Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Installing Wood Floors

We are having a house built. The painting is done and we want to have a hardwood floor. I would like to do it myself but do not know which kind of floor I should use. I would prefer to use a locking, floating floor, similar to laminate, but they are very expensive and do not have much of a wear layer. Should I go with a tongue & groove? If so, I really do not want to nail the floor, but rather use a glue for the base of the floor. I have not done any of this before, but am fairly handy around the house. Should I go with a professional installer or attempt this on my own?

Use 3/4 inch hardwood. The other types ae throw away floors. The real hardwood will stiffen the floor and look great for a long time, and as you noted can be repaired by sanding and refinishing. Rent an air powered nailer and a small compressor and go to town. Even finishing a new floor is not bad. It will not take a lot of sanding to smooth it off.