The answer to that question all depends on the type of hardwood floors you have. According to Pete Visalli, owner of Visalli Floors, a Diamond Certified company, recent developments in wood technology and wood flooring installations have led to widespread use of "engineered" or "laminated" flooring. This type of flooring has a very thin layer of hardwood laminated onto a plywood base. It is easier to install and because no sanding or finishing is required, you pay less for it.
What homeowners considering their options should know is that these newer products will never last as long as real hardwood floors. Many find out years later that their "engineered" flooring cannot be refinished. You can easily sand through the thin layer of hardwood down to the plywood, ruining the entire floor. If you plan to stay put for at least 15 years, real hardwood floors will pay off in the long run.