Another update - several months ago their claims specialist Michael Fleming and one of their salesmen David Duke actually came to my home after repeated back and forth about our floors. We actually have an indoor camera for our security and dog and have them on camera stating that they will either replace the entire flooring or pay us out for its value. Then they asked to look at our vacuum. They assured us again that they would make this right, all they had to do was get the approval of higher ups. Left my home and an hour or two later sent an email with nobody just an attachment with his claim report which basically stated that our vacuum was the cause of the scratches. It's not even the vacuum that we have been using all the time and the only one that may cause scscratches. We have other vacuums that have also caused scratches. It also doesn't explain the lifting of the top of the floors as well as the cracks that are happening in some panels. I will repeat, I have them on video saying they will make this right. They lied to our faces, in our home, and it was all a ruse to just get whatever they could use to substantiate the claim that they wanted to be able to refute the warranty. David Duke looked uncomfortable the entire time he was in our home. Fleming was the snake oil salesman. Said whatever he had to to get his job done. In hindsight, now I know why Duke was not comfortable. Why bother having a warranty? They've basically said that we should seek out third party testing which we are actually going to do. If anyone else wants to get in on this with their flooring let's do it and let's put an end to this once and forever.

Chamois from Mapei and I'm not sure on the grout line size, I asked for as thin as possible. We have kids and have no issues so far. Our dog is an outside dog but he has come inside a few times and no claw marks or anything.

What are you asking? I do not like hickory it is IMO too busy but that is also decided on many things so I need more info and you need to understand seeing this in someone elses space will not be helpful

I'm considering National Flooring Products Bavarian Mill 508 engineered white oak in my kitchen, but can't find any good whole floor photos online. Wondering how knotty/variable the coloring is?