After extensive research and three quotes, I went with engineered hardwood over solid wood for my main floor renovation in my East York semi. Here’s my full reasoning.
The decision drivers:
Toronto’s humidity swings. Our house goes from 25% RH in February (forced air heating, very dry) to 65–70% RH in July (humid Toronto summer). Solid hardwood needs 35–55% RH year-round — you’d need a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier running perfectly to avoid seasonal gapping and cupping. Engineered handles this range much better.
Radiant heat in the back addition. The rear addition where we’re extending the hardwood has in-floor radiant. Solid hardwood over radiant is explicitly not recommended by most manufacturers and causes void of warranty. Engineered is rated for radiant.
Glue-down over concrete in part of the basement. One section of the basement is below grade — solid can’t be glued directly to concrete (no floating installation is suitable either for areas with radiant). Engineered can be glued down.
What I chose:
Lauzon Ambiance in White Oak, 5" wide plank, 6mm wear layer. Purchased from a local Toronto wood flooring supplier.
Cost:
Materials: $9.20/sq ft. Install (glue-down in basement, nail-down on main floor, floating in rear addition): $4.80/sq ft average.
Six months in: No gapping, no cupping. Very happy.
home.renovation.reviews — there are flooring threads with much more detail on specific suppliers and species.