our existing solid hardwood and replacing it with engineered that has the same 3/4" thickness (ideally). I was hoping to avoid adding a subfloor to raise the height of a thinner engineered hardwood - I'd rather put that additional labor+material cost into a better, thicker engineered wood. They are definitely harder to find. I could only find 1/2" thickness at Cali Hardwood.