Installation can be done by a homeowner, but it does require some specialty tools and the use of power tools.
While elegant, there are downfalls to the use of hardwood. It is not waterproof, so…if you would not put it on your coffee table without a coaster, it would not be a good idea to put on your floor. That means that hardwood will not fair well around entry ways, especially in our climate. It is recommended that you develop a cleaning schedule where you are frequently getting dirt and dust off the flooring regularly to prevent scratches and dulling of the surface. You should also look at doing a more extensive cleaning regularly with a pH-neutral cleaning solution and a microfiber pad. Too much liquid can damage the floors so make sure to use sparingly. Over time the original shine of the flooring will wear down. At that point you always have the option of refinishing the flooring with a new protective topcoat or sanding and refinishing the flooring. That is an arduous task, but it does bring back the beauty of the natural wood surface.