What Flooring Lasts the Longest?

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 about ? as much to refinish this kind of floor, vs.replacing it! Depending on wear layer you could refinish your floor every 20 years up to 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 it?s too damaged.

A waterproof floor (LVT) is probably going to last longer than a traditional laminate, although now there are waterproof laminate versions on the market. But simulated wood floors are meant to be disposable. You wear them out then 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.
This is a white oak floor being?refinished. Takes out all the dents?and scratches and makes your old?floor brand new!

This is a Unique Carpet wool style- notorious for holding up well! Still , when carpet wears out,?it is time to replace!

This is a vinyl plank floor from Republic. Waterproof and durable, but ultimately disposable.