Laying floating or solid timber floors over old timber floors

Currently researching the idea of removing the carpet at my house and having either a Silkwood type product (prefinished hardwood layer floating floor) or a solid timber floor laid over the existing timber floors. I have looked at the state of the existing timber floors and they must be original dating back 90 years and are in a very poor state with gaps between boards, large sections cut out and replaced with chipboard. There are also small areas which need levelling.
When I enquired about laying timber floors over the existing ones, the rep said that they would need to level all areas and lay a plywood layer first BUT only if the new boards are to run parallel with the existing boards. Is this usual practice?
Also, I have read varying views as to whether a Silkwood type product can endure the same number of sandings as a solid timber floor. The hardwood top layer of Silkwood is 4mm.
How often does the floor need resanding?
Silkwood also has a 25 year surface and structural warranty but most of the things I have read about floating floors seem to suggest replacement after a few years.
I know 'you get what you pay for' but the solid timber is not that much more expensive than the Silkwood product so the latter cannot be all that bad?
Thanks.


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