In brief: three-layer parquet is a modern, stable choice that combines the beauty of wood with more dimensional stability than solid. Multi-ply engineered parquet, however, outperforms it on durability, stability and installation options.

Choosing between a wood floor and carpet is not only a question of looks. Carpet is soft, muffles footsteps and usually costs less up front — but it holds dust, wears in the traffic lanes and cannot be renewed. Oak can be sanded and refinished, and lasts for decades.