I think most people here would be aware of the value of experiences over material things. I do believe we experience our homes, though, much the same as other experiences. It is not just a material acquisition or mere surroundings. It is a known fact how much impact our physical environments have on us, although people might not be aware of just how much they do and sensitivities to environment might vary. I certainly know from personal experience how much of an effect environment has. So I don't think home improvements in general are a superficial choice at all. It's more of a long-term benefit, gain or reward over a short term one. That is not to say someone needs an expensive, fancy kitchen or home to be happy, productive and healthy. That can actually be pretty stressful for some. But neither do we need the luxury of traveling, or even venturing from our homes, to have great experiences and nurturing memories. That concept, too, could be viewed as superficial and materialistic. Being that a vacation is a change in environment, if it's that necessary, maybe getting creative on the homefront is a better idea.

Thank you so much for responding. Yes, I am in Northern California (Bay Area, south of SF). I'd love to stay under $8-9 sq/ft (everything costs more here), but if I found a quality floor that works with my paint, I'd be willing to go higher. I've been pretty picky because almost all of the samples I've tried appear pink or yellow as the light changes. Do you have any non-private label brands you could recommend? Thank you in advance!

I have the Reward Flooring Costa Collection Rustic Grade European Oak Vela. We like it so far we have had it s year. My only complaint is a couple boards were a little more rustic imperfections than I like. (Pictures attached) The floor was installed in a new house by the builder thus the installer placed the boards with lines in it in front of my refrigerator and the one with the dark spot near my island. I had a independent hardwood guy out and he said the floor is a very good floor he installs it a lot but had his company installed it he would have placed boards like that by the wall where they aren’t seen as much. If you can oversee the install I would say this is a good medium color wood floor.

@btydrvn I confirmed that the cement overpour will involve leveling after. I like the lighter oak look. Some oak floors have too much wire brushing for me. Less color variation would be good since the flooring will be all over in our house. Reward seems to have a few different thicknesses 4mm, 3mm, 2mm. 4mm is more pricey than I am hoping for. We won’t refinish the floor since it’s seems like it would be a huge mess, plus if you refinish I think it could remove the distressed finish on the floor. What do you suggest for the wood thickness on engineered? Is 2mm too thin?