Hardwood CAN.? There are exceptions!? If you get a naturally colored, smooth hardwood floor with enough wear layer for refinishing, then hardwood can last the longest.? Comparatively, it is only $4.50sf to refinish this kind of floor, and a minimum of $10-18sf to replace it!? Depending on wear layer you could refinish your floor every 20 years 5 times and have a 100-year floor!? However, if there is stain, any texturing/distressing, or not enough wear layer then these floors can?t be refinished and are disposable hardwood that must be replaced after damaged.
A waterproof floor (LVT) is probably going to last longer than a traditional laminate.? But simulated wood floors are meant to be disposable.? You wear them out them throw them away. There is no way to resurface or refinish them.
A better-quality carpet is going to look better longer, but carpet is also a disposable good.? You wear it out, then throw it away.
