All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more.
Marble, slate, and granite are also expected to last for about 100 years, but can last less due to a lack of maintenance.
Vinyl floors last up to 50 years, linoleum about 25 years, and carpet between 8 and 10 years (with appropriate maintenance and normal traffic).
Last updated October 16 2008: 4:37 PM ET