Need flooring material recommendations

[Shea Munion]

I need to replace about 2,000 sq ft of flooring with a grey hardwood look. I need your help choosing material and supplier. Hardwood and engineered hardwood are attractive for resale value and longevity. Engineered Vinyl Plank is attractive for durability, water resistance, and cost. Will EVP look "cheap"? Is EVP easier to dent/scratch than hardwood and engineered hardwood? Where do you recommend I buy flooring—big box stores or local wholesalers or online retailers? Can you give me any recommendations for specific products? Can you point out things a novice should look out for or share things you've learned that you wish you would have known when choosing and buying flooring?

[Pat L.]

I agree with @John Warren re HD product.

we have put down a LOT of the same product & had good results in many rehabbed apartments. 

The 2 floors at our Lakehouse has taken a lot fo traffic & gone through freeze & thaw without any signs of buckling, contraction, scratching or wear. I like the heavy padding it has attached as that precluded having to add any other padding/floor prep, even though we poured leveling into the big gaps in the old plywood floors.

I saw a similar more expensive product in a $70k kitchen remodel & it was impressive having gone over 12x12 tile with a 1/4inch grout line without any indentations to date. They did have a slight lamination separation at the siding door to the pool, so I assume with young kids dripping wet it took a lot of chlorinated water residue. But the installation company replaced those pieces.

This is some that was on sale for $1.59/sq ft @ HD & unlike the 'place-expletive-click' stuff it was an easy lay as they say...