while it costs more than laminate to install, has a higher resale value. With proper care it will last the life of the house. Find a installer who uses swedish finish not polyurethane and have them put on a third coat. Keep spilled water off the floor, dry it right away. If you are not sure what you want, go buy some laminate planks and some hardwood and lay them out on the floor. Get a feel for what you will be walking on, sitting on etc. Yes hardwood will dent and scratch....But it is a floor not a piano.