What is best for an apartment. Solid oak or engineered oak parquet?

Isn't there a considerable price difference? I think most people would agree that a solid hardwood floor is better than parquet in looks, wear and prestige. And you pay for that, so in my mind the question is not which is better, but how much do you want to pay for the upgrade. If it's not for personal use, you need to consider the market as well - I was astonished, coming from Minnesota, to find unbelievably expensive apartments in New York City being sold/rented with parquet floors. In Minnesota that would be like having a composite countertop: just unacceptable.

"If maintained properly, it is a very durable, long-lasting floor. This is why parquet is a very common choice in apartment buildings and in ballrooms, not because it is cheap per square foot." See more: http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/_product_reviews/articles/how_to_install_parquet_flooring.shtml

The only way to install solid hardwood over a concrete subfloor is to first install sleepers then a layer of plywood.  Due to the moisture content in concrete (which needs to be tested first) solid hardwood is never recommend to be applied over concrete and can void the manufature warranty. Furthermore solid hardwood is typically always nailed down, you can't nail into concrete. For an apartment building where sound travels heavily I'd recommend cork flooring. Cork is warmer, softer, very durable, microbicrobial and most importantly will absorb sound. If you are looking for the wood look, cork comes in a number of plank designs that give the look of hardwood. Cork flooring can be installed both a floating floor and full spread adhesive. Depending on the manufacturer and the room it is being installed, it can be installed directly over concrete. Price ranges from $6-$11 per square foot on average.

Solid wood can be sanded many times over, but it's prone to cracking and pests. Engineered wood is recommended for use with undefloor heating, it's tougher because of the layers, and the top layer comes in many thicknesses for the sanding purposes. But can't be sanded as many times as a hardwood.

Personally, I prefer solid hardwood over any sort of engineered hardwood, when that is possible.  I'm not a big fan of parquet flooring as it makes space look smaller and it's a very dated look. You may find this article handy - http://theflooringgirl.com/hardwood-flooring/solid-vs-engineered-hardwood-better.html  It discusses the pros and cons of each.  There is no one size fits all.

Is your apartment above someone? If so, you may need to confirm you are allowed to install a hard surface floor. Hard surface flooring causes a great deal of noise transfer that will affect your neighbors. You mention you are on concrete, but is this a lightweight concrete over wood? Aside from noise issues hardwood is very nice and a plank style flooring will hold up much better than parquet. Things to consider before deciding on wood flooring are the following: Do you have pets? Dogs will scratch the floor very easily. Same with high heels and dirt and gravel. Do you have children? They will destroy the look of new flooring. Lastly, engineered floors cannot be re-sanded and regardless of what the manufacturers state the floor surfaces do wear. Additionally if you ever have a plumbing leak the floors will be ruined and unrepairable. I would recommend looking at tile. If you want the look of wood there are some really great plank style tiles that look like wood. There is also a vinyl plank material that is indistinguishable from wood and holds up forever.

Reclaimed Engineered Oak Flooring is the best! Wood floors are a classic addition to any home. Reclaimed wood has been taken from long-standing idle buildings and refinished for new purposes. Reclaimed hardwood flooring have also been made beautiful by age.  Exposure to the elements make the grains and patterns on the wood even  richer and harder to artificially replicate.  If you are looking to get Reclaimed Engineered Oak Flooring then go to The Reclaimed Flooring Co http://www.reclaimedflooringco.com/ranges/natural-oak/ ... They create exceptional works of real, natural wood floors with an innovative range of hand-made platforms. Made in Oak, Pine, Strip, Panels & Parquet, etc. Get a best makeover of your floor.