What to start with? How to run them under table hidden? or on top of the table with light poles?

In your opinion. What is the best track to use. Ive seen stuff that is sliver, bass, ez track, just about everything. Whats the easiest to build with.

Ok,  need some help i have a big christmas project. I want to build a thomas Ho track layout for my son, I really dont know much about trains at all other then my father inlaw has trains and know some about them. I want to have the stalls for all the trains to be in. and i was told all the trains have to be decoded so i can run them all on turn outs and turn tables out and of the stalls? Another thing is can anybody help with a list of stuff i need to do this right.trains, track, control, etc. would be a great help. My layout that im planning on bluiding in going to be about 71/2'x4'. L shaped out to about 6' on one end please tell me if that is big enough to start with or does it need to be bigger. i know im know to this but i would really be thankful for the help.  have to get this do his going to love it he has just about all the wooden track stuff he can get and wants more but what he dont know is hes about to have the real thing