Engineered wood looks the same as solid wood, is more stable, cheaper, requires less floor preperation and is warmer.
Solid wood is directly fixed to the subfloor so feels more solid under foot but as a result on a concrete floor will be colder than Engineered.
The wear, durability, appearance retention will be identical on an Engineered product of the same specification.
It's essential to understand what the top surfaces are on the product as this will have more effect on the performance of the floor rather than wether the construcion is engineered or a solid.
If the floor is Laquered, the top surface will be fully protected by a polyurethane coating that protects the wood surface from spills, dirt, grime and some scratches, to clean the floor it simply needs a wipe with a laminate floor cleaner spray (the coatings are the same as a laminate but not cured at such a high temperature).
A UV Oiled/Brushes and Oiled finish is a oil coating that is cured with UV light, this offers some protection but is a surface that in the long term will require maintenance to keep looking top notch. To clean the floor there are specialist soap solution spray cleaners that you just wipe the floor down with,NEVER mop and wood floor.
An oiled finish is the most susceptable to marking, tide marks from spills etc, but it also looks the most 'rustic' so be prepared for regular maintenance to keep it looking top notch.
An LVT floor like Karndean or Amtico needs the same subfloor prep as a solid as it too is directly fixed to the subfloor, on a concrete floor it will be significantly colder than wood. It is also not cushioned so it's very hard underfoot. It's great for spills etc as it can be washed but will be susceptable to scratching, it will also need regular maintenance with recommended cleaning and re-coat agents to keep it looking good.
I'm suprised that this advice has'nt been offered by any retailers that you have visited? A reputable retailer will make damn sure the customer is well aware of all of these differences between these types of product as this is a big sale and they won't want a consumer purchasing an installation that may not meet their expectationss, it's BIG money if the consumer is miss-sold this type of product as there's little alternative but to replace the whole lot in an event of a problem.
Suprisingly, you may well find that a good quality laminate like Parador or Quickstep meets the needs of a busy household more than those you are currently looking at, as it will be harder wearing, and easier to clean and maintain, the printing processes on these products nowadays make it well worth considering before making a final choice.
