Laminate floors use an image to mimic the texture of real hardwoods. They're a popular choice for homeowners with pets because they're easy to clean and more resistant to scratches.(Getty Images ...

While hardwood flooring and laminate flooring may look alike, nearly every other aspect is different—cost, maintenance, lifespan, installation and resale value for each varies. Hardwood flooring ...

The preferred choice of designers, solid hardwood flooring can’t be beat for looks, but costs can range from $8 to $25 per square foot, with most homeowners paying on average around $16 per ...

Check out the best flooring from CR’s tests, including top-rated options in solid wood, engineered wood, laminate, porcelain tile, and vinyl.

Most hardwood floors today have a finishing coat of clear polyurethane. “Polyurethane essentially sits on top of the wood,” protecting it from moisture, wear and staining, Mr. Hammel said.

In fact, according to Bona, a worldwide industry leader in hardwood floor care, microfiber mops use about 20 times less liquid, making them the best mops for the job.